Starrett 57660 A2 Tool Steel Flat Stock 1-1/4x3x18 in

Product Description

The STARRETT 57660 is an A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock bar intended for toolmakers, machinists, and die makers who need a precision-ground blank ready for heat treatment and finishing. This flat stock measures 1.25 inches thick by 3 inches wide by 18 inches long and is manufactured from AISI Type A2 tool steel, a chromium-molybdenum-vanadium air-hardening grade known for its dimensional stability through the hardening cycle. Thickness, width, and square tolerances are held to a tight plus 0.010 to 0.015 inches, and length tolerance is plus 0.25 inches, making it suitable for close-tolerance tooling applications where stock removal is planned.

A2 flat stock of this size is commonly used in the fabrication of punches, dies, gauges, forming tools, and machine components where good wear resistance and minimal distortion during heat treatment are required. The 1.25-inch thickness and 3-inch width make this bar appropriate for medium to heavy die sections, fixture plates, and blanks that will be machined, ground, and heat-treated in a professional shop environment. Licensed machinists, tool and die makers, and industrial maintenance professionals are the typical end users for stock of this specification.

Key Features

• AISI Type A2 air-hardening tool steel for minimal distortion during hardening
• Thickness: 1.25 inches with plus 0.010 to 0.015 inches tolerance
• Width: 3 inches with plus 0.010 to 0.015 inches tolerance
• Length: 18 inches with plus 0.25 inches tolerance
• Square tolerance held to plus 0.010 to 0.015 inches for true rectangular cross-section
• Ready for machining, grinding, and subsequent heat treatment

Compatibility

Designed as a general-purpose A2 tool steel flat stock blank suitable for toolroom, die shop, and industrial maintenance fabrication applications where AISI A2 air-hardening material is specified.

Installation Notes

Cutting and machining of tool steel flat stock should be performed by qualified machinists using appropriate metalworking equipment and cutting fluids. Heat treatment of A2 tool steel requires controlled furnace conditions and should follow the material specification guidelines for austenitizing, quenching in still air, and tempering. Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment when sawing, grinding, or handling tool steel stock. Consult the material data sheet for hardening temperature ranges and tempering cycles before processing.