Starrett 57316 A2 Tool Steel Flat Stock 3/32x2-1/2x36in

Product Description

The STARRETT 57316 is an A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock bar intended for toolmakers, machinists, and die makers who require close-tolerance raw material for cutting tools, dies, punches, and fixtures. It measures 3/32 inch thick, 2-1/2 inches wide, and 36 inches long, and weighs approximately 2.75 pounds. A2 tool steel offers good wear resistance and dimensional stability through the air-hardening heat treatment process, making it a dependable choice for applications where distortion during hardening must be minimized. This bar ships in annealed condition and is ready for machining prior to heat treatment.

This flat stock is suited for tool and die shops, maintenance departments, and precision machine shops producing custom tooling components. Typical applications include die plates, forming tools, blanking punches, and wear strips in both light industrial and production environments. The 36-inch length provides enough stock for multiple shorter workpieces in a single bar, reducing material waste on common tooling jobs.

Key Features

• AISI A2 air-hardening tool steel for reduced distortion during heat treatment
• Tight thickness tolerance of plus or minus 0.001 inches for consistent stock removal
• Width tolerance of plus 0.000 to 0.005 inches for predictable fit in precision applications
• Length tolerance of plus 0.25 inches allows for squaring cuts without undersized stock
• Square tolerance of plus or minus 0.001 inches with edge squareness of 0.003 per inch
• Ready to machine in annealed condition prior to hardening

Compatibility

Designed as a general-purpose A2 tool steel flat bar for machining and toolmaking applications where AISI A2 air-hardening material specification is required.

Installation Notes

Machining and heat treatment of A2 tool steel should be performed by qualified toolmakers or machinists familiar with tool steel handling procedures. Standard carbide or high-speed steel tooling is appropriate for machining in the annealed state. Heat treatment including hardening and tempering should follow established procedures for AISI A2 steel and is typically performed by a qualified heat treat shop. Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment when cutting, grinding, or machining tool steel bar stock.