Starrett 57174 A2 Tool Steel Flat Stock 0.25x3x18 in

Product Description

The STARRETT 57174 is an A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock bar intended for toolmakers, die makers, and machinists who require consistent, machinable stock before heat treatment. Cut to 0.25 inches thick, 3 inches wide, and 18 inches long, this flat stock conforms to AISI A2 material specification. A2 tool steel offers good dimensional stability during air hardening, moderate wear resistance, and reliable toughness after heat treat — making it a widely used choice for punches, dies, forming tools, and precision fixtures. Thickness, width, and squareness tolerances are held to +0.010 to 0.015 inches, with a length tolerance of +0.25 inches.

This flat stock is suited to job shops, tool and die operations, and maintenance machining environments where A2 is specified by print or preferred for its air-hardening characteristics. The 18-inch length allows for single-piece blanks on most punch and die applications or can be cut to length on a band saw or surface grinder setup. It is sold individually and arrives in the annealed condition, ready for rough machining before hardening and tempering to final hardness.

Key Features

• AISI A2 air-hardening tool steel — good stability and wear resistance after heat treat
• Dimensions: 0.25 inches thick x 3 inches wide x 18 inches long
• Thickness, width, and squareness tolerance: +0.010 to 0.015 inches
• Length tolerance: +0.25 inches
• Supplied in annealed condition, ready for machining prior to heat treatment
• Individual piece quantity — no multi-piece minimum required

Compatibility

Designed as a standard-format A2 tool steel flat stock blank suitable for punch and die sets, forming tools, fixture components, and similar toolroom applications where AISI A2 material is specified.

Installation Notes

Machining and heat treatment of tool steel should be performed by qualified toolmakers or heat treat shops following established procedures for A2 steel. Always use appropriate personal protective equipment when cutting or grinding tool steel stock. Secure the workpiece properly before any machining operation to prevent movement. Heat treating to final hardness must be completed before the part is placed into service.