Starrett 57184 A2 Tool Steel Flat Stock 5/16x5x18 in

Product Description

The STARRETT 57184 is an A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock bar intended for toolmakers, die makers, and machinist shops that require a dimensionally consistent, readily heat-treatable steel blank. Manufactured from AISI Type A2 tool steel, this flat stock measures 5/16 inches thick, 5 inches wide, and 18 inches long, and ships at approximately 7.97 pounds. A2 tool steel offers a balanced combination of wear resistance and dimensional stability during air-hardening heat treatment, making it a dependable choice for punches, dies, gauges, and general tool-and-die work where oil-quench distortion is a concern.

This flat stock is suited for use in tool rooms, job shops, and maintenance departments that fabricate or repair custom tooling components. The 18-inch length provides enough material for short-run blank layouts or single-piece tool fabrication without excessive waste. The 5-inch width accommodates wider die plates and similar flat-tool applications. Tolerances are held tightly across all dimensions, which reduces pre-machining setup time before grinding or EDM work.

Key Features

• AISI Type A2 air-hardening tool steel — minimizes distortion during heat treatment compared to oil-hardening grades
• Thickness tolerance of +0.010 to +0.015 inches for consistent stock removal allowance
• Width tolerance of +0.010 to +0.015 inches across the 5-inch face
• Length tolerance of +0.25 inches on the 18-inch dimension
• Square tolerance of +0.010 to +0.015 inches for reliable squareness off the mill
• Ships as a single piece — no minimum multi-piece requirement

Compatibility

Designed as a general-purpose A2 tool steel flat stock blank suitable for fabrication of punches, dies, gauges, forming tools, and other toolroom components requiring air-hardening tool steel in flat bar form.

Installation Notes

Machining and heat treatment of tool steel should be performed by or under the supervision of a qualified toolmaker or machinist familiar with A2 steel processing requirements. Always relieve residual stress with a proper pre-heat cycle before hardening, and follow the material supplier heat-treatment recommendations for austenitizing temperature and air-cool procedures. Use appropriate personal protective equipment when cutting, grinding, or handling raw stock edges. Ensure machine guards and workholding are adequate for the workpiece size before beginning any milling or surface grinding operations.