Starrett 57589 A2 Tool Steel Flat Stock 5/16 X 18 in

Product Description

The STARRETT 57589 is an A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock bar measuring 5/16 inches thick, 5/16 inches wide, and 18 inches long. Manufactured to AISI Type A2 specifications, this flat stock is used by machinists, tool-and-die makers, and metalworking professionals as raw material for punches, dies, fixtures, gauges, and other precision tooling. A2 tool steel offers good wear resistance and dimensional stability through the air-hardening process, making it a reliable choice for tool fabrication applications. The piece weighs approximately 0.5 pounds and ships in a single-piece quantity.

This flat stock is suited for job shop and production tooling environments where A2 air-hardening steel is specified. It is commonly used in the fabrication of cutting tools, form dies, blanking dies, and precision fixtures. The square cross-section profile simplifies layout and machining. It is appropriate for both one-off prototype tooling and low-volume production applications where tight dimensional tolerances are required before hardening.

Key Features

• AISI Type A2 air-hardening tool steel for consistent hardening results and reduced distortion
• Square cross-section: 5/16 inches thick by 5/16 inches wide — simplifies fixturing and layout
• Thickness tolerance of +0.010 to 0.015 inches for predictable stock removal calculations
• Width tolerance of +0.010 to 0.015 inches matched to thickness tolerance
• Length tolerance of +0.25 inches provides usable overage for facing or parting
• Single-piece packaging with no minimum order quantity above one unit

Compatibility

Designed as a standard A2 tool steel flat stock suitable for use in any application requiring AISI A2 air-hardening tool steel bar stock in a 5/16 inches by 5/16 inches square profile.

Installation Notes

Machining and heat treatment of tool steel should be performed by qualified machinists or tool-and-die professionals using appropriate personal protective equipment. A2 steel is air-hardened and should be brought to hardening temperature in a controlled atmosphere or salt bath furnace to minimize decarburization. Allow the workpiece to cool in still air on an insulating surface — do not quench in water or oil. Follow applicable shop safety standards and equipment manufacturer guidelines when machining or heat-treating this material.