Starrett 54581 A2 Tool Steel Flat Stock 0.25x2.5x36 in

Product Description

The STARRETT 54581 is an A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock bar supplied in a ready-to-use, ground and precision-tolerance condition. It measures 0.25 inches thick, 2.5 inches wide, and 36 inches long, with a shipping weight of 7.33 pounds. AISI A2 tool steel is an air-hardening cold-work grade known for excellent dimensional stability during heat treatment, moderate wear resistance, and good toughness. Machinists, tool and die makers, and metalworking shops use this material to fabricate punches, dies, gauges, fixtures, and other precision tooling components. Thickness tolerance is held to plus or minus 0.001 inches for close-tolerance work.

This flat stock is suited for job shops and toolrooms producing short-run or prototype tooling, as well as maintenance departments that fabricate replacement components in-house. The 36-inch length allows multiple blanks to be cut from a single piece. A2 air-hardening steel is typically hardened in still air or a controlled atmosphere furnace, reducing the distortion risk associated with oil- or water-quench grades, which makes it a preferred choice for flat tooling and precision parts that must hold tight dimensions after heat treat.

Key Features

• AISI A2 air-hardening cold-work tool steel for dimensional stability during heat treatment
• Thickness tolerance of plus or minus 0.001 inches for precision blank work
• Width tolerance of plus 0.000 to minus 0.005 inches
• Length tolerance of plus 0.25 inches
• Squareness held to 0.003 inches per inch on all edges
• Single-piece minimum order quantity — no bulk commitment required

Compatibility

Designed as a standard A2 tool steel flat stock blank suitable for use in tool and die fabrication, punch and die sets, gauges, fixtures, and general precision tooling applications requiring an air-hardening cold-work steel.

Installation Notes

Cutting, grinding, and machining of tool steel flat stock should be performed by qualified machinists or tool and die makers using appropriate metalworking equipment. Personal protective equipment including eye protection and cut-resistant gloves is required when handling or cutting stock. Heat treatment of A2 steel must follow the material supplier's recommended austenitizing temperature and soak time guidelines; improper heat treatment voids dimensional accuracy. Allow stock to reach ambient temperature before final grinding or measuring after heat treat.