Starrett 57341 A2 Tool Steel Flat Stock 5/16x3/4x36 in

Product Description

The STARRETT 57341 is an A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock bar used in toolmaking, die making, fixture building, and precision machining applications. It ships in the annealed condition, ready for machining to final shape before heat treatment. The bar measures 5/16 inches thick, 3/4 inches wide, and 36 inches long and weighs 2.74 pounds. Dimensional tolerances are held to tight standards: thickness tolerance is plus or minus 0.001 inches, width tolerance is plus 0.000 to 0.005 inches, and length tolerance is plus 0.25 inches. Tool and die makers, machinists, and metalworking shops are the primary installers and users of this material.

A2 tool steel is a general-purpose air-hardening grade known for good wear resistance, moderate toughness, and minimal distortion during heat treatment compared to oil-hardening grades. This flat stock is suited for blanking dies, trim dies, punches, gages, and similar tooling components where dimensional stability through hardening is critical. The 36-inch length allows a single bar to yield multiple blanks for small-run tooling jobs without requiring a saw cut on the incoming stock length.

Key Features

• AISI A2 air-hardening tool steel — minimal distortion during heat treat cycle
• Thickness tolerance held to plus or minus 0.001 inches for consistent stock removal
• Width tolerance of plus 0.000 to 0.005 inches for predictable fit in close-tolerance fixtures
• Squareness: edge all sides 0.003 inches per inch
• Ships annealed for full machinability prior to hardening
• Single-piece quantity — no minimum bundle requirement

Compatibility

Designed as a standard A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock for use in any toolroom, die shop, or precision machining environment requiring AISI A2 material in 5/16 x 3/4 x 36 inch bar form.

Installation Notes

Cutting, grinding, and machining of tool steel flat stock should be performed with appropriate coolant to prevent localized overheating that could affect the steel's microstructure. Heat treatment to final hardness should be performed by a qualified heat treater following the A2 grade cycle; always allow parts to reach room temperature before measuring final dimensions. Personal protective equipment including safety glasses and gloves is required when sawing or grinding tool steel bar stock.