Starrett 54556 A2 Tool Steel Flat Stock 1/8x6x36 in

Product Description

The STARRETT 54556 is an A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock bar measuring 0.125 inches thick, 6 inches wide, and 36 inches long. A2 tool steel is a mid-range air-hardening alloy known for its dimensional stability during heat treatment, good wear resistance, and moderate toughness, making it a reliable choice for dies, punches, gauges, and precision tooling components. This flat stock ships in its pre-hardened or annealed condition ready for machining, grinding, and heat treatment by the end user. Machinists, tool-and-die makers, and industrial fabricators are the primary trades working with this material.

This flat stock is suited for tool room, job shop, and light industrial applications where consistent dimensions and tight tolerances are required before heat treatment. Typical uses include blanking dies, forming dies, cutting tools, drill jigs, and fixture components. The 36-inch length and 6-inch width provide enough material for multiple blanks from a single bar, reducing material waste on short-run tooling projects. Its air-hardening characteristic minimizes distortion compared to oil-hardening grades, which is a practical advantage on wider, thinner sections like this one.

Key Features

• AISI A2 air-hardening tool steel — minimal distortion during hardening on wide, thin cross-sections
• Thickness tolerance of plus or minus 0.001 inches for consistent stock removal during grinding
• Width tolerance of plus 0.000 to plus 0.005 inches
• Length tolerance of plus 0.25 inches
• Squareness tolerance of plus or minus 0.001 inches; edge squareness held to 0.003 inches per inch
• Ready for machining and heat treatment — no further annealing required before rough machining

Compatibility

Designed as a standard A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock suitable for general tool room and die-making applications requiring AISI A2 material specification.

Installation Notes

Tool steel flat stock of this type is processed by machinists and tool-and-die makers using conventional milling, grinding, and EDM equipment. Heat treatment to full hardness requires an air-hardening cycle appropriate for AISI A2 steel and should be performed by a qualified heat treater following the material supplier guidelines. Always allow the bar to reach ambient temperature before precise layout or measurement. Use proper personal protective equipment when cutting, grinding, or handling raw stock edges.