Description
No. 497 Air Hardening – Standard
FEATURES:
- The 5% chromium content makes this steel especially desirable for punches and dies to be used in long production runs since it gives the tools far longer life. Up to 50% more pieces per sharpening can be produced than with oil hardening steel.
- Full-length identification eliminates confusion with other steels.
- Maintains close dimensional accuracy throughout the heat treating process. The wide 75° hardening range makes this virtually foolproof.
- High wear resistance is also ideal for punches and dies to stamp silicon, stainless steels, monel metal, and other types of abrasive material.
HARDENING:
- Wide hardening range of 1,700°F to 1,775°F, with 1,750°F recommended for most work.
- For heavier sections use the high side of the range.
- Heat uniformly throughout but do not soak longer than necessary.
- Cool in still air.
- No pre-heat is required if pack or atmosphere controlled furnace methods are used, but with the open furnace method a pre-heat of 1,450° F is recommended.
TEMPERING:
- A tempering time of two hours at 1,700°F to 1,775°F is recommended (quench – still air, Rockwell C – 63.5 to 65).
- For maximum toughness, double temper for two hours at each temperature recommended.
- Following table may also be used as a guide, depending on type of work:
– Light blanking punches and dies: 400°F to 425°F. – Heavy blanking punches and dies: 700°F. – Annealing: 1525°F to 1575°F. Furnace cool at no more than 50° per hour to 800° for maximum softness.
TOLERANCES:
- Thickness – ±.001″.
- Width – Up to 8″ .000/.005″, 9″ and over .000/.015″, squares ± .010″.
- Length – 18″+1/4″ / 36″+5/8″, Saw cut oversize to allow for finish cutting.
- Squareness – Edge All: .003 per inch, Finish: 35 microinch or finer.
NOMINAL ANALYSIS (AISI A2):
- Carbon – 1.00
- Chromium – 5.25
- Manganese – .60
- Tu
5/8X3X18 STARRETT A-2 FLAT STOCK
Item Specifications
- Length: 18″
- Thickness: 5/8″
- Type: A2 Air Hardening
- Width: 3″
- Item Weight: 9.56 lbs per EA




