Starrett 57180 A2 Tool Steel Flat Stock 5/16x1-1/2x18in

Product Description

The STARRETT 57180 is an A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock bar intended for toolmakers, machinists, and die makers who need a dimensionally consistent blank for custom tooling fabrication. Cut to 5/16 inch thick, 1-1/2 inches wide, and 18 inches long, this flat stock ships in an annealed condition ready for machining, grinding, and subsequent heat treatment. A2 tool steel offers a good balance of toughness and wear resistance after hardening, making it a dependable choice for punches, dies, gauges, and general precision tool work. Thickness, width, and squareness tolerances are held to +0.010 to +0.015 inches, and length tolerance is +0.25 inch.

This flat stock is suited for job shop and production toolroom environments where A2 material is specified for medium-run punching and forming dies, jigs, fixtures, and cutting tools. It is sized for direct use in bench work or surface grinding without requiring initial stock removal to reach a workable cross-section. Licensed tool and die makers, machinists, and metalworking professionals are the primary users of this material. Single-piece ordering is supported, making it practical for prototype and low-volume tooling applications.

Key Features

• A2 air-hardening tool steel — AISI Type A2 material specification for predictable heat-treat response
• Ready-to-machine annealed flat stock at 5/16 x 1-1/2 x 18 inches nominal dimensions
• Tight dimensional tolerances: +0.010 to +0.015 inches on thickness, width, and squareness
• Length tolerance of +0.25 inch provides adequate stock for facing and squaring operations
• Weighs 2.39 pounds per bar — manageable for single-operator bench handling
• Single-piece minimum order quantity supports prototype and repair tooling needs

Compatibility

Designed as a general-purpose A2 tool steel flat stock blank compatible with standard toolroom machining, grinding, and air-hardening heat-treatment processes wherever AISI A2 material is specified.

Installation Notes

Machining and grinding of tool steel flat stock should be performed by qualified machinists or tool and die makers using appropriate cutting fluids and personal protective equipment. Heat treatment to final hardness should follow established AISI A2 austenitizing and air-quench procedures and is typically performed by a qualified heat-treat facility or experienced in-house toolroom personnel. Always inspect material dimensions against print tolerances before beginning finish machining operations. Secure the workpiece properly in a vise or fixture to prevent movement during cutting or grinding.