Starrett 57597 A2 Tool Steel Flat Stock 3/8 X 3/8 X 18 in

Product Description

The STARRETT 57597 is an A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock bar sized at 0.375 inches thick, 0.375 inches wide, and 18 inches long. A2 tool steel is an air-hardening, cold-work die steel known for its dimensional stability during heat treatment and good wear resistance. This flat stock is supplied in the annealed condition, ready for machining, grinding, and subsequent hardening by the end user. Machinists, toolmakers, and die makers use this material to fabricate punches, dies, gauges, and other precision tooling components. At 0.72 pounds per piece, it is well suited for small-batch tooling work and prototype applications.

This flat bar is appropriate for job shop, tool room, and industrial manufacturing environments where tight tolerance stock is required before final grinding and heat treatment. The controlled thickness, width, and squareness tolerances make it suitable for applications where near-net-shape blanks reduce secondary stock removal. Typical uses include cutting dies, forming tools, trim dies, and fixture components requiring moderate toughness and good through-hardness in sections up to approximately one inch.

Key Features

• A2 air-hardening tool steel for minimal distortion during heat treatment
• Supplied in annealed condition, ready for machining and grinding
• Thickness tolerance of +0.010 to +0.015 inches for consistent stock removal planning
• Width tolerance of +0.010 to +0.015 inches
• Length tolerance of +0.250 inches
• Square tolerance of +0.010 to +0.015 inches for accurate layout and setup

Compatibility

Designed as a standard A2 tool steel flat stock blank compatible with conventional toolroom machining, surface grinding, and air-hardening heat treatment processes typical for AISI Type A2 cold-work tool steel.

Installation Notes

A2 tool steel flat stock is machined and heat-treated by qualified toolmakers or machinists following standard tool steel processing procedures. All grinding and machining should be completed prior to hardening unless post-grind stock removal is planned. Follow established heat treatment guidelines for AISI A2 tool steel, including proper preheat, austenitizing temperature, and air quench procedures. Wear appropriate PPE when cutting, grinding, or handling tool steel stock.