Starrett 57208 A2 Tool Steel Air-hardening Flat Stock

Product Description

The STARRETT 57208 is an A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock bar used in toolmaking, die making, punch fabrication, and precision machining applications. It measures 0.625 inches thick, 1.5 inches wide, and 18 inches long, with a weight of 4.78 pounds. Manufactured to AISI A2 material specification, this flat stock offers tightly controlled tolerances on all dimensions, making it suitable for producing close-fitting tooling components. Licensed machinists, tool and die makers, and precision fabricators work with this stock to create custom tooling, fixtures, and wear components that require predictable, uniform hardening response during heat treatment.

A2 tool steel is a cold-work, air-hardening alloy known for its dimensional stability during the hardening cycle and its resistance to wear after heat treatment. This flat stock is used in both job shop and production tooling environments. Typical applications include blanking dies, forming dies, punches, gages, and cutting tools. It is suited for shop floor use where a machinist needs a reliable, consistent starting blank that requires minimal material removal to reach finished dimensions.

Key Features

• AISI A2 air-hardening tool steel for predictable hardening and minimal distortion
• Thickness tolerance of +0.010 to 0.015 inches for consistent stock removal during machining
• Width tolerance of +0.010 to 0.015 inches
• Length tolerance of +0.25 inches
• Square tolerance of +0.010 to 0.015 inches for accurate layout and fixturing
• Ready-to-machine flat bar format reduces raw stock preparation time

Compatibility

Designed as a standard A2 air-hardening flat stock blank suitable for cold-work tooling applications where AISI A2 material specification is required.

Installation Notes

Machining and heat treatment of A2 tool steel should be performed by qualified tool and die makers or machinists familiar with cold-work tool steel processing. Always follow the material manufacturer's recommended preheat, austenitizing, and air-quench procedures for A2 steel to achieve proper hardness and minimize distortion. Use appropriate personal protective equipment when cutting, grinding, or heat treating this material. Consult applicable shop safety codes and OSHA standards when operating heat treat equipment.