Tool Steel A2 Rectangular Bar 3/4" x 1/8" Retail Price

About A2|Air-hardening tool steel. The general-purpose die steel. Hardens uniformly by cooling in still air after austenitizing, which minimizes distortion compared to oil- or water-hardening grades. Reaches HRC 57-62 with good toughness and wear resistance. Machine annealed (HRC ~25), then heat treat. In the annealed state it machines reasonably well with carbide. After hardening, it's grinding and EDM only. Used for blanking dies, forming dies, punches, and gauges. Compare to D2 (higher wear resistance, more chromium) and O1 (oil-hardening, cheaper, more distortion during heat treat).

About Rectangular Bar|Solid rectangular cross-section stock. Functionally similar to flat bar but typically available in thicker, chunkier profiles. The naming varies by supplier — what one calls rectangular bar, another calls flat bar. Used for keys, gibs, wear strips, brackets, and any part where a rectangular starting profile saves setup time versus milling from plate.