Starrett 57608 A2 Tool Steel Flat Stock 0.5x1.5x18 in

Product Description

The STARRETT 57608 is an A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock bar used in toolmaking, die making, and precision machining applications. It is supplied in the annealed condition and is designed for applications that require consistent dimensional tolerances before heat treatment. The bar measures 0.5 inches thick, 1.5 inches wide, and 18 inches long, with a shipping weight of 3.83 pounds. Thickness, width, and square tolerances are held to a tight plus 0.010 to 0.015 inch range, and length tolerance is plus 0.25 inch. Machinists, tool and die makers, and metal fabricators work with this material to produce punches, dies, gauges, and other precision tooling components.

A2 air-hardening tool steel is well suited for applications requiring moderate toughness combined with good wear resistance. It hardens with an air quench, which reduces distortion compared to oil-hardening grades, making it a common choice for flat tooling components that must hold shape through heat treatment. This flat stock is appropriate for both job shop and production tooling environments where dimensional accuracy of the raw bar is critical to finished part quality.

Key Features

• A2 air-hardening tool steel per AISI material specification
• Tight thickness, width, and square tolerances of plus 0.010 to 0.015 inches
• Length tolerance of plus 0.25 inches
• Supplied in flat bar form for direct layout and machining
• Air-hardening grade reduces distortion during heat treatment compared to oil-quench steels

Compatibility

Designed as a standard A2 tool steel flat stock bar suitable for toolmaking, die making, and precision machining applications requiring an air-hardening material in flat bar form.

Installation Notes

Material should be cut, ground, and machined in the annealed condition before heat treatment. Heat treatment of A2 tool steel should be performed by a qualified heat treater following the material manufacturer recommendations for austenitizing temperature, air quench, and tempering cycles. Use appropriate personal protective equipment when cutting or grinding tool steel. Follow applicable shop safety standards for material handling and machining operations.