Starrett 57590 A2 Tool Steel Flat Stock 5/16x1/2x18 in

Product Description

The STARRETT 57590 is an A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock bar designed for toolmakers, machinists, and die makers who require precise, ready-to-finish stock for cutting tools, dies, punches, and gauges. It measures 5/16 inches thick, 1/2 inches wide, and 18 inches long. The A2 grade designation indicates an air-hardening, medium-alloy cold-work tool steel that offers good dimensional stability during heat treat and strong wear resistance after hardening. Thickness, width, and squareness tolerances are held to +0.010 to 0.015 inches, and length tolerance is +0.25 inches, making this suitable for close-tolerance tooling work with minimal pre-machining required.

This flat stock is used in tool and die shops, maintenance and repair operations, and precision machining environments. It is a standard choice for fabricating punches, dies, blades, guides, and similar tooling components. The 18-inch length allows for efficient sectioning into multiple shorter workpieces. A2 tool steel in flat bar form is a common starting material in both production and prototype tooling applications where consistent hardening response and predictable distortion control are critical.

Key Features

• A2 air-hardening tool steel provides good wear resistance and dimensional stability through heat treatment
• Thickness: 5/16 inches with +0.010 to 0.015 inches tolerance
• Width: 1/2 inches with +0.010 to 0.015 inches tolerance
• Length: 18 inches with +0.25 inches tolerance
• Squareness tolerance held to +0.010 to 0.015 inches for consistent stock alignment
• Ships as a single piece with minimum order quantity of 1

Compatibility

Designed as a standard A2 tool steel flat bar suitable for use in tool and die fabrication, punch and die sets, and general precision tooling applications requiring air-hardening cold-work steel.

Installation Notes

Cutting, grinding, and machining of A2 tool steel should be performed by qualified machinists or toolmakers using appropriate metalworking equipment. Material should be hardened and tempered per established A2 heat treatment procedures before use in finished tooling applications. Always use appropriate personal protective equipment when cutting or grinding tool steel stock. Handle edges with care, as ground flat stock surfaces can be sharp.