Starrett 57331 A2 Tool Steel Flat Stock 3/16x3/4x36 in

Product Description

The STARRETT 57331 is an A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock bar measuring 3/16 inches thick, 3/4 inches wide, and 36 inches long. A2 tool steel is a versatile cold-work steel known for its good dimensional stability during heat treatment and strong wear resistance after hardening. This flat stock is machined to tight tolerances — including plus or minus 0.001 inches on thickness and squareness — making it well suited for precision toolmaking, die making, and general machine-shop work. Machinists, toolmakers, and metal fabricators work with this material to produce punches, dies, gauges, and similar tooling components.

This flat stock is used in both job shops and production machine shops. It is appropriate for applications requiring a cold-work tool steel that air-hardens with minimal distortion, such as forming dies, blanking punches, and cutting tools. The 36-inch length provides sufficient stock for most standard tooling layouts and can be cut to length on a horizontal bandsaw or surface grinder. It is suitable for general industrial and toolroom applications where consistent cross-section dimensions and tight squareness tolerances are required.

Key Features

• AISI A2 air-hardening tool steel — minimal distortion during heat treat
• Thickness tolerance of plus or minus 0.001 inches for precision fitment
• Width tolerance of plus 0.000 to 0.005 inches
• Length tolerance of plus 0.25 inches
• Squareness tolerance of plus or minus 0.001 inches; edge squareness 0.003 inches per inch
• Ready-to-machine flat stock format — no additional milling required on thickness or width faces

Compatibility

Designed as a standard A2 tool steel flat bar for toolroom and industrial machining applications where AISI A2 air-hardening cold-work steel stock is specified.

Installation Notes

Cutting and machining of tool steel flat stock should be performed by qualified machinists or toolmakers using appropriate cutting fluids and tooling rated for steel. Heat treatment to full hardness requires controlled atmosphere or salt bath equipment to achieve proper air-hardening results — follow AISI A2 heat treatment guidelines for soak temperatures and cooling procedures. Allow material to reach ambient temperature before performing final grinding or precision measurement. Personal protective equipment including eye protection and gloves is required when cutting or grinding.