Starrett 57328 A2 Tool Steel Flat Stock 5/32x8x36 in

Product Description

The STARRETT 57328 is an A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock bar used in toolmaking, die work, and precision machining applications. Measuring 0.15625 inches thick, 8 inches wide, and 36 inches long, it is manufactured to tight dimensional tolerances: plus or minus 0.001 inches on thickness, plus 0.000 to 0.005 inches on width, and plus 0.25 inches on length. Squareness is held to 0.003 inches per inch on all edges. A2 tool steel offers good toughness and wear resistance with minimal distortion during air hardening, making it a reliable choice for dies, punches, gauges, and similar toolroom components. Machinists, toolmakers, and die makers work with this material in both job shop and production environments.

This flat stock is suited for fabricating cutting tools, forming dies, blanking dies, and precision fixtures where dimensional stability through the hardening process is required. The air-hardening characteristic of A2 reduces warping and cracking compared to oil-hardening grades, making it appropriate for larger cross-section tooling. It ships in the annealed condition and is ready for machining prior to heat treatment. Shops working to close final tolerances will machine, finish, and then send out for heat treat or process in-house.

Key Features

• AISI A2 air-hardening tool steel for minimal distortion during hardening
• Thickness tolerance of plus or minus 0.001 inches for precise stock removal planning
• Width tolerance of plus 0.000 to 0.005 inches
• Length tolerance of plus 0.25 inches
• Squareness held to 0.003 inches per inch on all edges
• Supplied in annealed condition, ready for machining

Compatibility

Designed for general toolroom use as an OEM-style or replacement flat stock blank in applications requiring AISI A2 air-hardening tool steel.

Installation Notes

Machining of A2 tool steel is performed in the annealed condition using standard carbide tooling. Heat treatment should be performed by a qualified heat treater following AISI A2 recommended cycles for austenitizing, air quenching, and tempering. Allow the bar to reach thermal equilibrium before quenching to reduce distortion. Follow applicable shop safety practices for handling hardened or sharp-edged stock.