Drill Rod Tool Steels 85999043 A2 Tool Steel Flat Stock

Product Description

The DRILL ROD TOOL STEELS 85999043 is an A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock bar cut to 9/16 inch thick, 3 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 before hardening. It is used by toolmakers, machinists, and die shops that require tight-tolerance stock for punches, dies, gauges, and similar tooling components. Weight is 8.93 pounds per piece.

A2 air-hardening flat stock is a standard choice in tool and die shops for fabricating blanking dies, forming dies, trim dies, and precision gauging components. Its air-hardening characteristic minimizes distortion during the hardening cycle compared to oil-hardening grades, making it suitable for larger cross-sections or close-tolerance work where post-heat-treat grinding stock must be held tight. This bar is appropriate for both prototype and production tooling applications in job shops and manufacturing facilities.

Key Features

• AISI A2 air-hardening tool steel for reduced distortion during heat treatment
• Supplied as flat stock: 9/16 inch thick x 3 inches wide x 18 inches long
• Thickness tolerance: +0.010 to +0.015 inches for consistent oversize stock
• Width tolerance: +0.010 to +0.015 inches
• Length tolerance: +0.062 inches
• Squareness: edge 0.003 inches and ends 0.004 inches per inch of thickness

Compatibility

Designed as a general-purpose A2 tool steel flat stock suitable for machined tooling components including dies, punches, gauges, and fixtures where air-hardening cold-work steel is specified.

Installation Notes

Machining and heat treatment of tool steel should be performed by qualified toolmakers or machinists familiar with AISI A2 steel requirements. All cutting, grinding, and EDM operations should be completed before the hardening cycle. Follow the steel manufacturer's recommended austenitizing and air-cooling procedures to achieve target hardness. Proper personal protective equipment is required during all cutting and grinding operations.