Starrett 57340 A2 Tool Steel Flat Stock 5/16x1/2x36 in

Product Description

The STARRETT 57340 is an A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock bar used in tool and die shops, machine shops, and fabrication environments where tight dimensional tolerances are required. Measuring 5/16 inch thick by 1/2 inch wide by 36 inches long, this flat stock ships in the annealed condition ready for machining, grinding, or profiling before hardening. A2 tool steel offers a good balance of wear resistance and toughness, making it a reliable choice for punches, dies, gauges, and similar tooling components. Thickness tolerance is held to plus or minus 0.001 inches. Weight is 1.83 pounds per piece.

This flat stock is suited to toolmakers, machinists, and maintenance professionals fabricating precision tooling components. A2 material is commonly used in applications requiring air hardening to minimize distortion during heat treat. Typical uses include cutting tools, forming dies, blanking punches, and wear strips in light to medium production tooling. The 36-inch length allows multiple parts to be blanked from a single bar, reducing material waste in short-run tooling projects.

Key Features

• A2 air-hardening tool steel — minimizes distortion during hardening compared to oil-hardening grades
• Thickness tolerance of plus or minus 0.001 inches for consistent stock removal during grinding
• 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
• Annealed condition allows machining and profiling prior to heat treatment

Compatibility

Designed as a standard A2 air-hardening tool steel flat bar suitable for general toolmaking and die-making applications requiring AISI A2 material specification.

Installation Notes

Cutting and machining should be performed by qualified toolmakers or machinists using appropriate metalworking equipment. Heat treatment to final hardness must be performed in a controlled atmosphere or vacuum furnace to prevent decarburization. Allow the bar to reach ambient temperature before taking final dimensional measurements. Follow applicable shop safety practices when grinding hardened tool steel.