Starrett 57598 A2 Tool Steel Flat Stock 3/8 X 1/2 X 18 in

Product Description

The STARRETT 57598 is an A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock bar sized at 0.375 inches thick, 0.5 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 heat treating. Toolmakers, machinists, and die makers use this material to fabricate punches, dies, gauges, and cutting tools. Thickness, width, and squareness tolerances are held to +0.010 to 0.015 inches, supporting close-tolerance toolroom applications.

This flat stock is suited for job shop, toolroom, and production environments where A2 tool steel is specified. Typical applications include blanking and forming dies, trim dies, punches, and wear components in light to medium production tooling. The 18-inch length provides a practical starting blank for most toolroom cuts without excessive material waste. It is appropriate for both prototype and short-run production tooling projects handled by skilled machinists and tool and die makers.

Key Features

• AISI A2 air-hardening tool steel for stable, low-distortion heat treatment
• Thickness: 0.375 inches with +0.010 to 0.015 inches tolerance
• Width: 0.5 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
• Supplied annealed for machining prior to heat treat

Compatibility

Designed as a standard A2 tool steel flat stock blank compatible with toolroom and die-making applications that call for AISI A2 cold-work tool steel in flat bar form.

Installation Notes

A2 tool steel flat stock is machined and ground by qualified machinists or tool and die makers using appropriate carbide or HSS tooling. Follow the material supplier heat-treat specifications for austenitizing temperature, quench method, and tempering cycle before placing the finished tool in service. Always wear appropriate PPE when cutting, grinding, or handling sharp-edged stock. Secure the workpiece properly in a vise or fixture before machining operations begin.