Starrett 54643 A2 Tool Steel Flat Stock 3/8x1x36 in

Product Description

The STARRETT 54643 is an A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock bar used in toolmaking, die making, and precision machining applications. It arrives in an annealed, ready-to-machine condition and hardens by air quench after heat treatment, producing a stable, low-distortion finished tool. The bar measures 0.375 inches thick, 1 inch wide, and 36 inches long, with a weight of 4.39 pounds. Thickness tolerance is held to plus or minus 0.001 inches, making it suitable for applications requiring close dimensional control. Licensed toolmakers, machinists, and die makers are the primary installers and users of this material.

A2 tool steel flat stock is used in the fabrication of blanking dies, punches, forming tools, gauges, and similar precision tooling. The air-hardening characteristic of AISI A2 reduces warpage risk during the hardening cycle compared to oil-hardening grades, making it a preferred choice for flat and thin-cross-section tools. This bar is sized for bench or surface grinder work and is commonly stocked in tool rooms serving metalworking, stamping, and general manufacturing operations.

Key Features

• AISI A2 air-hardening tool steel — reduced distortion during heat treatment versus oil-hardening grades
• Thickness tolerance: plus or minus 0.001 inches for precise, predictable stock removal
• Width tolerance: plus 0.000 to 0.005 inches
• Length tolerance: plus 0.25 inches
• Squareness: edge all 0.003 inches per inch
• Square tolerance: plus or minus 0.001 inches

Compatibility

Designed as a standard A2 air-hardening tool steel flat bar suitable for fabrication into dies, punches, gauges, and precision tooling components in metalworking and manufacturing applications.

Installation Notes

Machining and heat treatment of tool steel should be performed by qualified toolmakers or machinists familiar with AISI A2 material specifications. Always follow the steel supplier or tooling engineer recommendations for preheat, austenitizing temperature, and air-quench procedures. Wear appropriate PPE including heat-resistant gloves and eye protection when handling heated material. Grinding operations should be performed with appropriate wheel selection to avoid surface burns that can reduce surface hardness.