Starrett 54566 A2 Tool Steel Flat Stock 5/32x6x36 in

Product Description

The STARRETT 54566 is an A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock bar intended for toolmakers, machinists, and die makers who require tight-tolerance raw material for dies, punches, gauges, and precision fixtures. It measures 5/32 inches thick, 6 inches wide, and 36 inches long, with a thickness tolerance of plus or minus 0.001 inches and a width tolerance of plus 0.000 to plus 0.005 inches. A2 tool steel offers a balanced combination of wear resistance and toughness, and its air-hardening characteristic reduces warping risk during heat treatment compared to oil-hardening grades. This stock arrives in the annealed condition and is intended for machining prior to hardening.

This flat stock is suited for low-to-medium production tooling applications in job shops, tool-and-die operations, and maintenance departments. Typical uses include blanking and forming dies, punches, fixture plates, and wear components. The 36-inch length provides workable stock for multiple parts per bar, and the 6-inch width accommodates wider tooling blanks without additional edge preparation. It is appropriate for both CNC machining centers and conventional mill or surface grinder setups prior to heat treating.

Key Features

• A2 air-hardening tool steel per AISI designation, reducing distortion risk during heat treat
• Thickness tolerance of plus or minus 0.001 inches for precise stock allowance planning
• Width tolerance of plus 0.000 to plus 0.005 inches, held consistently along the bar
• Squareness held to 0.003 inches per inch on all edges
• Length tolerance of plus 0.25 inches allows for saw-cut end removal without undersize risk
• Annealed condition ready for machining and subsequent hardening operations

Compatibility

Designed as a standard AISI A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock suitable for general tooling and die-making applications where A2 grade material is specified.

Installation Notes

Machining and heat treatment of A2 tool steel should be performed by qualified toolmakers or machinists familiar with tool steel handling practices. Secure the workpiece properly before any sawing, milling, or grinding operations. Heat treatment, including austenitizing and air quench, should follow the material manufacturer's published thermal cycle guidelines and be performed in equipment capable of controlled atmosphere or vacuum conditions to minimize surface decarburization. Always allow the bar to reach ambient temperature before inspection or finish grinding.