Starrett 54598 A2 Tool Steel Flat Stock 0.125x5x18 in

Product Description

The STARRETT 54598 is an A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock bar intended for toolmakers, machinists, and die makers who need a precision-ground blank ready for heat treatment. It measures 0.125 inches thick, 5 inches wide, and 18 inches long, and weighs 3.2 pounds. The AISI A2 designation means this steel air-hardens with minimal distortion during the hardening cycle, making it well suited for punches, dies, gauges, and precision cutting tools. Thickness tolerance is held to plus or minus 0.001 inches, square tolerance to plus or minus 0.001 inches, width tolerance to plus 0.000 to 0.005 inches, and length tolerance to plus 0.250 inches.

This flat stock is used in tool-and-die shops, maintenance machining operations, and precision fabrication environments. Its pre-ground finish reduces setup time when laying out and machining die components, punch plates, forming tools, or fixture elements. The oversized length tolerance allows the machinist to cut to final length from a guaranteed minimum. It is appropriate for both prototype tooling and short-run production die work where dimensional consistency before heat treat is critical.

Key Features

• AISI A2 air-hardening tool steel minimizes distortion during heat treatment
• Thickness held to plus or minus 0.001 inches for precise stock removal planning
• Width tolerance of plus 0.000 to 0.005 inches ensures no undersize condition
• Length tolerance of plus 0.250 inches provides full usable material at 18 inches minimum
• Square tolerance of plus or minus 0.001 inches supports accurate layout and grinding
• Ships as a single piece at 3.2 pounds, no minimum quantity beyond one unit

Compatibility

Designed as a standard AISI A2 tool steel flat stock blank suitable for use in tool-and-die, punch, forming tool, and precision fixture applications where air-hardening steel stock is specified.

Installation Notes

Cutting, grinding, and machining of tool steel flat stock should be performed by a qualified machinist or toolmaker using appropriate coolant to prevent edge burning. Heat treatment of A2 steel requires controlled furnace hardening followed by air quench — consult the material specification and applicable shop procedures before processing. Always wear appropriate PPE when cutting or grinding tool steel. Verify final dimensions after rough machining and before heat treatment, as minor movement can still occur.