Starrett 57617 A2 Tool Steel Flat Stock 9/16x3x18 in

Product Description

The STARRETT 57617 is an A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock bar intended for toolmakers, machinists, and die makers who require a precision-ground, ready-to-machine blank. A2 tool steel offers excellent dimensional stability during heat treatment and a good balance of wear resistance and toughness, making it a practical choice for punches, dies, gauges, and general tooling applications. This bar measures 9/16 inch thick, 3 inches wide, and 18 inches long, with close-tolerance ground surfaces that reduce setup time and material removal before final machining.

This flat stock is suited for tool and die shops, mold shops, and maintenance machining environments handling moderate- to high-volume tooling work. The A2 grade is widely specified when air-hardening behavior is required to minimize quench distortion in finished tools. At 18 inches long, the bar provides enough stock for multiple tooling blanks depending on the final part dimensions, and the ground finish reduces the need for additional surface preparation before layout or EDM work.

Key Features

• A2 air-hardening tool steel grade — stable dimensions through heat treat cycle, reduced quench distortion
• Precision ground flat surfaces with tight thickness tolerance of +0.010 to +0.015 inches
• Width tolerance of +0.010 to +0.015 inches for consistent fitment in milled slots and pockets
• Length tolerance of +0.250 inches allows for saw-cut stock allowance
• Square tolerance of +0.010 to +0.015 inches ensures perpendicularity of edges
• Ready-to-machine condition minimizes pre-machining prep time

Compatibility

Designed as a general-purpose A2 tool steel flat stock blank suitable for tooling, die, punch, and gauge fabrication applications requiring air-hardening material.

Installation Notes

Cutting and machining of tool steel flat stock should be performed by qualified machinists or toolmakers using appropriate carbide or high-speed steel tooling. Follow shop-standard lockout and guarding procedures when operating saws, mills, or grinders. Heat treating should be performed in accordance with AISI A2 specifications by a qualified heat treater or in-house furnace operator familiar with air-hardening tool steels. Edges and cut surfaces may be sharp — use appropriate personal protective equipment when handling.