Starrett 57658 A2 Tool Steel Flat Stock 1-1/4x2x18 in

Product Description

The STARRETT 57658 is an A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock bar used in toolmaking, die making, and precision machining applications. Manufactured from AISI A2 tool steel, this flat stock measures 1-1/4 inches thick, 2 inches wide, and 18 inches long, and weighs 12.73 pounds. A2 tool steel is known for its dimensional stability during heat treatment and its ability to air harden, making it a preferred choice for punches, dies, gauges, and cutting tools. Machinists, tool and die makers, and industrial maintenance professionals typically source this material for custom tooling fabrication where tight dimensional tolerances and consistent hardening response are required.

This flat stock is suited for shop floor and tool room use in both job shop and production environments. The bar arrives in an annealed condition ready for machining and subsequent heat treatment. Typical applications include blanking dies, forming tools, shear blades, and precision gauging components where moderate wear resistance combined with good toughness is needed. The 18-inch length provides enough stock for most single-piece tooling projects without requiring additional cutoff operations.

Key Features

• AISI A2 air-hardening tool steel for dimensional stability during heat treat
• 1-1/4 inches thick by 2 inches wide by 18 inches long bar stock
• Thickness tolerance of +0.010 to 0.015 inches for consistent fit in precision applications
• Width tolerance of +0.010 to 0.015 inches
• Length tolerance of +0.25 inches
• Square tolerance of +0.010 to 0.015 inches

Compatibility

Designed as a standard A2 tool steel flat stock bar suitable for general tool and die fabrication, punch and die sets, and precision machined tooling components in machine shops and industrial tool rooms.

Installation Notes

A2 tool steel flat stock is machined and heat treated by qualified tool and die makers or machinists. All machining operations should be completed prior to heat treatment. Air hardening requires controlled furnace heating and still-air or fan-assisted cooling per the material specification — follow the heat treater guidelines for the specific hardness range required. Proper eye protection and machine guarding per applicable shop safety standards should be observed during all cutting and grinding operations.