Starrett 57185 A2 Tool Steel Flat Stock 3/8x1x18 in

Product Description

The STARRETT 57185 is an A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock bar used in toolmaking, die-making, and precision machining applications. Measuring 3/8 inch thick, 1 inch wide, and 18 inches long, this bar is ground to close tolerances on all faces, making it suitable for producing punches, dies, gauges, and similar tooling components. A2 tool steel offers good dimensional stability during heat treatment and a balanced combination of wear resistance and toughness. At 1.91 pounds, the bar is easy to handle on the bench or at the machine. Machinists, tool and die makers, and fabricators working in job shops or maintenance departments are the primary users of this material.

This flat stock is suited for applications where tight dimensional control is needed before and after heat treatment. A2 air-hardening steel is commonly used for blanking dies, forming dies, trimming dies, and precision tools in both light-production and prototype environments. The bar arrives in the annealed condition, ready for machining and subsequent air-hardening heat treatment to achieve desired hardness levels.

Key Features

• A2 air-hardening tool steel for good stability during hardening and tempering cycles
• Thickness: 3/8 inch with a tolerance of +0.010 to 0.015 inches
• Width: 1 inch with a tolerance of +0.010 to 0.015 inches
• Length: 18 inches with a tolerance of +0.25 inch
• Square tolerance: +0.010 to 0.015 inches for consistent squareness on ground faces
• Supplied in annealed condition, ready for machining prior to heat treatment

Compatibility

Designed as a standard A2 tool steel flat stock bar suitable for use in toolmaking, die-making, and general precision machining where AISI A2 air-hardening material is specified.

Installation Notes

Machining and heat treatment of tool steel should be performed by qualified tool and die makers or machinists familiar with A2 steel handling procedures. Follow the material supplier heat treatment guidelines for austenitizing temperature and air-quench practice. Use appropriate personal protective equipment when grinding or machining tool steel. Consult applicable shop safety and machine guarding standards before beginning any machining operation.