Starrett 57541 A2 Tool Steel Flat Stock 1/8x1/2x18 in

Product Description

The STARRETT 57541 is an A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock bar sized at 0.125 inches thick, 0.5 inches wide, and 18 inches long. A2 tool steel offers excellent dimensional stability during heat treatment, making it a reliable choice for dies, punches, gauges, and precision tooling components. This flat stock is supplied in the annealed condition and is ready for machining before hardening. Thickness, width, and square tolerances are held to +0.010 to 0.015 inches, while length tolerance is +0.25 inches. Machinists, tool-and-die makers, and metalworking shops are the primary users of this material.

This flat stock is suited for fabrication of cutting tools, jigs, fixtures, and wear components in job shop and industrial toolroom environments. Its air-hardening characteristic means it reaches full hardness with minimal distortion and without the quench cracking risk associated with oil- or water-hardening grades. It is appropriate for both short-run production tooling and one-off precision components where tight dimensional control after heat treatment is required.

Key Features

• AISI A2 air-hardening tool steel for minimal distortion during hardening
• Thickness: 0.125 inches with +0.010 to 0.015 inch tolerance
• Width: 0.5 inches with +0.010 to 0.015 inch tolerance
• Length: 18 inches with +0.25 inch tolerance
• Square tolerance held to +0.010 to 0.015 inches
• Supplied in annealed condition, ready for machining

Compatibility

Designed as a standard A2 air-hardening tool steel flat bar for use in toolroom, die-making, and precision machining applications requiring AISI A2 material specification.

Installation Notes

Cutting and machining should be performed in the annealed state prior to heat treatment. Heat treatment and hardening of A2 tool steel should be carried out by a qualified heat-treat professional following the material manufacturer guidelines for austenitizing temperature and air-quench procedure. Always wear appropriate PPE when cutting, grinding, or handling tool steel bar stock. Secure the workpiece firmly in a vise or fixture before any machining operation.