Starrett 54623 A2 Tool Steel Flat Stock 0.25x2x18 in

Product Description

The STARRETT 54623 is an A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock bar designed for toolmakers, machinists, and die makers who require tight-tolerance steel blanks for tooling, jigs, fixtures, and cutting tools. It measures 0.25 inches thick, 2 inches wide, and 18 inches long, and ships at 2.55 pounds. A2 tool steel is known for its excellent dimensional stability during heat treatment, making it a dependable choice where consistent geometry after hardening is critical. Thickness tolerance is held to plus or minus 0.001 inches, supporting precision fabrication workflows without additional stock removal.

This flat stock is suited for machine shops, tool and die operations, and maintenance departments that produce punches, dies, gauges, and forming tools. The 18-inch length provides practical blank stock for a wide range of tooling applications. The air-hardening A2 grade is commonly used where distortion during hardening must be minimized, making it appropriate for both roughed-out blanks and near-net-shape tool components that will be finish-ground after heat treat.

Key Features

• A2 air-hardening tool steel offers low distortion during heat treatment compared to oil-hardening grades
• Thickness tolerance of plus or minus 0.001 inches supports precision grinding and fitment work
• Width tolerance of plus 0.000 to 0.005 inches provides consistent stock for layout and machining
• Length tolerance of plus 0.250 inches allows for facing and squaring to final dimension
• Square tolerance of plus or minus 0.001 inches ensures reliable reference surfaces out of stock
• Sold individually with no minimum beyond one piece, reducing unnecessary inventory

Compatibility

Designed as a standard A2 tool steel flat stock blank for general tooling, die making, and fixture fabrication applications requiring AISI A2 air-hardening material specification.

Installation Notes

Cutting, grinding, and heat treating tool steel should be performed by qualified machinists or toolmakers familiar with A2 steel handling procedures. Follow appropriate shop safety practices when sawing or grinding tool steel, including use of proper PPE and adequate coolant where required. Heat treatment of A2 steel should follow the material manufacturer's recommended austenitizing, quenching, and tempering parameters. Do not attempt hardening operations without proper equipment and verified procedures.