Starrett 57491 A2 Tool Steel Flat Stock 1/16x1x18 in

Product Description

The STARRETT 57491 is an A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock bar used in toolmaking, die making, and precision machining applications. Measuring 0.0625 inches thick, 1 inch wide, and 18 inches long, this flat stock is ground and held to tight dimensional tolerances, making it suitable for fabricating punches, dies, gauges, and custom tooling components. At 0.32 pounds, it is easy to handle and cut to length on the bench. The A2 grade designation indicates an air-hardening, medium-alloy cold-work tool steel with good dimensional stability during heat treatment and solid wear resistance in service.

A2 tool steel flat stock is used in job shops, tool and die shops, and maintenance facilities where custom tooling, jigs, fixtures, or wear parts must be fabricated from raw material. This bar is supplied in the annealed condition, ready for machining, then hardening and tempering to the required hardness. It suits applications where dimensional accuracy of the finished stock is critical before any further processing begins. Typical end uses include blanking dies, trim dies, forming tools, and precision fixtures in both light manufacturing and prototype environments.

Key Features

• A2 air-hardening tool steel offers good dimensional stability during heat treatment, reducing distortion risk
• Tight thickness tolerance of plus or minus 0.001 inches supports precision layout and machining
• Width tolerance held to plus 0.000 to 0.005 inches for consistent stock sizing
• Length tolerance of plus 0.250 inches provides a small machining allowance on the finished bar
• Square tolerance of plus or minus 0.001 inches ensures flat, true stock for accurate setups
• Annealed condition allows machining before hardening and tempering to final hardness

Compatibility

Designed as a general-purpose A2 tool steel flat stock suitable for tool and die fabrication, fixture building, and precision machining applications requiring an air-hardening medium-alloy cold-work tool steel.

Installation Notes

Cutting, grinding, and machining of tool steel flat stock should be performed by qualified machinists or toolmakers using appropriate personal protective equipment. Secure the workpiece firmly before any cutting operation. Heat treatment, including hardening and tempering, should follow established metallurgical guidelines for A2 tool steel and be performed by personnel familiar with tool steel heat-treatment procedures. Always allow the material to reach ambient temperature before taking final measurements.