Drill Rod Tool Steels 85997823 A2 Tool Steel Flat Stock

Product Description

The DRILL ROD TOOL STEELS 85997823 is an A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock bar cut to 3/32 inches thick, 3/4 inches wide, and 18 inches long. A2 tool steel offers excellent dimensional stability during heat treatment, making it a go-to material for dies, punches, gauges, and precision tooling components. This flat stock ships in a ready-to-machine condition and is held to tight tolerances, including a thickness tolerance of plus or minus 0.001 inches and a width tolerance of plus 0.000 to minus 0.005 inches. Machinists, tool and die makers, and industrial fabricators work with this material in both job shop and production environments.

This flat stock is suited for applications requiring tight dimensional control before and after heat treatment. A2 air-hardening steel is commonly used for blanking dies, forming dies, trim dies, punches, and precision fixtures in metalworking and manufacturing operations. Its air-hardening characteristic reduces warpage and distortion compared to oil-hardening grades, which is critical in close-tolerance tooling work. The 18-inch length accommodates a wide range of short-run and custom tooling layouts without additional rough cutting in most cases.

Key Features

• A2 air-hardening tool steel for improved dimensional stability during hardening
• Thickness of 3/32 inches held to plus or minus 0.001 inches tolerance
• Width of 3/4 inches held to plus 0.000 to minus 0.005 inches tolerance
• Length of 18 inches with plus or minus 0.062 inches length tolerance
• Squareness: edge 0.003 inches and ends 0.004 inches per inch of thickness
• Ready-to-machine flat stock condition suitable for dies, punches, and gauges

Compatibility

Designed as a standard A2 tool steel flat stock bar for use in tool and die fabrication, precision machining, and industrial manufacturing applications where air-hardening tool steel stock is specified.

Installation Notes

Machining and heat treatment of A2 tool steel should be performed by qualified tool and die makers or machinists familiar with high-carbon, high-chromium tool steels. Follow the material supplier and applicable shop standards for austenitizing temperature and air-quench procedures. Always allow the material to reach ambient temperature before precision grinding or finishing operations. Use appropriate cutting fluids and personal protective equipment when machining.