Starrett 57569 A2 Tool Steel Flat Stock 5/32x6x18 Inch

Product Description

The STARRETT 57569 is an A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock bar intended for toolmakers, machinists, and die makers who require a reliable, pre-sized blank for tooling, fixtures, punches, and dies. Manufactured from AISI Type A2 tool steel, this flat stock measures 5/32 inches thick, 6 inches wide, and 18 inches long. A2 tool steel is valued for its dimensional stability during heat treatment and its balanced combination of wear resistance and toughness. This piece ships ready to cut, mill, or grind to final dimensions before hardening.

This flat stock is suited for job shops, tool rooms, and maintenance departments fabricating or repairing precision tooling components. Typical applications include blanks for die sections, forming tools, shear blades, punches, and gauging fixtures where tight dimensional tolerances are required before and after heat treatment. The 6-inch width and 18-inch length provide a practical starting blank for a wide range of medium-sized tooling applications.

Key Features

• AISI Type A2 air-hardening tool steel for minimal distortion during hardening
• Thickness tolerance of +0.010 to 0.015 inches for consistent stock removal planning
• Width tolerance of +0.010 to 0.015 inches
• Length tolerance of +0.25 inches
• Square tolerance of +0.010 to 0.015 inches for predictable setup in milling and grinding operations
• Ready-to-machine flat stock requiring no preliminary sizing for most tooling blanks

Compatibility

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

Installation Notes

Machining and heat treatment of tool steel should be performed by qualified toolmakers or machinists following established shop practices. Ensure all cutting and grinding is completed before hardening, as A2 tool steel air-hardens and dimensional changes after hardening are difficult to correct. Follow the material manufacturer's recommended heat treatment cycle for A2 steel regarding austenitizing temperature, soak time, and air-cooling procedure. Use appropriate personal protective equipment when grinding or cutting tool steel stock.