Starrett 57176 A2 Tool Steel Flat Stock 0.25x5x18 in

Product Description

The STARRETT 57176 is an A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock bar used in tool and die work, fixture building, and precision machining applications. Measuring 0.25 inches thick, 5 inches wide, and 18 inches long, this flat stock ships in an annealed condition ready for machining and subsequent heat treatment. A2 tool steel offers good dimensional stability during air hardening and resists distortion better than oil-hardening grades, making it a reliable choice for punches, dies, gauges, and similar toolroom components. Thickness, width, and squareness tolerances hold to plus 0.010 to 0.015 inches, with a length tolerance of plus 0.25 inches.

This flat stock is suited for job shops, tool rooms, and maintenance departments that fabricate or repair cutting tools, stamping dies, form tools, and precision fixtures. The 5-inch width and 18-inch length provide enough material for most single-component die or punch blanks without requiring additional saw cutting in many applications. Machinists and toolmakers working with close-tolerance components will find the consistent surface condition and tight dimensional tolerances reduce setup and prep time before hardening.

Key Features

• AISI A2 air-hardening tool steel — superior dimensional stability during heat treatment compared to oil-hardening grades
• Thickness: 0.25 inches with plus 0.010 to 0.015 inches tolerance
• Width: 5 inches with plus 0.010 to 0.015 inches tolerance
• Length: 18 inches with plus 0.25 inches tolerance
• Squareness tolerance held to plus 0.010 to 0.015 inches
• Ships as single flat stock bar — package quantity of 1

Compatibility

Designed as a standard A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock for general toolroom use including punches, dies, gauges, form tools, and precision fixtures where air-hardening grades are specified.

Installation Notes

Machining and heat treatment of A2 tool steel should be performed by qualified toolmakers or machinists familiar with AISI tool steel specifications. Follow established heat-treat procedures for A2 material, including proper preheat, austenitizing temperature, and air-quench cooling — do not substitute oil or water quench. Grinding after hardening requires adequate coolant to prevent surface burning or micro-cracking. Always confirm final dimensions after heat treatment, as all steels experience some movement during the hardening cycle.