Starrett 54338 O1 Tool Steel Flat Stock 3/16x1/2x36 in

Product Description

The STARRETT 54338 is a precision-ground O1 oil-hardening tool steel flat bar intended for toolmakers, machinists, and die makers who need tight-tolerance raw stock for fabricating punches, dies, gauges, jigs, and fixture components. This flat stock measures 3/16 inches thick, 1/2 inches wide, and 36 inches long, held to a thickness tolerance of plus or minus 0.001 inches. The material is AISI Type O1 tool steel, a widely used oil-hardening grade valued for its dimensional stability during heat treat and its ability to hold a sharp cutting edge after hardening and tempering.

This flat stock is used in machine shops, tool-and-die operations, and maintenance departments that produce short-run tooling and precision mechanical components. It is suited for applications where the blank must be machined, ground to final dimension, then hardened in oil. Typical end uses include custom punches, small dies, form tools, locating keys, and wear plates in both light industrial and precision manufacturing environments.

Key Features

• AISI Type O1 oil-hardening tool steel for reliable heat treatment response
• Precision thickness tolerance of plus or minus 0.001 inches for consistent stock removal
• Width tolerance of 0.000 to minus 0.005 inches — stock runs at or below nominal for predictable fits
• Length tolerance of plus 0.015 inches — full-length stock with positive allowance for facing
• Edge squareness held to 0.003 inches per inch across all edges
• Single-piece packaging allows ordering by the bar with no minimum overrun

Compatibility

Designed as a standard AISI O1 oil-hardening flat bar for general toolroom and machining applications requiring oil-quench heat-treatable tool steel in flat bar form.

Installation Notes

Cutting and grinding of O1 tool steel should be performed by a qualified machinist using appropriate metalworking equipment. When heat treating, follow the material supplier's recommended austenitizing temperature and oil-quench procedure for O1 grade — do not substitute a water quench. Wear appropriate PPE including eye protection and heat-resistant gloves during any thermal processing. Grinding after hardening produces fine steel dust; use proper ventilation and dust collection per applicable shop safety standards.