Starrett 57609 A2 Tool Steel Flat Stock 1/2x1-3/4x18 in

Product Description

The STARRETT 57609 is an A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock bar used in toolmaking, die-making, and precision machining applications. Measuring 0.5 inches thick, 1.75 inches wide, and 18 inches long, this flat stock is supplied in the annealed condition ready for machining before heat treat. A2 tool steel offers good dimensional stability during air hardening, making it a preferred choice when tight tolerances must be held through the hardening process. Thickness, width, and squareness tolerances are held to +0.010 to 0.015 inches, with a length tolerance of +0.25 inches. Weighing 4.46 pounds per piece, this bar ships as a single unit.

This flat stock is suited for fabricating punches, dies, blanking tools, forming tools, gauges, and general toolroom work in machine shops and tool-and-die operations. A2 grade is commonly selected for applications requiring a balance of toughness and wear resistance with minimal distortion during hardening. This bar is appropriate for both prototype and production tooling in industrial and manufacturing environments where close-tolerance stock is required prior to finish grinding and heat treatment.

Key Features

• A2 air-hardening tool steel — AISI Type A2 material specification
• Thickness: 0.5 inches with +0.010 to 0.015 inch tolerance
• Width: 1.75 inches with +0.010 to 0.015 inch tolerance
• Length: 18 inches with +0.25 inch tolerance
• Squareness tolerance: +0.010 to 0.015 inches
• Supplied in annealed condition, ready for machining and subsequent heat treatment

Compatibility

Designed as a general-purpose A2 tool steel flat stock for toolroom, die-making, and precision machining applications where AISI A2 air-hardening material is specified.

Installation Notes

Machining of A2 tool steel flat stock should be performed in the annealed condition before hardening. Heat treatment, including austenitizing and air-quench hardening, should be carried out by a qualified tool-and-die maker or heat treat professional following established metallurgical guidelines for A2 tool steel. Use appropriate cutting fluids and tooling rated for tool steel. Always follow shop safety protocols when handling and machining hardened or prehardened steel stock.