Drill Rod Tool Steels 06320154 A2 Tool Steel Flat Stock

Product Description

The DRILL ROD TOOL STEELS 06320154 is a ground flat stock bar made from AISI A2 air-hardening tool steel. A2 tool steel is a chromium-molybdenum alloy known for its excellent dimensional stability during heat treatment, moderate wear resistance, and good toughness after hardening. This piece measures 0.3125 inches thick, 1.5 inches wide, and 18 inches long, with a shipping weight of 2.53 pounds. It is supplied in the annealed condition and is ready for machining, grinding, or layout work prior to heat treatment. Toolmakers, machinists, and die makers are the primary trades that work with this material.

A2 flat stock at this size is commonly used in tool and die shops, machine shops, and maintenance departments for fabricating punches, dies, gauges, fixtures, and precision cutting tools. The 18-inch length allows for single-piece or multiple short blanks to be cut from one bar. Its air-hardening characteristic reduces distortion compared to oil or water-hardening grades, making it well suited for close-tolerance tooling where dimensional accuracy after heat treat is critical.

Key Features

• AISI A2 air-hardening tool steel -- reduced distortion during hardening versus O1 or W1 grades
• Ground flat stock with tight thickness tolerance of +0.010 to +0.015 inches
• Width tolerance of +0.010 to +0.015 inches for consistent stock removal planning
• Length tolerance of +0.062 inches -- allows clean squaring on a saw or surface grinder
• Square tolerance of +/- 0.003 inches -- suitable for direct layout and fixture use
• Annealed condition -- machinable with standard HSS or carbide tooling before hardening

Compatibility

Designed as a standard AISI A2 air-hardening tool steel flat bar suitable for general toolmaking, die making, and precision fixture fabrication applications requiring dimensional stability after heat treatment.

Installation Notes

Work on A2 tool steel should be performed by qualified machinists or toolmakers familiar with tool steel grinding and heat treatment procedures. Heat treatment including hardening and tempering should follow the material manufacturer's recommended thermal cycle for AISI A2 and is typically performed by a certified heat treat shop. Always allow the bar to reach ambient temperature before performing precision grinding or measurement. Use appropriate personal protective equipment when cutting, grinding, or machining tool steel stock.