Starrett 57654 A2 Tool Steel Flat Stock 1x8x18 Inches

Product Description

The STARRETT 57654 is an A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock bar sized at 1 inch thick, 8 inches wide, and 18 inches long. A2 tool steel is an air-hardening, cold-work die steel known for its balance of wear resistance and toughness. It holds close dimensional tolerances, making it a reliable choice for fabricating dies, punches, gauges, and precision tooling components. The bar weighs approximately 40.64 pounds. Machinists, tool-and-die makers, and metalworking shops use this material when a through-hardening steel with good dimensional stability during heat treatment is required.

This flat stock is suited for applications in tool rooms, job shops, and manufacturing environments where cold-work tooling must maintain shape and hardness under repeated impact or forming loads. Typical uses include blanking dies, forming dies, shear blades, and gauging fixtures. The 18-inch length provides a practical starting cut for most tooling layouts without excessive waste. The 8-inch width accommodates wide die plates or multiple smaller blanks from a single piece.

Key Features

• A2 air-hardening tool steel (AISI Type A2) for dimensional stability during heat treat
• Thickness tolerance of +0.010 to 0.015 inches for consistent stock removal planning
• Width tolerance of +0.010 to 0.015 inches
• Length tolerance of +0.25 inches
• Square tolerance of +0.010 to 0.015 inches for predictable setup and fixturing
• Ready-to-machine flat stock form; no profile grinding required before layout

Compatibility

Designed as a standard A2 tool steel flat stock blank suitable for cold-work tooling applications in tool rooms and die shops requiring air-hardening steel in flat bar form.

Installation Notes

Cutting, grinding, and heat treatment of tool steel should be performed by a qualified machinist or tool-and-die maker using equipment appropriate for the material hardness. Follow the steel manufacturer's recommended austenitizing and air-quench cycle for A2 to achieve target hardness. Always allow the bar to reach room temperature before taking finish measurements, as thermal expansion will affect tolerance verification. Appropriate personal protective equipment must be worn during all cutting, grinding, and heat-treating operations.