Starrett 57167 A2 Tool Steel Flat Stock 3/16x3x18 in

Product Description

The STARRETT 57167 is an A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock bar used in tool and die making, machining, and precision fabrication applications. Measuring 0.1875 inches thick, 3 inches wide, and 18 inches long, this flat stock is manufactured from AISI Type A2 tool steel, a chromium-molybdenum alloy known for its dimensional stability during heat treatment and good wear resistance after hardening. Thickness, width, and squareness tolerances are held to +0.010 to 0.015 inches, and length tolerance is +0.25 inches. At 2.87 pounds, this bar is sized for single-piece fabrication tasks such as cutting punches, dies, jigs, and fixtures.

A2 flat stock in this size range is a common choice in job shops, toolrooms, and maintenance facilities where blanks must be machined to final form before hardening. The 18-inch length provides enough stock for most die-plate and guide-rail applications without requiring initial cutoff from a longer bar. Machinists and tool-and-die makers select A2 over O1 when distortion control during air hardening is a priority, and over D2 when toughness is more critical than maximum wear resistance.

Key Features

• AISI Type A2 tool steel — air-hardening grade with low distortion during heat treatment
• Thickness: 0.1875 inches; Width: 3 inches; Length: 18 inches
• Thickness, width, and squareness tolerances: +0.010 to 0.015 inches
• Length tolerance: +0.25 inches
• Ready-to-machine flat stock format — no initial surface grinding required before layout
• Weight: 2.87 pounds per piece

Compatibility

Designed as a standard AISI A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock suitable for tool and die components, punches, dies, fixtures, and precision machined parts requiring controlled distortion during hardening.

Installation Notes

Cutting, grinding, and drilling of A2 tool steel should be performed by qualified machinists or toolmakers using appropriate speeds and feeds for tool steel stock. Standard shop safety practices apply, including eye protection and proper workholding. Heat treatment — including hardening and tempering — should follow established metallurgical procedures for AISI A2 and is typically performed by a qualified heat treater. Allow material to reach ambient temperature before final inspection of tolerances.