Starrett 57496 A2 Tool Steel Flat Stock 1/16x3x18 in

Product Description

The STARRETT 57496 is an A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock blank intended for toolmakers, machinists, and die makers who require tight-tolerance material ready for layout, grinding, and hardening. Measuring 0.0625 inches thick, 3 inches wide, and 18 inches long, this flat stock is supplied in the annealed condition so it can be machined, profiled, and then air-hardened to final working hardness. The AISI A2 designation means the steel offers good dimensional stability during heat treatment and strong resistance to wear, making it a common choice for punches, dies, gauges, and cutting tools. The piece weighs approximately 0.95 pounds.

AISI A2 flat stock in this size is suited to small-shop toolrooms and production machine shops fabricating custom tooling, jig components, or fixture plates. The 3-inch width and 18-inch length provide enough material for a range of die components or multiple smaller blanks cut from a single piece. The annealed supply condition allows straightforward milling, drilling, and surface grinding before heat treatment.

Key Features

• AISI A2 air-hardening tool steel — good dimensional stability during heat treat and strong wear resistance
• Thickness tolerance of plus or minus 0.001 inches for consistent stock removal and grinding allowance
• Width tolerance of plus 0.000 to plus 0.005 inches
• Length tolerance of plus 0.250 inches
• Square tolerance of plus or minus 0.001 inches
• Supplied in annealed condition — ready for machining prior to hardening

Compatibility

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

Installation Notes

Machining and heat treatment of A2 tool steel should be performed by qualified toolmakers or machinists following established shop practices. Air-hardening operations require controlled atmosphere or vacuum furnace equipment to achieve proper hardness and minimize decarburization — follow the steel supplier heat treatment guidelines for A2. Always wear appropriate PPE when grinding or machining tool steel. Finished tooling installed in production equipment should be inspected dimensionally before placing into service.