Starrett 57601 A2 Tool Steel Flat Stock 0.375x4.5x18 in

Product Description

The STARRETT 57601 is an A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock bar used in toolmaking, die work, and precision machining applications. Measuring 0.375 inches thick, 4.5 inches wide, and 18 inches long, this flat stock ships in its pre-hardened annealed condition, ready for machining before heat treatment. A2 tool steel offers good wear resistance, dimensional stability during air hardening, and moderate toughness, making it a reliable choice for punches, dies, gauges, and cutting tools. Thickness, width, and squareness tolerances are held to plus 0.010 to 0.015 inches, with a length tolerance of plus 0.25 inches. Weight is 8.6 pounds per piece.

A2 air-hardening flat stock is used in tool and die shops, metal fabrication facilities, and precision machining operations. It is well suited for producing blanking dies, forming dies, trim dies, and gauging components where dimensional stability through the hardening process is critical. This stock is typically machined, ground, and then heat treated in-house or by a commercial heat treater. The 18-inch length provides useful yield for multiple smaller tool components from a single piece.

Key Features

• AISI A2 air-hardening tool steel for stable dimensions during heat treatment
• Thickness: 0.375 inches with plus 0.010 to 0.015 inches tolerance
• Width: 4.5 inches with plus 0.010 to 0.015 inches tolerance
• Length: 18 inches with plus 0.25 inches tolerance
• Squareness tolerance held to plus 0.010 to 0.015 inches
• Ships in annealed condition, ready for machining prior to hardening

Compatibility

Designed as a standard A2 tool steel flat stock for use in tool and die fabrication, punches, dies, gauges, and similar precision tooling applications where air-hardening steel is specified.

Installation Notes

Machining and grinding should be completed before heat treatment. A2 tool steel is air hardened, meaning it is brought to hardening temperature in a furnace and then cooled in still air — a commercial heat treater or qualified tool room technician should perform this process. Use appropriate personal protective equipment when cutting, grinding, or machining tool steel. Consult material safety and heat treatment data from the steel supplier before processing.