Starrett 54576 A2 Tool Steel Flat Stock 3/16x6x36 in

Product Description

The STARRETT 54576 is an A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock bar used in toolmaking, die making, and precision machining applications. Measuring 3/16 inches thick, 6 inches wide, and 36 inches long, this flat stock is manufactured to tight dimensional tolerances, including a thickness tolerance of plus or minus 0.001 inches and a width tolerance of plus 0.000 to 0.005 inches. A2 tool steel offers good wear resistance and dimensional stability during air-hardening heat treatment, making it a reliable choice for punches, dies, gauges, and similar toolroom components. Machinists, tool and die makers, and industrial fabricators work with this material regularly.

This flat stock is suited for precision toolroom and production shop environments where consistent stock dimensions and predictable heat-treat response are required. The A2 grade is a standard air-hardening tool steel recognized for balanced hardness, toughness, and moderate machinability in the annealed state. It is commonly used when oil-hardening grades like O1 introduce too much distortion risk, or when applications demand tighter dimensional control after hardening. Stock arrives in the annealed condition, ready for machining prior to heat treatment.

Key Features

• A2 air-hardening tool steel for reduced distortion during heat treatment compared to oil-hardening grades
• Thickness tolerance of plus or minus 0.001 inches for consistent stock removal and close-tolerance work
• Width tolerance of plus 0.000 to 0.005 inches
• Length tolerance of plus 0.25 inches
• Square tolerance of plus or minus 0.001 inches with edge squareness of 0.003 inches per inch
• Weighs 13.19 pounds per bar, suitable for substantial tooling blanks

Compatibility

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

Installation Notes

Machining and cutting of tool steel flat stock should be performed by qualified machinists using appropriate tooling rated for hardened or semi-hard steel. Always follow established heat-treatment procedures for A2 tool steel, including proper soak temperatures and controlled air-cooling, as specified by your heat-treat facility or the applicable material standard. Use appropriate personal protective equipment when sawing, grinding, or milling tool steel. Inspect stock dimensions before beginning layout to confirm bar is within tolerance for your application.