Starrett 56493 A2 Tool Steel Flat Stock 1/2x1x18 in

Product Description

The STARRETT 56493 is an A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock bar used in tool and die making, jig and fixture fabrication, and precision machining applications. It measures 0.5 inches thick, 1 inch wide, and 18 inches long, with a weight of 2.54 pounds. Thickness tolerance is held to plus or minus 0.001 inches, and squareness tolerance is also plus or minus 0.001 inches. These tight tolerances make this stock suitable for applications requiring dimensional accuracy before and after heat treatment. Licensed machinists, toolmakers, and die shops are the primary users of this material.

A2 tool steel is an air-hardening alloy known for its stability during heat treatment and good wear resistance. This flat stock is commonly used in the fabrication of dies, punches, forming tools, gauges, and precision fixtures in both job shop and production environments. The 18-inch length provides a practical starting size for layout and machining. The 0.5-inch by 1-inch cross section suits a wide range of blanking and forming die components as well as fixture keys and guide rails.

Key Features

• A2 air-hardening tool steel for dimensional stability during hardening
• Thickness: 0.5 inches with plus or minus 0.001-inch tolerance
• Width: 1 inch with plus 0.000 to 0.005-inch tolerance
• Length: 18 inches with plus 0.250-inch tolerance
• Squareness tolerance: plus or minus 0.001 inches
• Weight: 2.54 pounds per piece

Compatibility

Designed as a standard A2 tool steel flat stock for use in tool and die, fixture, and precision machining applications requiring an air-hardening alloy in a 0.5-inch by 1-inch by 18-inch form factor.

Installation Notes

Cutting, grinding, and machining of tool steel flat stock should be performed by qualified toolmakers or machinists using appropriate metalworking equipment. Allow material to reach ambient temperature before precise measurement or layout. Heat treatment of A2 tool steel requires a controlled atmosphere or neutral-salt furnace process — consult the material manufacturer's hardening guidelines before processing. Follow all applicable shop safety practices when handling and machining tool steel bar stock.