Starrett 57516 A2 Tool Steel Flat Stock 5/32x8x18 in

Product Description

The STARRETT 57516 is an A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock bar supplied in a ready-to-machine condition. It measures 5/32 inches thick, 8 inches wide, and 18 inches long, making it a substantial piece suited for die-making, punch plates, fixtures, and precision tooling applications. A2 tool steel offers good dimensional stability during heat treatment and balanced toughness and wear resistance. Thickness tolerance is held to plus or minus 0.001 inches, and square tolerance matches that same tight spec. This flat stock is used by tool and die makers, machinists, and fabricators who require consistent material dimensions before heat treating to final hardness.

A2 air-hardening tool steel is a standard choice for tooling that must maintain shape through the hardening cycle with minimal distortion. This bar is appropriate for fabricating blanking dies, forming tools, shear blades, gauges, and similar precision components in job shops and production tooling environments. The 8-inch width and 18-inch length provide enough material for medium-to-large tool components without requiring initial saw reduction on most applications. The 5/32-inch thickness suits thin die plates and spacer applications where close dimensional control is required from the raw stock.

Key Features

• A2 air-hardening tool steel with stable dimensions through the hardening process
• Thickness held to plus or minus 0.001 inches for close-tolerance tooling work
• Width tolerance of plus 0.000 to 0.005 inches ensures stock is never undersize
• Length tolerance of plus 0.250 inches provides cleanup allowance on both ends
• Square tolerance of plus or minus 0.001 inches supports accurate layout without additional grinding
• AISI A2 material specification for consistent metallurgical properties

Compatibility

Designed as a standard AISI A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock for use in tool and die fabrication, fixture building, and precision machining applications requiring controlled dimensions prior to heat treatment.

Installation Notes

Machining and grinding of A2 tool steel flat stock should be performed by qualified machinists or tool and die makers using appropriate cutting fluids and tooling rated for tool steel. Heat treating to final hardness requires a controlled atmosphere furnace or salt bath to prevent decarburization and should be performed according to AISI A2 heat treatment guidelines. All cutting, grinding, and EDM operations should be completed before the hardening cycle unless otherwise specified by the tooling design. Follow applicable shop safety standards for handling and storing tool steel bar stock.