Starrett 57553 A2 Tool Steel Flat Stock 0.125x5x18 in

Product Description

The STARRETT 57553 is an A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock bar intended for toolmakers, machinists, and die makers who need a reliable, machinable blank that can be hardened to high hardness after machining. Cut to 0.125 inches thick, 5 inches wide, and 18 inches long, this flat stock ships in an annealed condition suitable for sawing, milling, and grinding to final shape. A2 tool steel offers a good balance of toughness, wear resistance, and dimensional stability during heat treatment, making it a widely used choice for punches, dies, gauges, and cutting tools in production and toolroom environments.

This flat stock is suited for toolroom and production shop use where a medium-alloy, air-hardening steel is specified. Typical applications include blanking dies, forming dies, trim dies, punches, and precision gauges in both job-shop and manufacturing settings. The 5-inch width and 18-inch length provide enough material to lay out multiple tool blanks from a single piece, reducing scrap. Because it is supplied in the annealed condition, it can be machined with standard high-speed steel or carbide tooling before hardening.

Key Features

• A2 air-hardening tool steel (AISI type A2) — minimal distortion during heat treat compared to oil-hardening grades
• Annealed condition allows conventional milling, turning, and grinding before hardening
• Thickness tolerance of +0.010 to +0.015 inches provides predictable stock removal planning
• Width tolerance of +0.010 to +0.015 inches and length tolerance of +0.25 inches on an 18-inch blank
• Square tolerance of +0.010 to +0.015 inches supports accurate layout and fixturing
• Single-piece minimum order quantity for toolroom and low-volume needs

Compatibility

Designed as a general-purpose A2 tool steel flat stock blank for use in toolrooms and manufacturing shops requiring AISI A2 air-hardening material in a 0.125-inch by 5-inch by 18-inch size.

Installation Notes

Machining and heat treatment of tool steel should be performed by qualified toolmakers or machinists familiar with AISI A2 procedures. Always wear appropriate PPE when cutting or grinding tool steel, as chips and grinding dust pose eye and respiratory hazards. Heat treatment — including austenitizing, air quenching, and double tempering — should follow the steel manufacturer's published guidelines; consult a heat treater if in-house equipment is not available. Grind surfaces after hardening to achieve final dimensional tolerance.