Drill Rod Tool Steels 86232121 A2 Tool Steel Flat Stock

Product Description

The DRILL ROD TOOL STEELS 86232121 is a precision-ground A2 air-hardening tool steel flat bar intended for toolmakers, machinists, and die shops requiring tight dimensional tolerances out of the box. Measuring 0.5 inches thick by 1.25 inches wide by 18 inches long and weighing approximately 3.19 pounds, this flat stock ships ready for layout, machining, or heat treatment. AISI A2 tool steel is an air-hardening, medium-alloy cold-work steel known for its dimensional stability during hardening and its balanced combination of wear resistance and toughness. Thickness tolerance is held to plus or minus 0.001 inches, making it suitable for applications where stock removal is minimized before finishing.

This flat stock is used in cold-work tooling applications including punches, dies, gauges, forming tools, and precision fixtures. It is appropriate for both short-run prototype tooling and production die work. Machinists typically use it in the annealed condition for roughing and semi-finishing, then send it out or in-house harden by air quench to working hardness. The 18-inch length accommodates a wide range of die set and fixture sizes without requiring initial cutoff for most bench work.

Key Features

• AISI A2 air-hardening tool steel for minimal distortion during heat treatment
• Thickness tolerance of plus or minus 0.001 inches for precise stock preparation
• Width tolerance of plus 0.000 to minus 0.005 inches for close-fit applications
• Length tolerance of plus or minus 0.062 inches
• Square tolerance of plus or minus 0.003 inches
• Supplied in annealed condition, ready for machining prior to hardening

Compatibility

Designed as a standard AISI A2 air-hardening tool steel flat bar suitable for cold-work tooling, die making, punch fabrication, and precision fixture work where air-quench hardening and dimensional stability are required.

Installation Notes

Machining and grinding of A2 tool steel should be performed by qualified machinists or toolmakers familiar with cold-work die steels. Hardening requires controlled furnace heating and still-air or forced-air quench per the material specification - consult the steel supplier or a certified heat treater for cycle parameters. Always allow the workpiece to reach ambient temperature before final grinding to avoid thermal stress. Wear appropriate PPE when cutting, grinding, or handling steel stock.