Starrett 57599 A2 Tool Steel Flat Stock 3/8x3/4x18 in

Product Description

The STARRETT 57599 is an A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock bar intended for toolmakers, machinists, and die makers who need a reliable, pre-cut blank for custom tooling, dies, punches, and fixtures. The bar measures 3/8 inches thick by 3/4 inches wide by 18 inches long and weighs 1.43 pounds. A2 tool steel offers excellent dimensional stability during heat treatment and good wear resistance after hardening, making it a preferred grade for precision tooling applications. Thickness, width, and square tolerances are all held to +0.010 to +0.015 inches, with a length tolerance of +0.25 inches, giving the machinist predictable stock removal allowance before final grinding.

This flat stock is suited for machine shops, tool-and-die operations, and maintenance shops that fabricate or repair tooling in-house. The 18-inch length provides enough material for a single punch, form die insert, or similar small-to-medium tool blank without significant cutoff waste. A2 grade is commonly specified where through-hardening with minimal distortion is required, such as blanking dies, forming tools, and gauges. The bar ships ready to cut, machine, and heat treat to finished specifications.

Key Features

• A2 air-hardening tool steel per AISI designation — excellent stability during hardening
• Tight dimensional tolerances: +0.010 to +0.015 inches on thickness, width, and squareness
• Length tolerance of +0.25 inches allows for facing or squaring cuts
• Pre-cut 18-inch bar reduces raw stock waste for single-tool blanks
• Flat stock profile simplifies layout, milling, and surface grinding operations

Compatibility

Designed as a general-purpose A2 tool steel flat bar for use in any application requiring AISI A2 air-hardening material at 3/8 inches x 3/4 inches cross-section.

Installation Notes

Machining and heat treatment of A2 tool steel should be performed by qualified toolmakers or machinists familiar with air-hardening steel procedures. Follow the material manufacturer's recommended austenitizing and tempering cycles for A2 grade to achieve target hardness. Always allow the bar to reach room temperature before precision layout or grinding. Secure workpiece firmly during cutting and milling operations to maintain tolerance integrity.