Starrett 57577 A2 Tool Steel Flat Stock 3/16x6x18 in

Product Description

The STARRETT 57577 is an A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock bar intended for toolmakers, machinists, and die makers who need a reliable blank for cutting tools, punches, dies, and gauges. The bar measures 3/16 inch thick, 6 inches wide, and 18 inches long, giving a solid working blank for a range of tooling applications. Thickness, width, and squareness tolerances hold to +0.010 to 0.015 inches, and length tolerance is +0.25 inches, consistent with standard oversize ground flat stock practice. A2 tool steel offers good dimensional stability through the air-hardening heat-treat cycle, which reduces distortion compared to oil-hardening grades.

This flat stock is suited for low- to medium-production tooling applications in job shops, tool rooms, and maintenance departments. Typical uses include blanks for form punches, trim dies, cutting blades, and fixture components where moderate toughness and good wear resistance after hardening are required. The 6-inch width makes it practical for wider die sections without welding or laminating multiple pieces. Trade professionals working in precision machining, tool and die, and industrial maintenance are the primary users of this material.

Key Features

• A2 air-hardening tool steel for reduced distortion during heat treatment
• Thickness 3/16 inches, width 6 inches, length 18 inches — ready-to-machine flat stock
• Thickness, width, and squareness tolerances of +0.010 to 0.015 inches for consistent stock removal allowance
• Length tolerance of +0.25 inches allows for face-off and squaring on the bandsaw or mill
• Good wear resistance and toughness after air-quench hardening, suitable for cutting and forming tooling
• Single-piece packaging with no minimum order beyond one bar

Compatibility

Designed as a standard oversize ground flat stock blank for use in tool and die fabrication, fixture building, and general toolroom applications requiring A2 air-hardening tool steel.

Installation Notes

Machining and heat treatment of tool steel should be performed by qualified toolmakers or machinists following established shop practices. All grinding, milling, and EDM operations should be completed before hardening. Heat treatment — including austenitizing temperature, soak time, and air-quench procedure — must follow the material manufacturer specifications for AISI A2 tool steel; no heat-treat parameters are provided here. Appropriate personal protective equipment and machine guarding are required during all cutting and grinding operations.