Which part of the 2017-T36 aluminum alloy designation indicates the primary alloying agent?

In the designation of aluminum alloys, particularly for the 2017-T36 alloy, the number that indicates the primary alloying agent is indeed the specific numerical component of the alloy designation. For aluminum alloys, the first digit of the four-digit series designates the primary alloying element. In the case of 2017-T36, the prefix '2' denotes that copper is the primary alloying agent, as '2' series alloys are primarily alloyed with copper.

The following letters and numbers in the designation provide additional information about the treatment and form of the alloy, but do not indicate the primary alloying agent. The letter 'T' signifies a specific heat treatment, while the numbers following it, like '36', provide details on the specific temper applied. Understanding this structure helps to clarify the composition and processing of the aluminum alloy, which is crucial for applications requiring specific mechanical characteristics and performance.