Starrett 57318 A2 Tool Steel Flat Stock 3/32x4x36 in

Product Description

The STARRETT 57318 is an A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock bar intended for toolmakers, die makers, and machinists who need a precision-ground blank ready for heat treatment. Measuring 3/32 inch thick, 4 inches wide, and 36 inches long, this flat stock holds a thickness tolerance of plus or minus 0.001 inch and a width tolerance of plus 0.000 to 0.005 inch, making it suitable for close-tolerance tooling applications. At 4.4 pounds, the bar offers substantial stock for blanking punches, dies, guides, fixtures, and similar tool room components.

A2 air-hardening tool steel is a general-purpose cold-work grade widely used in production tooling, jigs, and gauges. It hardens with an air quench, reducing distortion compared to oil-hardening grades, which makes it a practical choice for flat components where dimensional stability after heat treatment is critical. This bar is appropriate for job shop, tool room, and maintenance machining environments where stock must be cut, ground, and heat treated to final part dimensions.

Key Features

• AISI A2 air-hardening tool steel — reduced distortion during heat treat compared to oil-quench grades
• Thickness tolerance of plus or minus 0.001 inch for close-tolerance tooling work
• Width tolerance of plus 0.000 to 0.005 inch
• Length tolerance of plus 0.25 inch
• Squareness: edge all 0.003 per inch
• Square tolerance of plus or minus 0.001 inch

Compatibility

Designed as a standard A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock blank suitable for cold-work tooling applications including dies, punches, guides, and fixtures that require air-quench heat treatment.

Installation Notes

Cutting and grinding of tool steel flat stock should be performed by a qualified machinist or toolmaker using appropriate coolant to prevent localized overheating of the material. Heat treatment of A2 steel requires controlled atmosphere or vacuum furnace conditions and should follow the material manufacturer's recommended austenitizing and quench procedures. Always wear appropriate PPE when machining or grinding tool steel. Consult applicable shop safety standards before cutting or heat treating.