Starrett 54652 A2 Tool Steel Flat Stock 3/8x5x36 in

Product Description

The STARRETT 54652 is an A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock bar used in toolmaking, die work, and precision machining applications. Measuring 0.375 inches thick, 5 inches wide, and 36 inches long, it arrives in an annealed, ground condition ready for layout, machining, and heat treatment. A2 tool steel offers a balanced combination of wear resistance and toughness, and its air-hardening characteristic minimizes distortion during the hardening cycle. Thickness tolerance is held to plus or minus 0.001 inches, making this stock suitable for applications where dimensional consistency before heat treat is critical. Licensed machinists, toolmakers, and die makers are the primary users of this material.

This flat stock is suited for fabricating punches, dies, gauges, forming tools, and similar precision tooling components in job shops, tool rooms, and manufacturing facilities. The 36-inch length provides a workable bar that can be cut to multiple blanks on a horizontal bandsaw or cold saw. The 5-inch width accommodates larger die plates and mold components without requiring additional joining. AISI Type A2 designation confirms material specification for shops working to documented tooling standards.

Key Features

• AISI A2 air-hardening tool steel minimizes distortion during heat treatment compared to oil-hardening grades
• Thickness held to plus or minus 0.001 inches for consistent pre-machined stock dimensions
• Width tolerance of plus 0.000 to 0.005 inches provides a tight upper bound for fitted applications
• Length tolerance of plus 0.25 inches allows full usable length on every bar
• Squareness held to 0.003 inches per inch on all edges for reliable reference surfaces
• Ground flat stock condition reduces setup time and material removal prior to final machining

Compatibility

Designed as a standard AISI A2 tool steel flat stock suitable for toolroom and die-making applications requiring air-hardening material in ground flat bar form.

Installation Notes

Cutting should be performed with appropriate metal-cutting equipment such as a cold saw or horizontal bandsaw with blade speeds suited for tool steel. Heat treatment including hardening and tempering should be performed by a qualified heat treater following established procedures for AISI A2 tool steel. Personal protective equipment including eye protection and appropriate gloves must be worn during all cutting, grinding, and handling operations. Inspect bar dimensions upon receipt before machining to confirm tolerances meet job requirements.