title = "Aluminum Alloys: Series, Tempers, and Workability"

content = """
Aluminum alloys are classified by the Aluminum Association's four-digit designation system, where the
first digit indicates the principal alloying element. Understanding series designations and temper codes
is essential for correct material handling, machining parameter selection, and heat treatment compliance
at Ridgecrest Metalworks.

Series Overview:

1xxx Series: Commercially pure aluminum (99.0%+ Al). Excellent corrosion resistance and electrical
conductivity. Used for sheet metal and electrical conductor applications. Not heat-treatable for strength.

2xxx Series: Copper is the primary alloying element. High strength, particularly at elevated temperatures
after age hardening, but lower corrosion resistance than other series. Primary aerospace structural
alloy (2024-T3, 2024-T351). Requires careful machining due to tendency to form built-up edge.

5xxx Series: Magnesium is the primary alloying element. Excellent weld ability, corrosion resistance,
and moderate to high strength through work hardening. Used in marine, pressure vessel, and structural
applications. 5052 and 5083 are common grades at Ridgecrest.

6xxx Series: Magnesium and silicon are combined to form Mg2Si precipitates during heat treatment.
Most versatile series: excellent extrudability, good corrosion resistance, and moderate strength.
6061-T6 is the workhorse alloy for general structural machined parts at Ridgecrest.

7xxx Series: Zinc is the primary alloying element; magnesium and copper are also present. Highest-strength
aluminum alloys. 7075-T651 is used for aerospace structural parts and tooling plates. Susceptible to
stress corrosion cracking; avoid sustained tensile stress in aggressive environments.

Temper Designations:
The letter following the alloy number indicates processing condition:
- O: Annealed (softest condition, maximum formability)
- H: Strain-hardened (work hardened, non-heat-treatable alloys)
- T: Heat-treated (solution heat-treated plus natural or artificial aging)
  - T3: Solution treated and cold worked
  - T6: Solution treated and artificially aged (peak strength for most 6xxx alloys)
  - T651: T6 plus stress relief by stretching

Workability Notes:
Aluminum machines at cutting speeds 3–5 times faster than steel with sharp, high-rake-angle tools.
Coolant selection matters: water-soluble coolants work well; pure straight oils are excellent for
fine finishing. Never use steel tools that have previously machined ferrous metals without thorough
cleaning — embedded iron particles will cause galvanic corrosion on aluminum surfaces.
"""

version = "0.0.1"
