Starrett 57612 A2 Tool Steel Flat Stock 0.5x8x18 in

Product Description

The STARRETT 57612 is an A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock blank supplied in a 0.5-inch thick, 8-inch wide, 18-inch long profile. A2 tool steel is an air-hardening, cold-work die steel known for its dimensional stability during heat treatment and its balance of wear resistance and toughness. This flat stock is used to fabricate dies, punches, gauges, and cutting tools. Tolerances are held to +0.010 to 0.015 inches on thickness, width, and squareness, with a +0.25-inch allowance on length. Machinists, tool-and-die makers, and metalworking shops rely on this material for precision tooling applications that require consistent stock dimensions before grinding and heat treatment.

This flat stock is suited for cold-work tooling applications in job shops, tool rooms, and manufacturing facilities. The A2 grade is a common choice for blanking dies, forming dies, and precision gauging components where moderate toughness and good wear resistance are required. The stock arrives oversized to final tolerances, allowing the machinist to grind or machine to finished dimensions before or after hardening. Sold individually as a single piece per package with a minimum order quantity of one.

Key Features

• A2 air-hardening tool steel provides excellent dimensional stability during heat treatment
• Flat stock profile: 0.5 inches thick, 8 inches wide, 18 inches long
• Thickness, width, and squareness tolerances held to +0.010 to 0.015 inches
• Length tolerance of +0.25 inches provides sufficient material for facing or squaring
• AISI A2 material specification suitable for cold-work dies, punches, and gauges
• Single-piece packaging with no minimum order beyond one unit

Compatibility

Designed as a standard A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock blank for general cold-work tooling fabrication wherever AISI A2 material specification is required.

Installation Notes

Machining and grinding of tool steel flat stock should be performed by qualified tool-and-die makers or machinists using appropriate cutting fluids and tooling rated for hardened or semi-hardened steel. Heat treatment of A2 steel requires controlled atmosphere or vacuum furnace equipment to achieve proper hardness and minimize decarburization. Always allow the workpiece to reach ambient temperature before final grinding to finished dimensions. Follow shop safety protocols for handling heavy steel blanks weighing in this range.