Starrett 57651 A2 Tool Steel Flat Stock 1x4.5x18 in

Product Description

The STARRETT 57651 is an A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock bar measuring 1 inch thick, 4.5 inches wide, and 18 inches long. A2 tool steel is an air-hardening, cold-work die steel known for its dimensional stability during heat treatment and good wear resistance. This flat stock is supplied in the annealed condition, ready for machining, grinding, and subsequent hardening by qualified tool and die makers, machinists, and metalworking shops. Thickness, width, and square tolerances are held to +0.010 to 0.015 inches, with a length tolerance of +0.25 inches, making it suitable for precision tooling applications where consistent stock size is required before final finishing.

A2 flat stock at this size — 1 inch thick by 4.5 inches wide by 18 inches long — is commonly used in the fabrication of punches, dies, cutting tools, gauges, and fixtures in both production and job-shop environments. It suits applications where moderate toughness combined with good through-hardening and minimal distortion during heat treatment are priorities. Machinists and tool makers working on medium to large die sections will find this bar size appropriate for rough machining prior to hardening and finish grinding.

Key Features

• AISI A2 air-hardening tool steel — minimal distortion during heat treatment
• Thickness: 1 inch with +0.010 to 0.015 inches tolerance
• Width: 4.5 inches with +0.010 to 0.015 inches tolerance
• Length: 18 inches with +0.25 inches tolerance
• Square tolerance held to +0.010 to 0.015 inches for consistent stock geometry
• Single-piece minimum order quantity — no bulk purchase required

Compatibility

Designed as a general-purpose A2 tool steel flat stock bar for use in tooling, die making, fixture building, and precision machining applications requiring air-hardening cold-work steel.

Installation Notes

Machining, grinding, and heat treatment of A2 tool steel should be performed by qualified machinists or tool and die makers using appropriate cutting fluids and tooling rated for hardened steels. Air hardening should follow the steel manufacturer's recommended austenitizing and quench procedures to achieve target hardness without cracking. Wear appropriate PPE when cutting or grinding tool steel. Handle bars of this weight — 22.8 pounds — with proper lifting technique or mechanical assistance to avoid injury.