Starrett 57172 A2 Tool Steel Air-hardening Flat Stock

Product Description

The STARRETT 57172 is an A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock bar sized at 0.25 inches thick, 2 inches wide, and 18 inches long. A2 tool steel is an air-hardening, cold-work alloy known for its dimensional stability during heat treatment and its balance of toughness and wear resistance. This flat stock is supplied in the annealed condition and is intended for fabrication into dies, punches, gauges, and cutting tools. Machinists, tool and die makers, and toolroom technicians use this material when consistent cross-section tolerances and predictable hardening response are required.

This flat stock is suited for general toolroom applications including die making, jig and fixture components, and precision blanks where tight dimensional control is needed before heat treatment. The bar is manufactured to AISI Type A2 material specification, making it appropriate for both prototype and production tooling work in machine shops and industrial maintenance environments.

Key Features

• AISI A2 air-hardening tool steel for stable, low-distortion heat treatment
• 0.25 inches thick by 2 inches wide by 18 inches long flat bar profile
• Thickness tolerance of plus 0.010 to 0.015 inches for consistent stock removal planning
• Width tolerance of plus 0.010 to 0.015 inches
• Length tolerance of plus 0.25 inches
• Square tolerance of plus 0.010 to 0.015 inches

Compatibility

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

Installation Notes

Cutting, grinding, and machining should be performed by qualified machinists or tool and die makers using appropriate coolant to avoid surface overheating before heat treatment. Follow the material supplier heat treatment guidelines for A2 tool steel, including proper soak temperatures and air-quench procedures. Eye protection, gloves, and secure workholding are required when sawing or grinding flat stock. Do not torch-cut this material without awareness of its alloy composition and the effect of uncontrolled heat on its metallurgical properties.