Starrett 54432 O1 Tool Steel Flat Stock 7/16x2x36 in

Product Description

The STARRETT 54432 is an O1 oil-hardening tool steel flat stock bar measuring 7/16 inch thick, 2 inches wide, and 36 inches long. Manufactured to AISI Type O1 specifications, this flat stock is ground to tight dimensional tolerances and is intended for toolmakers, machinists, and die makers who require a reliable, weldable, and machinable steel blank in the annealed condition. At 8.92 pounds per piece, it is a substantial bar suitable for fabricating punches, dies, gauges, cutting tools, and similar precision tooling components that will be hardened after machining.

O1 tool steel flat stock in this size range is commonly used in job shops, tool and die operations, and maintenance machining environments. It suits applications where a user needs to machine a custom tool blank to near-final dimensions before heat treating. The oil-hardening characteristic of O1 allows for relatively straightforward hardening with minimal distortion compared to water-hardening grades, making it a practical choice for small to medium tool sections.

Key Features

• AISI Type O1 oil-hardening tool steel — predictable hardening response with minimal distortion
• Thickness tolerance of plus or minus 0.001 inches for consistent stock removal calculations
• Width tolerance of 0.000 to minus 0.005 inches — bar is never oversized in width
• Length tolerance of plus 0.015 inches — full 36-inch nominal length guaranteed
• Edge squareness held to 0.003 inches per inch across all edges
• Supplied in annealed condition for machining prior to heat treatment

Compatibility

Designed as a standard AISI O1 oil-hardening tool steel flat stock suitable for general tool and die fabrication, gauge making, and precision machining applications where stock is machined to shape and subsequently oil-quench hardened.

Installation Notes

Cutting and machining of tool steel flat stock should be performed with appropriate metalworking equipment including band saws, mills, and surface grinders; carbide tooling is recommended for best results. Heat treating to final hardness requires an oven or furnace capable of reaching austenitizing temperatures for O1 steel followed by an oil quench — this work should be performed by a qualified heat treater or experienced machinist familiar with tool steel processing. Handle cut edges with care as ground stock edges can be sharp. Always wear appropriate PPE including cut-resistant gloves when handling flat bar stock.