Starrett 57195 A2 Tool Steel Flat Stock 0.5x0.5x18 in

Product Description

The STARRETT 57195 is an A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock bar supplied in a ground, precision-tolerance profile. Measuring 0.5 inches thick by 0.5 inches wide by 18 inches long and weighing 1.27 pounds, this flat stock is manufactured to AISI A2 specifications. A2 tool steel is known for its dimensional stability during heat treatment and its balance of toughness and wear resistance, making it a dependable choice for toolmakers, machinists, and die makers who need consistent stock for fabricating punches, dies, jigs, fixtures, and cutting tools. 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 tool and die shops, machine shops, and maintenance departments where A2 air-hardening steel is the specified grade. A2 is commonly chosen over O1 oil-hardening grades when reduced distortion during hardening is a priority. Typical applications include blanking dies, forming dies, trim dies, gauges, and shear blades. The 18-inch length provides a practical starting point for most tooling blanks without excessive material waste.

Key Features

• AISI A2 air-hardening tool steel for low distortion during heat treat cycles
• Precision ground flat stock: 0.5 inches thick by 0.5 inches wide by 18 inches long
• Thickness, width, and squareness tolerances of +0.010 to 0.015 inches for close-tolerance tooling work
• Length tolerance of +0.25 inches allows for facing and squaring on the mill or surface grinder
• 1.27 pounds per bar — convenient single-piece quantity for prototyping or small-run tooling

Compatibility

Designed as a standard AISI A2 air-hardening tool steel flat bar suitable for use in tool and die fabrication, jig and fixture building, and general precision machining applications where A2 grade material is specified.

Installation Notes

Cutting, grinding, and machining of tool steel flat stock should be performed by qualified machinists or toolmakers using appropriate speeds, feeds, and coolant to prevent surface work-hardening or thermal damage. Heat treatment, including hardening and tempering of A2 steel, should follow the material manufacturer's recommended thermal cycle and must be performed in a controlled atmosphere or with appropriate anti-scale coating to protect ground surfaces. Always use proper personal protective equipment when cutting or grinding tool steel. Consult applicable shop safety standards and material safety data for this alloy before processing.