Starrett 54588 A2 Tool Steel Flat Stock 0.25x6x36 in

Product Description

The STARRETT 54588 is an A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock bar used in toolmaking, die making, and precision machining applications. Measuring 0.25 inches thick, 6 inches wide, and 36 inches long, this flat stock is supplied in an annealed condition ready for machining and subsequent heat treatment. A2 tool steel offers good wear resistance and dimensional stability during air hardening, making it a practical choice for punches, dies, gauges, and similar toolroom components. Thickness tolerance is held to plus or minus 0.001 inches, and squareness is maintained to 0.003 inches per inch of edge, reflecting the close-tolerance milling expected from this grade of tool steel.

This flat stock is suited for machine shops, toolrooms, and die shops operating in both job-shop and production environments. It is commonly used to fabricate blanking dies, forming tools, fixtures, and wear plates where controlled heat treatment and moderate toughness are required. At 0.25 inches thick and 6 inches wide, the bar provides substantial cross-section for layout and machining before hardening. Machinists and tool and die makers typically saw, mill, and grind this material to net shape prior to heat treatment.

Key Features

• AISI A2 air-hardening tool steel for controlled distortion during heat treatment
• Thickness held to plus or minus 0.001 inches for predictable stock removal planning
• Width tolerance of plus 0.000 to plus 0.005 inches
• Length tolerance of plus 0.25 inches
• Squareness maintained to 0.003 inches per inch of edge
• Supplied in annealed flat stock form ready for machining

Compatibility

Designed as a standard AISI A2 tool steel flat stock suitable for general toolroom use wherever A2 air-hardening die steel is specified.

Installation Notes

Cutting, grinding, and machining of tool steel flat stock should be performed by qualified machinists or tool and die makers using appropriate cutting fluids and tooling rated for hardened or semi-hard steel. Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment when sawing or grinding. Heat treatment, including hardening and tempering, should follow established thermal processing procedures for AISI A2 tool steel and should be performed in a controlled atmosphere or salt bath furnace to minimize decarburization. Do not attempt to weld or flame-cut A2 tool steel without appropriate pre-heat and post-heat procedures.