Starrett 57199 A2 Tool Steel Air-hardening Flat Stock

Product Description

The STARRETT 57199 is an A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock bar used in toolmaking, die work, and precision machining applications. Measuring 0.5 inches thick, 2.5 inches wide, and 18 inches long, this flat stock ships in an annealed condition ready for machining before hardening. A2 tool steel offers good dimensional stability during heat treatment and moderate wear resistance, making it a common choice for punches, dies, gauges, and cutting tools. The material meets AISI A2 specification. Thickness, width, and squareness tolerances run from +0.010 to +0.015 inches, with a length tolerance of +0.25 inches. Machinists, tool-and-die makers, and fabrication shops are the primary installers and users of this stock.

This flat stock is suited for job shops, tool rooms, and in-house maintenance facilities that machine their own tooling. Typical applications include blanking dies, forming punches, fixtures, and wear plates where air-hardening steel is preferred over oil-hardening grades for reduced distortion during the hardening cycle. The 18-inch length provides a practical blank size for most single-tool applications without excessive material waste. No specific compatible equipment models are referenced in the product data.

Key Features

• AISI A2 air-hardening tool steel for reduced distortion during heat treatment
• Thickness: 0.5 inches with +0.010 to +0.015 inches tolerance
• Width: 2.5 inches with +0.010 to +0.015 inches tolerance
• Length: 18 inches with +0.25 inches tolerance
• Squareness tolerance: +0.010 to +0.015 inches
• Supplied in annealed condition, ready for machining prior to hardening

Compatibility

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

Installation Notes

Machining and heat treatment of A2 tool steel should be performed by qualified machinists or tool-and-die professionals familiar with air-hardening steels. Wear appropriate PPE when cutting, grinding, or machining. Follow the steel manufacturer's published heat treatment guidelines for proper hardening and tempering cycles. Cutting operations should use tooling rated for tool steel to avoid workpiece or cutter damage.