Introduction to Aluminum Alloys and Tempers

This book addresses the need for basic information on aluminum alloys and their tempers. The author provides the reader with an understanding of the advantages and limitations of aluminum alloy and temper combinations in terms of the relationship of their composition, process history, and microstructure to service requirements. The temper designation of an aluminum alloy provides the user with background information as to how the alloy has been produced in order to obtain specific and desired properties and characteristics. Since aluminum alloys offer an excellent combination of light weight, high-strength, great corrosion resistance, and reasonable cost, they have become one of the most commonly used metal groups today. Contents include: Introduction - The Nature of the Problem The Aluminum Association Alloy and Temper Designation Systems for Wrought and Cast Aluminum Understanding of the Alloy Designation System (both wrought and aluminum alloys) Understanding of the Temper Designation System (tempers for both wrought and cast aluminum alloys) Understanding Aluminum Fabrication Processes (ingot and billet casting, slab and strip casting, rolling, extrusion, forging, casting parts) Applications for Aluminum Alloys and Tempers (by alloy class, by market area) Catalog of Representative Photomicrographs List of Selected References Appendix: Terminology Index