Starrett 54757 A2 Tool Steel Flat Stock 0.5x8x18 in

Product Description

The STARRETT 54757 is an A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock bar used in toolmaking, die making, and precision machining applications. Measuring 0.5 inches thick, 8 inches wide, and 18 inches long, this flat stock is manufactured to tight dimensional tolerances: plus or minus 0.001 inches on thickness, plus or minus 0.001 inches on squareness, plus 0.000 to 0.005 inches on width, and plus 0.250 inches on length. A2 tool steel offers excellent wear resistance and dimensional stability during air-hardening heat treatment, making it a reliable choice for dies, punches, gauges, and forming tools.

This flat stock is suited for machine shops, tool and die shops, and industrial fabrication environments. It is commonly used in the production of blanking dies, trim dies, and precision forming tools where consistent hardness and close tolerances are required. The 8-inch width and 18-inch length provide sufficient stock for medium-to-large tooling blanks. Machinists and tool and die makers typically rough-machine this material before heat treatment, then finish-grind to final dimensions after hardening.

Key Features

• A2 air-hardening tool steel for excellent wear resistance and dimensional stability after heat treatment
• Thickness tolerance of plus or minus 0.001 inches for close-tolerance tooling applications
• Width tolerance of plus 0.000 to 0.005 inches ensures consistent fit in die sets
• Squareness tolerance of plus or minus 0.001 inches supports accurate layout and machining
• Length tolerance of plus 0.250 inches provides extra material for facing and squaring operations
• Weighs 20.16 pounds per piece — suitable for substantial tooling blanks

Compatibility

Designed as a standard A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock suitable for general tool and die fabrication, punch and die sets, gauges, and precision forming applications requiring AISI A2 material specification.

Installation Notes

Machining of A2 tool steel should be performed by qualified machinists or tool and die makers using appropriate cutting tools rated for tool steel. Always rough-machine before heat treatment and finish-grind after hardening to achieve final tolerances. Follow the material manufacturer's recommended heat treatment cycle for A2 steel, including proper preheat, hardening temperature, and air-quench procedure. Handle large flat stock with appropriate lifting equipment to prevent injury given the weight of this piece.