Starrett 57344 A2 Tool Steel Flat Stock 3/8x1/2x36 in

Product Description

The STARRETT 57344 is an A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock bar used in toolmaking, die work, and precision machining applications. It ships in the annealed condition and is ready for machining prior to heat treatment. The bar measures 0.375 inches thick, 0.5 inches wide, and 36 inches long, with a weight of 2.19 pounds. Thickness and squareness tolerances are held to plus or minus 0.001 inches, and width tolerance runs plus 0.000 to 0.005 inches, making this stock suitable for applications where dimensional consistency before hardening is critical. Licensed machinists, tool and die makers, and metalworking professionals are the primary 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 format suits blanks for punches, dies, gauges, arbors, and similar toolroom components. The 36-inch length provides flexibility for cutting multiple blanks from a single bar. It is appropriate for both job-shop and in-house toolroom use where precise pre-hardened stock dimensions are required before final grinding and heat treat operations.

Key Features

• AISI A2 air-hardening tool steel with minimal distortion on heat treat
• Thickness and square tolerance held to plus or minus 0.001 inches
• Width tolerance of plus 0.000 to 0.005 inches for consistent stock removal
• Length tolerance of plus 0.25 inches ensures full usable length
• Edge squareness held to 0.003 inches per inch across all edges
• Supplied in annealed condition for machinability prior to hardening

Compatibility

Designed as a standard A2 air-hardening flat stock for general toolroom and die-making applications where AISI A2 material specification is required.

Installation Notes

Cutting and machining should be performed in the annealed state before heat treatment. Use appropriate metalworking equipment and tooling rated for tool steel stock. Heat treatment of A2 tool steel should be performed by qualified personnel following the material manufacturer's recommended austenitizing and tempering procedures. Allow the workpiece to reach ambient temperature before precision grinding to final dimensions.