Starrett 57181 A2 Tool Steel Flat Stock 5/16x2x18 in

Product Description

The STARRETT 57181 is an A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock bar intended for toolmakers, machinists, and die makers who require a dimensionally consistent, pre-sized blank ready for finishing and heat treatment. It measures 5/16 inch thick, 2 inches wide, and 18 inches long, with a shipping weight of 3.19 pounds. The A2 tool steel alloy offers good wear resistance and dimensional stability through the air-hardening process, making it a dependable choice for punches, dies, gauges, and similar tooling applications. Tolerances are held to industry standards across all axes, supporting accurate layout and machining from the raw blank stage.

This flat stock is suited for machine shops, tool and die operations, and maintenance departments that fabricate or repair cutting tools, jigs, fixtures, and forming dies. The 18-inch length provides enough material for a range of small-to-medium tooling blanks without requiring additional cutoff from larger bar stock. It ships as a single piece and is compatible with conventional machining before heat treatment. Professionals working in metal fabrication, aerospace tooling, mold making, and general precision machining will find this a practical stock material for light to medium tooling work.

Key Features

• A2 air-hardening tool steel construction for good wear resistance and dimensional stability after heat treatment
• Nominal dimensions: 5/16 inch thick, 2 inches wide, 18 inches long
• Thickness tolerance: +0.010 to +0.015 inches
• Width tolerance: +0.010 to +0.015 inches
• Length tolerance: +0.25 inches
• Square tolerance: +0.010 to +0.015 inches

Compatibility

Designed as an OEM-style flat stock blank for use in tool and die, punch, gauge, and fixture fabrication applications where A2 air-hardening tool steel is specified.

Installation Notes

Machining and grinding of A2 tool steel flat stock should be performed before heat treatment whenever possible. Hardening, quenching, and tempering of A2 steel should follow the material supplier guidelines and be performed by qualified toolmakers or heat-treatment specialists. Proper personal protective equipment and machine guarding are required when cutting or grinding tool steel. Always de-burr and clean the workpiece before layout to avoid measurement errors from surface scale or raised edges.