Starrett 57641 A2 Tool Steel Flat Stock 7/8 X 3 X 18 in

Product Description

The STARRETT 57641 is an A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock bar sized at 7/8 inch thick, 3 inches wide, and 18 inches long. A2 tool steel is a cold-work die steel that air hardens, meaning it transitions from a soft, machinable state to a hardened, wear-resistant condition without oil or water quenching. That characteristic reduces distortion and cracking during heat treatment. Machinists, tool-and-die makers, and toolroom technicians use this stock to fabricate punches, dies, gauges, jigs, and other precision tooling components. Thickness, width, and squareness tolerances are held to +0.010 to 0.015 inches, and length tolerance is +0.25 inches, supporting accurate layout and machining in the annealed condition before hardening.

This flat stock is suited for job-shop and industrial toolroom applications where consistent stock dimensions and predictable heat-treat response are required. Common uses include blanking and forming dies, shear blades, trim dies, and precision fixtures. The 18-inch length makes it practical for moderate-length tooling blanks without requiring initial cutoff of large bar stock. It ships in the annealed condition, ready for machining to final geometry before heat treatment. Package quantity is 1 piece.

Key Features

• AISI A2 air-hardening tool steel — reduced distortion versus oil-hardening grades during heat treatment
• Annealed condition — fully machinable as received before hardening
• Thickness: 7/8 inch; Width: 3 inches; Length: 18 inches
• Thickness, width, and squareness tolerances held to +0.010 to 0.015 inches
• Length tolerance +0.25 inches
• Single-piece package — no minimum quantity above one bar required

Compatibility

Designed as an OEM-style replacement or general toolroom flat stock for applications requiring AISI A2 air-hardening tool steel in 7/8 x 3 x 18 inch bar form.

Installation Notes

Machining and heat treatment of A2 tool steel should be performed by qualified toolmakers or heat-treat technicians following the steel manufacturer's published hardening and tempering procedures. Always follow proper personal protective equipment practices when grinding, cutting, or handling hardened tool steel. Heat treatment equipment should be calibrated and operated per applicable shop safety and metallurgical procedures. Consult material data sheets for recommended hardening temperatures, soak times, and tempering cycles specific to the final application.