Starrett 57628 A2 Tool Steel Flat Stock 0.75x3.5x18 in

Product Description

The STARRETT 57628 is an A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock bar intended for toolmakers, machinists, and die makers who require a precision-ground blank ready for heat treatment. A2 tool steel offers a balanced combination of wear resistance and toughness, making it a widely used material for punches, dies, gauges, and cutting tools. This piece measures 0.75 inches thick, 3.5 inches wide, and 18 inches long, with controlled tolerances on all four axes. At 13.39 pounds, it is a substantial piece suited to fabricating medium- to large-format tooling components in a machine shop or tool-and-die environment.

This flat stock is appropriate for applications where a precision-machined or ground blank is required before hardening. A2 tool steel responds well to air-hardening heat treatment, minimizing distortion during the quench cycle compared to oil- or water-hardening grades. Typical uses include blanking dies, form punches, shear blades, and wear plates. The flat bar format allows direct layout, machining, and grinding prior to the hardening cycle, reducing raw material waste and setup time.

Key Features

• AISI A2 air-hardening tool steel for reduced distortion during heat treatment
• Thickness tolerance of +0.010 to 0.015 inches for consistent fit in precision fixtures
• Width tolerance of +0.010 to 0.015 inches
• Square tolerance of +0.010 to 0.015 inches
• Length tolerance of +0.25 inches
• Flat stock format ready for layout, machining, and grinding prior to hardening

Compatibility

Designed as a general-purpose A2 tool steel flat blank for use in machine shop, tool-and-die, and precision fabrication applications requiring an air-hardening material specification.

Installation Notes

Machining and grinding of A2 tool steel flat stock should be performed by qualified machinists or toolmakers using appropriate cutting fluids and tooling rated for tool steel. Heat treatment, including austenitizing and air quench, should be performed by a qualified heat treater following recognized metallurgical procedures for AISI A2. Always follow shop safety protocols when cutting, grinding, or handling large steel bar stock, including the use of appropriate PPE. Secure the workpiece properly before any machining operation to prevent movement.