Starrett 57203 A2 Tool Steel Flat Stock 0.5x5x18 in

Product Description

The STARRETT 57203 is an A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock bar intended for toolmakers, machinists, and die makers who require a high-precision, machinable blank that can be heat-treated in-shop. A2 tool steel offers excellent dimensional stability during air-hardening, making it a reliable choice for punches, dies, gauges, and similar toolroom applications. This bar measures 0.5 inches thick, 5 inches wide, and 18 inches long, with a shipping weight of 12.75 pounds. Thickness, width, and squareness tolerances are held to plus 0.010 to 0.015 inches, and length tolerance is held to plus 0.25 inches, reflecting the close-tolerance ground stock expected in precision tooling work.

This flat stock is suited for toolroom and manufacturing environments where a ready-to-machine A2 blank is needed for medium to large die components, forming tools, shear blades, and fixture parts. The 5-inch width and 18-inch length provide substantial stock for layout and rough machining before final heat treat and finish grinding. It is appropriate for both job shop and production toolroom use where air-hardening steel is specified by engineering or required by part print.

Key Features

• A2 air-hardening tool steel for excellent dimensional stability during heat treatment
• 0.5 inches thick by 5 inches wide by 18 inches long — substantial blank for large tooling components
• Thickness, width, and squareness tolerances: plus 0.010 to 0.015 inches
• Length tolerance: plus 0.25 inches
• AISI A2 material specification — widely recognized in die and toolroom standards
• Ships as a single piece with no minimum order beyond one unit

Compatibility

Designed as a standard AISI A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock blank suitable for toolroom fabrication of punches, dies, gauges, and similar precision components requiring air-hardening heat treatment.

Installation Notes

Cutting, grinding, and machining of tool steel flat stock should be performed by qualified machinists or toolmakers using appropriate feeds, speeds, and cutting fluids for tool steel. Heat treatment to full hardness should follow AISI A2 recommended austenitizing and air-quench procedures and is typically performed by a qualified heat treat facility or an experienced in-house toolroom. Always allow the bar to reach ambient temperature before precision layout or finish grinding. Personal protective equipment including safety glasses and gloves is required when cutting or grinding tool steel.