Starrett 54973 Low Carbon Steel Flat Stock Aisi C1018

Product Description

The STARRETT 54973 is a low carbon steel flat bar cut to 24 inches in length, 3-1/2 inches wide, and 3/8 inch thick. Manufactured to AISI Type C1018 specification, this flat stock delivers consistent mechanical properties and clean machinability suited to layout, fabrication, and general metalworking tasks. Tolerances are tightly held: length is cut to a plus 0.625 inch tolerance, width to plus 0.000 to 0.005 inch, and both thickness and squareness to plus or minus 0.001 inch. Machinists, tool and die makers, fabricators, and maintenance technicians rely on C1018 flat stock for fixture components, spacers, brackets, keys, and repair stock where weldability and ease of machining are priorities.

This flat stock is well suited for use in machine shops, industrial maintenance environments, and fabrication shops handling light structural and mechanical work. The C1018 grade responds well to cold forming, drilling, tapping, and welding without requiring special preheat in most shop conditions. Its tight dimensional tolerances make it a practical choice when close-fitting parts must be produced with minimal stock removal. Sold as individual bar stock pieces, it is appropriate for low-volume fabrication runs or single-part repairs.

Key Features

• AISI Type C1018 low carbon steel for good machinability and weldability
• Tight squareness and thickness tolerance of plus or minus 0.001 inch for precision fitment
• Width tolerance held to plus 0.000 to 0.005 inch, minimizing hand-fitting time
• Length tolerance of plus 0.625 inch allows for facing or trimming to final dimension
• 3/8 inch thickness suitable for brackets, spacers, keys, and structural tabs
• Single-piece packaging with no minimum order beyond one unit

Compatibility

Designed as standard AISI C1018 cold-drawn flat bar stock for general fabrication, machining, and maintenance applications across industrial and commercial shop environments.

Installation Notes

Flat bar stock is typically cut, drilled, tapped, or welded by machinists or fabricators using conventional metalworking equipment. Secure the workpiece firmly in a vise or fixture before machining to maintain dimensional accuracy. When welding C1018 to dissimilar or higher-carbon steels, consult applicable AWS filler metal guidelines. Deburr all cut edges before handling or fitting to avoid injury and dimensional interference.