Starrett 57188 A2 Tool Steel Flat Stock 3/8x2x18 in

Product Description

The STARRETT 57188 is an A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock bar used in toolmaking, die work, and precision machining applications. Ground to close tolerances, it measures 0.375 inches thick, 2 inches wide, and 18 inches long, with a weight of 3.82 pounds. A2 tool steel is known for its balanced combination of wear resistance and toughness after heat treatment, making it a reliable choice for punches, dies, gauges, and similar toolroom components. Machinists and tool-and-die makers select this material when consistent geometry and predictable hardening response are required in the annealed-to-hardened workflow.

This flat stock is suited for professional toolroom, job shop, and maintenance applications where pre-sized bar stock reduces setup time. It arrives in the annealed condition, ready for machining prior to heat treatment. Typical end uses include blanking dies, forming tools, wear plates, and precision fixtures. The 18-inch length provides a practical starting blank for most standard tooling projects without excessive material waste.

Key Features

• AISI A2 air-hardening tool steel — uniform hardening with minimal distortion during heat treat
• Thickness: 0.375 inches with a tolerance of +0.010 to 0.015 inches
• Width: 2 inches with a tolerance of +0.010 to 0.015 inches
• Length: 18 inches with a tolerance of +0.25 inches
• Square tolerance of +0.010 to 0.015 inches for consistent right-angle geometry
• Supplied in annealed condition, ready for machining before hardening

Compatibility

Designed as a standard AISI A2 tool steel flat stock suitable for general toolroom and die-making applications requiring air-hardening material in this size range.

Installation Notes

Machining and heat treatment of A2 tool steel should be performed by qualified tool-and-die makers or machining professionals familiar with AISI tool steel specifications. Always follow the material supplier heat-treat guidelines for austenitizing temperature, quench method, and tempering cycle — do not substitute air-hardening procedures with oil or water quench. Secure the workpiece properly during machining to maintain dimensional accuracy prior to hardening. Personal protective equipment, including eye and hand protection, is required when cutting or grinding tool steel.