Starrett 57301 A2 Tool Steel Flat Stock 1/16x1/2x36 in

Product Description

The STARRETT 57301 is an A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock bar used in toolmaking, die work, and precision machining applications. It measures 1/16 inch thick, 1/2 inch wide, and 36 inches long, with a weight of 0.37 pounds. A2 tool steel offers excellent dimensional stability during heat treatment and good wear resistance, making it a preferred choice for punches, dies, gauges, and similar toolroom components. This stock is supplied in the annealed condition and is intended for machining to final shape before hardening. Licensed machinists and toolmakers are the primary installers and end users.

This flat stock suits toolroom and job-shop environments where precise, machinable A2 tool steel is required in small bar form. Its compact cross-section — 1/16 inch by 1/2 inch — fits applications requiring thin, narrow blanks for custom tooling, blades, or fixture components. The 36-inch length allows multiple pieces to be cut from a single bar. It is equally applicable to prototype work, production tooling, and maintenance-repair-operations (MRO) tooling needs in light manufacturing settings.

Key Features

• AISI A2 air-hardening tool steel for stable, low-distortion heat treatment
• Thickness tolerance of +/- 0.001 inches for consistent stock removal planning
• Width tolerance of +0.000 to +0.005 inches
• Length tolerance of +0.25 inches
• Squareness tolerance of +/- 0.001 inches; edge squareness 0.003 inches per inch
• Supplied in annealed condition for ease of machining prior to hardening

Compatibility

Designed as a standard AISI A2 tool steel flat stock bar suitable for general toolroom fabrication of punches, dies, gauges, blades, and similar tooling components.

Installation Notes

Cutting, grinding, and machining should be performed in the annealed state before heat treatment. Heat treatment of A2 tool steel should follow the material specification guidelines and is typically performed by a qualified heat treater. Always use appropriate personal protective equipment when cutting or grinding tool steel. Consult applicable shop safety standards when handling stock that will undergo hardening operations.