Starrett 54572 A2 Tool Steel Flat Stock 3/16x3x36 in

Product Description

The STARRETT 54572 is an A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock bar used in toolmaking, die work, and precision machining applications. Measuring 3/16 inch thick, 3 inches wide, and 36 inches long, it is produced to tight tolerances: plus or minus 0.001 inch on thickness and squareness, plus 0.000 to 0.005 inch on width, and plus 0.25 inch on length. The AISI Type A2 designation indicates an air-hardening cold-work tool steel with good dimensional stability during heat treatment. Machinists, toolmakers, and die makers typically work with this material in job shops, tool rooms, and production environments.

A2 tool steel flat stock in this size range is commonly used to produce punches, dies, forming tools, gauges, and fixtures. The 3/16 by 3 by 36 inch format suits applications that require a relatively thin, wide bar that can be cut to length and finish-machined before or after hardening. A2 material is favored when a balance of wear resistance, toughness, and minimal distortion during air hardening is required. This bar is sold individually with a minimum order quantity of one piece.

Key Features

• AISI Type A2 air-hardening cold-work tool steel with good dimensional stability during heat treatment
• Thickness tolerance of plus or minus 0.001 inch for consistent stock removal during machining
• Width tolerance of plus 0.000 to 0.005 inch and squareness tolerance of plus or minus 0.001 inch
• Edge squareness held to 0.003 inch per inch across all edges
• 36-inch length with a plus 0.25-inch length tolerance allows cut-to-length flexibility
• Weighs 6.6 pounds per bar, suitable for bench and machine handling without rigging

Compatibility

Designed as a standard AISI A2 air-hardening tool steel flat bar suitable for general toolmaking, die making, and precision fixture fabrication applications requiring close-tolerance cold-work steel stock.

Installation Notes

Cutting, grinding, and machining of tool steel flat stock should be performed by qualified machinists or toolmakers using appropriate metalworking equipment. Secure the workpiece properly before any cutting or grinding operation. Heat treatment, including air hardening and tempering of A2 steel, should follow the material supplier's published thermal processing guidelines and be performed in a controlled atmosphere or vacuum furnace to minimize decarburization. Always wear appropriate PPE including eye protection and gloves when handling and cutting steel bar stock.