Starrett 56503 A2 Tool Steel Flat Stock 7/8x1x18 in

Product Description

The STARRETT 56503 is an A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock bar precision-ground to tight dimensional tolerances for toolroom and die-making applications. Manufactured from AISI A2 tool steel, it measures 7/8 inch thick by 1 inch wide by 18 inches long and ships at approximately 4.8 pounds. Thickness and squareness tolerances are held to plus or minus 0.001 inch, while width tolerance runs plus 0.000 to 0.005 inch and length tolerance is plus 0.250 inch. This level of accuracy makes the stock ready for layout, machining, or heat treatment with minimal pre-work.

A2 flat stock in this size is a common starting material for punches, dies, jigs, gauges, and general tooling components in machine shops, maintenance tool rooms, and precision fabrication environments. The air-hardening characteristic of A2 means it reaches full hardness with less distortion than oil-hardening grades, which is a practical advantage when dimensional stability after heat treatment matters. Machinists, tool and die makers, and skilled tradespeople working on tooling or fixture builds are the primary users of this material.

Key Features

• AISI A2 air-hardening tool steel for reduced distortion during heat treatment
• Thickness tolerance of plus or minus 0.001 inch for precision fit-up
• Width tolerance of plus 0.000 to 0.005 inch
• Squareness tolerance of plus or minus 0.001 inch
• Length tolerance of plus 0.250 inch allows for finish-cut to final dimension
• Ready-to-machine flat stock format minimizes raw material prep time

Compatibility

Designed as a standard A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock blank suitable for toolroom, die-making, and precision machining applications requiring AISI A2 material specification.

Installation Notes

Cutting, grinding, and heat treatment of tool steel should be performed by qualified machinists or tool and die makers following established shop safety procedures. Secure the workpiece with appropriate fixturing before machining. Heat treatment of A2 steel should follow the material manufacturer's recommended austenitizing and air-quench procedures. Allow the stock to reach ambient temperature before taking final measurements to ensure dimensional accuracy.