Starrett 57576 A2 Tool Steel Flat Stock 3/16x5x18 in

Product Description

The STARRETT 57576 is an A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock bar intended for toolmakers, machinists, and die makers who require a dimensionally consistent, weldable blank ready for heat treatment. Measuring 3/16 inches thick by 5 inches wide by 18 inches long, it ships in an annealed condition and achieves full hardness through air-quench heat treatment, which minimizes distortion compared to oil- or water-hardening grades. A2 tool steel offers a strong balance of wear resistance and toughness, making it a reliable choice for punches, dies, jigs, fixtures, and gauging components. Thickness, width, and squareness tolerances are held to +0.010 to 0.015 inches, and length tolerance is +0.25 inches.

This flat stock is suited for job shops, toolrooms, and maintenance departments in manufacturing environments. It supports applications where a close-tolerance, machinable blank is needed before hardening, including punch and die sets, forming tools, wear plates, and fixture components. The 3/16-inch thickness makes it a practical choice for lighter tooling and detail work where thicker stock would require excessive material removal. At 4.82 pounds per piece, it is manageable for bench-top machining operations.

Key Features

• A2 air-hardening tool steel resists distortion during heat treatment, preserving geometry through the hardening cycle
• Thickness and width tolerance of +0.010 to 0.015 inches reduces pre-machining stock removal
• Length tolerance of +0.25 inches provides a positive allowance for cut-off and facing
• Squareness tolerance of +0.010 to 0.015 inches supports accurate layout and fixturing
• Annealed condition allows machining, drilling, and grinding prior to heat treat
• AISI A2 material specification confirms alloy grade for documentation and shop floor traceability

Compatibility

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

Installation Notes

Machining and grinding should be completed before heat treatment. Air-hardening tool steels require controlled austenitizing and quenching procedures per the steel manufacturer's heat treat data sheet — follow those parameters precisely. Personal protective equipment including eye protection and heat-resistant gloves is required during all heat treatment operations. Secure the workpiece properly in any mill vise or surface grinder magnetic chuck before cutting or grinding operations begin.