Starrett 57177 A2 Tool Steel Flat Stock 0.25x6x18 in

Product Description

The STARRETT 57177 is an A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock bar intended for toolmakers, die makers, and machinists who require a dimensionally stable, ground-flat blank for cutting tools, dies, punches, fixtures, and gauges. A2 tool steel offers a balanced combination of wear resistance and toughness with low distortion during air-hardening heat treatment. This piece measures 0.25 inches thick, 6 inches wide, and 18 inches long and ships at a weight of 7.41 pounds. Thickness, width, and square tolerances are held to a plus 0.010 to 0.015 inches range, and length tolerance is held to plus 0.25 inches, making it suitable for precision tool-room applications where consistent stock dimensions matter before final grinding or machining.

This flat stock is used in tool-and-die shops, machine shops, and maintenance departments that fabricate or repair press tooling, mold components, and specialty fixtures. The A2 material grade is a common choice for applications requiring moderate toughness alongside good edge-holding capability after hardening. The 6-inch width and 18-inch length provide enough area to lay out multiple tool blanks or a single large die section from a single piece, reducing saw time and material waste in typical shop workflows.

Key Features

• A2 air-hardening tool steel with low distortion during heat treatment
• Thickness: 0.25 inches with a plus 0.010 to 0.015 inches tolerance
• Width: 6 inches with a plus 0.010 to 0.015 inches tolerance
• Length: 18 inches with a plus 0.25 inches tolerance
• Square tolerance held to plus 0.010 to 0.015 inches
• Ground-flat stock format ready for tool-room layout and machining

Compatibility

Designed as a standard A2 tool steel flat stock blank suitable for use in tool-and-die, fixture, punch, and gauge fabrication applications where AISI A2 air-hardening grade material is specified.

Installation Notes

Cutting, grinding, and drilling of tool steel flat stock should be performed by a qualified machinist or toolmaker using appropriate tooling rated for hardened or semi-hardened steel. If heat treating after machining, follow the material supplier heat-treat schedule for AISI A2 and use proper protective atmosphere or anti-scale compound to avoid surface decarburization. Allow the workpiece to reach ambient temperature before final inspection of tolerances. Personal protective equipment including eye protection and appropriate guarding must be used during all machining and cutting operations.