Starrett 54580 A2 Tool Steel Flat Stock 0.25x2x36 in

Product Description

The STARRETT 54580 is an A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock bar used in toolmaking, die making, and precision machining applications. Measuring 0.25 inches thick, 2 inches wide, and 36 inches long, this flat stock ships ready to cut, grind, and heat treat. A2 tool steel offers good dimensional stability during air hardening, making it a reliable choice for punches, dies, gauges, and blades. Thickness and squareness tolerances are held to plus or minus 0.001 inches, giving machinists and toolmakers a consistent starting point without additional stock removal on face dimensions.

This flat stock suits job shops, tool and die makers, and maintenance machinists working in both light industrial and heavy manufacturing environments. It is appropriate for applications requiring moderate wear resistance and good toughness after heat treatment. The 36-inch length is a standard working bar that can be cut to finished blank sizes on a band saw or surface grinder. Width tolerance is held to plus 0.000 to 0.005 inches, and length tolerance is plus 0.25 inches from nominal.

Key Features

• A2 air-hardening tool steel — stable dimensions through heat treat cycle
• Thickness: 0.25 inches with plus or minus 0.001 inch tolerance
• Width: 2 inches with plus 0.000 to 0.005 inch tolerance
• Length: 36 inches with plus 0.25 inch tolerance
• Squareness held to 0.003 inches per inch on all edges
• AISI A2 material specification — suitable for punches, dies, gauges, and blades

Compatibility

Designed as a standard A2 tool steel flat stock blank suitable for tool and die fabrication, fixture building, and precision component manufacturing where air-hardening steel is specified.

Installation Notes

Cutting and grinding of tool steel flat stock should be performed by a qualified machinist or toolmaker using appropriate coolant to prevent surface hardening or micro-cracking. Heat treatment to full hardness requires controlled atmosphere or vacuum furnace equipment and should follow AISI A2 recommended austenitizing and tempering cycles. Always allow stock to reach room temperature before final grinding to finished dimensions. Personal protective equipment including safety glasses and gloves is required when cutting or grinding.