Starrett 54549 A2 Tool Steel Flat Stock 1/8x2x36 in

Product Description

The STARRETT 54549 is an A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock bar used in toolmaking, die making, and precision machining applications. Measuring 0.125 inches thick, 2 inches wide, and 36 inches long, this piece is cut to a tightly controlled tolerance profile that supports direct use in jig, fixture, and tooling fabrication. Thickness and squareness tolerances are held to plus or minus 0.001 inches, and width tolerance is controlled from plus 0.000 to plus 0.005 inches. A2 tool steel offers good wear resistance and dimensional stability through the hardening process, making it a reliable choice for precision tool components that require air hardening without the distortion risk of oil- or water-hardened grades.

This flat stock is suited for shops and toolrooms producing punches, dies, gauges, and forming tools. The 36-inch bar length allows multiple blanks to be cut from a single piece, reducing material waste in short-run toolmaking. It is appropriate for both small-volume job shops and production toolrooms where accurate pre-hardened or anneal-state stock is needed. The bar ships in an annealed condition ready for machining before the final hardening cycle.

Key Features

• A2 air-hardening tool steel construction for reduced distortion during heat treatment
• Thickness tolerance of plus or minus 0.001 inches for close-tolerance tooling applications
• Width tolerance of plus 0.000 to plus 0.005 inches
• Squareness held to 0.003 inches per inch on all edges
• Length tolerance of plus 0.25 inches
• 36-inch bar length suitable for multiple blank cuts

Compatibility

Designed as a standard A2 tool steel flat bar for use in toolrooms, machine shops, and die shops requiring air-hardening cold-work tool steel in flat stock form.

Installation Notes

Machining and finishing of A2 tool steel flat stock should be performed by qualified machinists or tool and die makers using appropriate cutting speeds and coolant for tool steel. Heat treatment to final hardness requires a controlled atmosphere or vacuum furnace to minimize scaling and decarburization. Always relieve machining stresses before the hardening cycle. Follow the material supplier and applicable shop safety guidelines when grinding or cutting hardened tool steel.