Starrett 57502 A2 Tool Steel Flat Stock 3/32x1-1/2x18 in

Product Description

The STARRETT 57502 is an A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock bar intended for toolmakers, machinists, and die makers who need a precision-ground blank for punches, dies, fixtures, and general toolroom fabrication. Cut to 18 inches in length, 1-1/2 inches wide, and 3/32 inches thick, the bar ships in a ready-to-machine condition. Thickness and squareness tolerances are held to plus or minus 0.001 inches, and width tolerance is held to plus 0.000 to 0.005 inches, making this stock suitable for close-tolerance tool builds without additional surface grinding in most applications.

A2 tool steel is a general-purpose air-hardening grade widely used in toolrooms and job shops for short-run punches, blanking dies, trim dies, gauges, and fixture components. Because it air-hardens, distortion during heat treatment is reduced compared to oil-hardening grades, which makes A2 a practical choice when a machined blank needs to hold dimensional stability through the hardening cycle. This flat stock format suits applications where bar stock would require significant material removal before roughing operations begin.

Key Features

• AISI A2 air-hardening tool steel for reduced heat-treat distortion
• Thickness tolerance of plus or minus 0.001 inches for close-tolerance toolroom work
• Width tolerance of plus 0.000 to 0.005 inches
• Squareness tolerance of plus or minus 0.001 inches
• Length tolerance of plus 0.250 inches
• Flat stock profile minimizes rough-machining stock removal

Compatibility

Designed as a general-purpose tool steel flat stock blank suitable for toolroom fabrication of punches, dies, gauges, and fixture components requiring A2 air-hardening material.

Installation Notes

Machining and heat treatment of A2 tool steel should be performed by a qualified toolmaker or machinist familiar with AISI A2 specifications. Always follow established shop safety practices when cutting, grinding, or handling tool steel bar stock. Heat treatment, including hardening and tempering cycles, should conform to the material manufacturer's guidelines for A2 grade steel. Use appropriate personal protective equipment during all machining and heat-treat operations.