Starrett 57326 A2 Tool Steel Flat Stock 5/32x3/4x36 in

Product Description

The STARRETT 57326 is an A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock bar used in tool and die making, jig construction, punch and die applications, and general toolroom fabrication. It measures 5/32 inches thick, 3/4 inches wide, and 36 inches long, with a weight of 1.37 pounds. A2 tool steel offers excellent dimensional stability during heat treatment, moderate wear resistance, and good toughness — characteristics that make it a common choice for dies, punches, and precision tooling components. This bar ships in a single piece and is intended for machining, grinding, or heat-treating to final application dimensions. Toolmakers, machinists, and die makers are the primary users.

This flat stock is suited for small tooling and fixture applications where close tolerances are required before and after heat treat. The 36-inch length allows for multiple part blanks to be cut from a single bar, reducing material waste in low-volume or prototype work. Thickness tolerance of plus or minus 0.001 inches and width tolerance of plus 0.000 to 0.005 inches make this bar suitable for applications where near-net stock dimensions reduce finish grinding time. It is appropriate for both manual and CNC machining operations prior to hardening.

Key Features

• A2 air-hardening tool steel — AISI Type A2 material specification
• Thickness: 5/32 inches with tolerance of plus or minus 0.001 inches
• Width: 3/4 inches with tolerance of plus 0.000 to 0.005 inches
• Length: 36 inches with tolerance of plus 0.25 inches
• Square tolerance: plus or minus 0.001 inches; edge squareness 0.003 inches per inch on all edges
• Weight: 1.37 pounds per bar

Compatibility

Designed as a standard toolroom flat stock bar for use in tool and die, punch, fixture, and general precision machining applications requiring A2 air-hardening tool steel.

Installation Notes

Machining of A2 tool steel flat stock should be performed by qualified toolmakers or machinists using appropriate cutting tools rated for tool steel. Heat treatment — including hardening and tempering — should follow the material manufacturer's guidelines for AISI A2 and must be performed in a controlled atmosphere or vacuum furnace to minimize decarburization. Handle bar stock with care to avoid surface nicks or burrs that can affect tolerance-critical applications. Always use proper workholding and cutting fluid when milling or grinding to final dimensions.