Starrett 56499 A2 Tool Steel Flat Stock 5/8 X 5/8 X 18 in

Product Description

The STARRETT 56499 is an A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock bar intended for toolmakers, machinists, and die makers who need a reliable, ready-to-machine blank. Measuring 0.625 inches thick by 0.625 inches wide by 18 inches long and weighing 1.99 pounds, this bar is ground to tight tolerances that reduce setup time at the bench or mill. Thickness and squareness are held to plus or minus 0.001 inches, while width tolerance is held to plus 0.000 to 0.005 inches. A2 tool steel responds predictably to air-hardening heat treatment, making it a standard choice for punches, dies, gages, and similar precision tooling components.

This flat stock is suited to job shops, tool rooms, and maintenance departments that fabricate or repair tooling in-house. The 18-inch length provides enough stock for a single long component or multiple shorter blanks cut from one piece. A2 material is commonly chosen for applications requiring moderate toughness combined with good wear resistance after hardening, such as blanking dies, forming tools, and cutting blades. Licensed machinists and toolmakers are the primary trade installing or machining this stock.

Key Features

• AISI A2 air-hardening tool steel construction provides consistent hardening response and good dimensional stability
• Thickness tolerance of plus or minus 0.001 inches reduces hand-fitting time during tooling fabrication
• Width tolerance of plus 0.000 to 0.005 inches ensures predictable fit in close-clearance applications
• Square tolerance of plus or minus 0.001 inches supports accurate layout and reference grinding
• 18-inch length with a plus 0.250-inch length tolerance provides adequate stock for facing and finishing to final length
• 1.99-pound weight suits single-bar handling without additional lifting equipment

Compatibility

Designed as an OEM-style precision ground flat stock blank for use in general tool and die fabrication where AISI A2 air-hardening tool steel is specified.

Installation Notes

Machining and heat treatment of tool steel flat stock should be performed by qualified toolmakers or machinists familiar with A2 material requirements. Secure the workpiece properly in a vise or fixture before cutting, grinding, or milling to prevent movement and maintain tolerance. Heat treatment operations, including hardening and tempering, should follow the material manufacturer guidelines and be conducted in controlled furnace environments. Allow the bar to reach ambient temperature before precision measurement to avoid thermal expansion errors.