Starrett 54450 O1 Tool Steel Flat Stock 0.5x6x36 in

Product Description

The STARRETT 54450 is an O1 oil-hardening tool steel flat stock bar used in toolmaking, die work, jig fabrication, and precision machining applications. Made from AISI Type O1 tool steel, this flat stock measures 0.5 inches thick, 6 inches wide, and 36 inches long and weighs 30.6 pounds. O1 tool steel is a tungsten-bearing, oil-quench grade known for its excellent machinability in the annealed state and its ability to hold a sharp edge after hardening. Thickness tolerance is held to plus or minus 0.001 inches, making this stock suitable for applications where dimensional consistency before heat treatment is critical.

This flat stock is used by tool and die makers, machinists, and metalworking shops in both production and job-shop environments. Typical applications include blanking dies, punches, gauges, jigs, fixtures, and cutting tools. The bar ships in annealed condition, ready for machining to final shape before the oil-hardening heat treatment cycle. The 36-inch length and 6-inch width make it practical for larger tooling profiles that would otherwise require welding or joining of smaller stock.

Key Features

• AISI Type O1 oil-hardening tool steel for excellent machinability and edge retention after hardening
• Thickness tolerance of plus or minus 0.001 inches for consistent pre-machining stock dimensions
• Width tolerance of 0.000 to minus 0.005 inches for predictable fit in precision setups
• Length tolerance of plus 0.015 inches ensures full usable length
• Edge squareness held to 0.003 inches per inch across all edges
• Annealed condition allows straightforward machining with standard high-speed or carbide tooling

Compatibility

Designed as a standard O1 oil-hardening tool steel flat stock for use in general toolmaking, die making, and precision machining applications where an oil-quench steel grade is specified.

Installation Notes

Machining and heat treatment of tool steel should be performed by qualified machinists or tool and die makers familiar with O1 steel processing requirements. Standard metalworking equipment and cutting fluids apply during the annealed machining phase. Oil-hardening heat treatment requires a controlled atmosphere or salt bath furnace followed by an appropriate quench medium — this operation should not be performed without proper equipment and safety controls. Always allow the part to reach ambient temperature before finish grinding to avoid stress-related distortion.