Starrett 57201 A2 Tool Steel Flat Stock 0.5x3.5x18 in

Product Description

The STARRETT 57201 is an A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock bar used in toolmaking, die making, and precision machining applications. Ground and cut to a nominal 0.5 inches thick, 3.5 inches wide, and 18 inches long, this flat stock ships ready for layout, machining, or heat treatment. A2 tool steel offers good wear resistance and dimensional stability through the air-hardening process, making it a reliable choice for punches, dies, gauges, and fixtures. The piece weighs approximately 8.45 pounds. 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 for job shops, tool rooms, and maintenance departments that require pre-cut A2 material in a ready-to-machine form. Typical applications include fabricating blanking dies, forming punches, wear plates, and precision fixtures where air-hardening steel is specified. The single-piece minimum order makes it practical for low-volume toolroom use or prototype work where purchasing full bar stock is not cost-effective.

Key Features

• A2 air-hardening tool steel per AISI material specification
• Nominal dimensions: 0.5 inches thick, 3.5 inches wide, 18 inches long
• Thickness, width, and squareness tolerances: +0.010 to 0.015 inches
• Length tolerance: +0.25 inches
• Ships as a single cut piece — no minimum bar quantity required
• Suitable for machining, grinding, EDM, and subsequent heat treatment

Compatibility

Designed as a standard AISI A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock for general toolroom and die-making applications where A2 material is specified.

Installation Notes

Machining and grinding of tool steel flat stock should be performed by qualified toolmakers or machinists using appropriate cutting fluids and carbide or high-speed tooling. Before heat treatment, ensure all machining operations are complete and parts are clean and free of scale. Follow the material manufacturer's recommended air-hardening cycle for A2 tool steel, including proper preheat and tempering stages, to avoid distortion or cracking. Personal protective equipment including safety glasses and cut-resistant gloves should be worn when handling and cutting flat stock.