Starrett 57573 A2 Tool Steel Flat Stock 3/16x3/4x18 in

Product Description

The STARRETT 57573 is an A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock bar intended for toolmakers, machinists, and die makers who require a reliable, ready-to-machine blank. Measuring 3/16 inches thick, 3/4 inches wide, and 18 inches long, this bar arrives in the annealed condition and is sized for direct use in tool and die fabrication, jig components, punches, and cutting tools. The A2 grade offers a good balance of wear resistance and toughness after air-hardening heat treatment. Thickness, width, and squareness tolerances are held to +0.010 to 0.015 inches, with a length tolerance of +0.25 inches.

This flat stock is suited to machine shops, tool rooms, and industrial maintenance environments where short-run or replacement tooling is produced in-house. The 18-inch length supports cutting multiple shorter blanks from a single piece. A2 tool steel is commonly selected for applications that require moderate wear resistance with lower distortion during heat treatment compared to oil-hardening grades. Typical finished parts include forming dies, shear blades, gauges, and fixture components.

Key Features

• AISI A2 air-hardening tool steel — lower distortion during heat treat than O1 oil-hardening grades
• Dimensions: 3/16 inches thick x 3/4 inches wide x 18 inches long
• Thickness, width, and squareness tolerance: +0.010 to 0.015 inches
• Length tolerance: +0.25 inches
• Supplied in annealed condition, ready for machining prior to hardening
• Weight: 0.72 pounds per piece

Compatibility

Designed as a general-purpose A2 tool steel flat stock blank suitable for tool and die applications requiring air-hardening material in the 3/16 x 3/4 inch cross-section profile.

Installation Notes

Machining and heat treatment of tool steel should be performed by qualified machinists or tool and die makers familiar with A2 steel handling procedures. Follow the material manufacturer's recommended austenitizing and air-cooling parameters during hardening — do not quench in oil or water. Grinding operations after hardening should use adequate coolant to prevent surface tempering. All cutting and grinding operations should comply with applicable shop safety standards and PPE requirements.