Starrett 57338 A2 Tool Steel Flat Stock 0.25x1.75x36 in

Product Description

The STARRETT 57338 is an A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock bar intended for toolmakers, machinists, and die makers who require tight-tolerance raw material for fabricating punches, dies, gauges, and cutting tools. Measuring 0.25 inches thick, 1.75 inches wide, and 36 inches long, this bar is ground to close dimensional tolerances and conforms to AISI A2 material specification. A2 tool steel offers good dimensional stability during heat treatment and moderate wear resistance, making it a reliable choice for toolroom applications where air hardening is preferred over oil or water quench processes.

This flat stock is suited for low-to-medium production tooling in job shops, tool and die rooms, and maintenance machining environments. The 36-inch length allows for multiple blanks to be cut from a single piece. Its pre-ground surface and tight thickness tolerance reduce setup time when used in surface grinding or milling operations prior to heat treat.

Key Features

• AISI A2 air-hardening tool steel — stable dimensions during heat treat with reduced warpage risk compared to oil-hardening grades
• Thickness tolerance of plus or minus 0.001 inches for consistent stock removal planning
• 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
• Ships as a single 36-inch bar at approximately 5.13 pounds

Compatibility

Designed as a standard A2 tool steel flat stock bar for general toolroom use wherever AISI A2 air-hardening material is specified. No specific equipment compatibility applies to raw flat stock material.

Installation Notes

Cutting, grinding, and machining of tool steel flat stock should be performed by qualified machinists using appropriate coolant and tooling rated for hardened or pre-hardened steel. Follow established heat treat procedures for AISI A2 steel, including proper preheat and soak times, as specified by the material supplier or applicable shop standards. Eye protection, gloves, and appropriate chip guards are required during all cutting and grinding operations. Consult OSHA and applicable shop safety standards before beginning machining or heat treatment.