Starrett 57346 A2 Tool Steel Flat Stock 3/8x1-3/4x36in

Product Description

The STARRETT 57346 is an A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock bar intended for toolmakers, die makers, and machinists who require tight-tolerance raw material for punches, dies, gauges, and similar precision toolwork. The bar measures 0.375 inches thick, 1.75 inches wide, and 36 inches long, and weighs approximately 7.69 pounds. A2 tool steel offers good toughness combined with moderate wear resistance and is well suited to applications where dimensional stability after heat treatment is a priority. Thickness tolerance is held to plus or minus 0.001 inches, making this stock ready for precision layout and machining operations without extensive pre-grinding.

This flat stock is used in tool and die shops, mold shops, and general machine shops for fabricating cutting tools, forming dies, jigs, fixtures, and gauging components. The 36-inch length provides enough material for most single-component applications or allows the bar to be cut into multiple blanks. A2 air-hardening steel is commonly specified when oil-hardening steels introduce too much distortion risk during the hardening cycle. This stock is appropriate for both prototype and production tooling environments.

Key Features

• AISI A2 air-hardening tool steel for reduced distortion during heat treatment
• Thickness held to 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 from nominal 36 inches
• Squareness: edge all 0.003 per inch maximum
• Square tolerance of plus or minus 0.001 inches

Compatibility

Designed as a general-purpose A2 tool steel flat stock blank suitable for machining into punches, dies, gauges, and precision tooling components where air-hardening grade material is specified.

Installation Notes

Cutting, grinding, and machining of tool steel flat stock should be performed by qualified machinists or toolmakers using appropriate metalworking equipment. Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment when cutting or grinding steel bar stock. Heat treatment of A2 tool steel should follow the material manufacturer's recommended austenitizing and tempering temperatures and should be performed by a qualified heat treater. Secure the workpiece properly before any machining operation to prevent movement.