Drill Rod Tool Steels 03718053 A2 Flat Stock 3/16x2x36

Product Description

The DRILL ROD TOOL STEELS 03718053 is an A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock bar intended for toolmakers, machinists, and die makers working in job shops, maintenance departments, and manufacturing environments. Measuring 3/16 inch thick, 2 inches wide, and 36 inches long, this bar ships at approximately 3.82 pounds and is machined to tight tolerances before hardening. The AISI A2 designation indicates an air-hardening, medium-alloy cold-work tool steel known for good dimensional stability during heat treatment, moderate toughness, and solid wear resistance. It is suitable for blanks, punches, dies, gauges, and precision tooling components.

This flat stock is used in applications where a ground, close-tolerance steel blank is required before or after heat treatment. A2 air-hardening grades are commonly specified for cold-work tooling, forming dies, shear blades, and precision fixtures in both light industrial and heavy manufacturing settings. The 36-inch bar length accommodates multiple cut-off pieces from a single blank, making it practical for short-run tooling and prototype work. Licensed machinists and tool and die makers are the primary trades that source and machine this material.

Key Features

• AISI A2 air-hardening tool steel - stable dimensions during hardening with no oil or water quench required
• Ground flat stock with thickness tolerance of plus or minus 0.001 inch for precise blank sizing
• Width tolerance of plus 0.000 to 0.005 inch provides a predictable starting dimension for finish grinding
• Square tolerance of plus or minus 0.003 inch ensures consistent 90-degree reference faces
• Length tolerance of plus or minus 0.250 to 0.500 inch - size to final length before or after heat treat
• Single-piece minimum order quantity suits low-volume tooling and prototyping needs

Compatibility

Designed as a standard ground flat stock blank for cold-work tooling, die-making, and precision machining applications requiring AISI A2 air-hardening tool steel.

Installation Notes

Machining and grinding should be performed by qualified machinists using appropriate cutting fluids and tooling rated for tool steel. Heat treatment to hardness should be carried out in a controlled atmosphere furnace or salt bath to minimize scaling and decarburization. Deburr all edges before handling and use appropriate personal protective equipment when cutting or grinding. Follow applicable shop safety standards and equipment manufacturer guidelines for heat-treating procedures.