Starrett 54571 A2 Tool Steel Flat Stock 3/16x2-1/2x36 in

Product Description

The STARRETT 54571 is an A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock bar used in toolmaking, die making, and precision machining applications. Measuring 3/16 inches thick, 2-1/2 inches wide, and 36 inches long, this flat stock is ground to close dimensional tolerances and supplied in a soft, machinable condition ready for custom machining before hardening. The A2 tool steel grade offers good dimensional stability during heat treatment and strong wear resistance after hardening, making it a standard choice for punches, dies, gages, and similar tool room applications. It weighs approximately 5.5 pounds per bar.

This flat stock is suited for tool rooms, job shops, and industrial maintenance departments requiring a versatile, readily machinable tool steel blank. A2 grade is appropriate where air-hardening capability is needed to minimize distortion during the hardening process. Machinists and tool and die makers use this bar to fabricate custom punches, forming dies, blanking dies, cutting tools, and fixtures where dimensional accuracy after heat treat is critical.

Key Features

• AISI A2 air-hardening tool steel for minimal distortion during heat treatment
• Thickness tolerance of plus or minus 0.001 inches for consistent stock removal calculations
• Width tolerance of plus 0.000 to plus 0.005 inches
• Length tolerance of plus 0.25 inches
• Squareness held to 0.003 inches per inch on all edges
• Supplied in annealed condition for ease of machining before hardening

Compatibility

Designed as a standard A2 tool steel flat stock blank suitable for general tool room and die shop applications requiring air-hardening tool steel in flat bar form.

Installation Notes

Machining and heat treatment of tool steel flat stock should be performed by qualified tool and die makers or machinists familiar with A2 steel properties. Rough machine to near-net shape before hardening to take advantage of the low distortion characteristics of A2 during air quench. Always follow the steel manufacturer's published heat treatment guidelines for austenitizing temperature, soak time, and tempering cycle. Use appropriate personal protective equipment and ventilation when grinding or machining tool steel.