Starrett 57572 A2 Tool Steel Flat Stock 3/16x1/2x18 in

Product Description

The STARRETT 57572 is an A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock bar intended for toolmakers, machinists, and die makers who need a ready-to-machine blank for punches, dies, gauges, and similar tooling applications. Cut to 3/16 inch thick, 1/2 inch wide, and 18 inches long, the bar ships in an annealed condition that allows machining and grinding before hardening. Thickness, width, and squareness tolerances are held to +0.010 to +0.015 inches, and length tolerance is +0.25 inches, providing consistent stock removal allowance when grinding to final dimension. The A2 grade offers good dimensional stability during air-hardening heat treatment, making it a common choice where tight tolerances are required after hardening.

A2 tool steel flat stock is used in job shops, tool and die facilities, and maintenance departments for fabricating custom punches, form dies, cutting blades, and fixture components. The 18-inch length suits single-piece blanks or short-run production cuts on a band saw or cold saw. At 0.48 pounds per piece, the bar is straightforward to handle and stage for grinding or EDM operations prior to heat treatment.

Key Features

• A2 air-hardening tool steel grade for good dimensional stability during hardening
• Thickness: 3/16 inches with +0.010 to +0.015 inches tolerance
• Width: 1/2 inches with +0.010 to +0.015 inches tolerance
• Length: 18 inches with +0.25 inches tolerance
• Squareness tolerance held to +0.010 to +0.015 inches
• Supplied in annealed condition ready for machining and grinding

Compatibility

Designed as a standard A2 tool steel flat stock blank suitable for use in tool and die, punch, gauge, and fixture fabrication applications where AISI A2 air-hardening steel is specified.

Installation Notes

Cutting and machining of tool steel flat stock should be performed by qualified machinists or toolmakers using appropriate cutting fluids and carbide or high-speed steel tooling. Heat treatment to harden A2 steel requires controlled atmosphere furnace equipment and should follow the material manufacturer's recommended temperature and quench guidelines. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment when cutting, grinding, or handling sharp-edged stock.