Starrett 56498 A2 Tool Steel Flat Stock 5/8x3/4x18 in

Product Description

The STARRETT 56498 is an A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock bar used in toolmaking, die work, punch fabrication, and precision machining applications. It measures 0.625 inches thick, 0.75 inches wide, and 18 inches long, with a weight of 2.4 pounds. A2 tool steel offers a good balance of toughness and wear resistance, making it a reliable choice for tool and die shops that need a through-hardening grade with minimal distortion during heat treatment. Thickness tolerance is held to plus or minus 0.001 inches, supporting close-tolerance work right off the shelf.

This flat stock is suited for fabricating blanks, gages, punches, dies, and similar toolroom components in both job shop and production environments. The air-hardening characteristic of A2 steel reduces warpage and cracking risk during the hardening cycle compared to oil- or water-hardening grades, making it a common specification for complex or thin cross-section tools. Machinists and tool and die makers typically source this bar in the annealed condition for rough machining before heat treatment.

Key Features

• AISI A2 air-hardening tool steel for low-distortion heat treatment
• Thickness tolerance of plus or minus 0.001 inches for close-tolerance toolroom use
• Width tolerance of plus 0.000 to plus 0.005 inches
• Length tolerance of plus 0.250 inches
• Square tolerance of plus or minus 0.001 inches
• Ready-to-machine annealed flat bar form

Compatibility

Designed as a standard toolroom flat stock replacement or blank for applications specifying AISI A2 air-hardening tool steel in 0.625 inch by 0.75 inch cross-section.

Installation Notes

Tool and die makers and machinists handle this material in the annealed state. Heat treatment to harden A2 steel should be performed by qualified personnel following established metallurgical procedures for austenitizing temperature, quench method, and tempering cycles. Always use appropriate personal protective equipment when cutting, grinding, or machining tool steel bar stock. Secure workpieces properly in the machine tool to prevent movement during cutting operations.