Starrett 54666 A2 Tool Steel Flat Stock 0.5x3.5x36 in

Product Description

The STARRETT 54666 is an A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock bar intended for toolmakers, die makers, and machinist shops that require tight-tolerance steel ready for heat treatment. Measuring 0.5 inches thick, 3.5 inches wide, and 36 inches long, this flat stock ships in an annealed condition suitable for machining before hardening. Thickness tolerance is held to plus or minus 0.001 inches, and squareness is controlled to 0.003 inches per inch on all edges. At 20.52 pounds, the bar provides substantial material for fixtures, punches, dies, and custom tooling applications.

A2 tool steel is a general-purpose air-hardening grade known for its dimensional stability during heat treatment and good wear resistance after hardening. This flat stock is well suited for fabricating blanking dies, form dies, punches, gages, and precision fixtures in job shops, tool rooms, and maintenance departments. The 36-inch length offers full-bar stock for layout and rough machining prior to final heat treat and grind operations. It is appropriate for both small-batch production tooling and one-off custom applications.

Key Features

• AISI A2 air-hardening tool steel — stable dimensions during heat treat cycle
• Thickness held to plus or minus 0.001 inches for precise stock allowance planning
• Width tolerance of plus 0.000 to 0.005 inches supports consistent machining setup
• Length tolerance of plus 0.25 inches provides full usable length after facing
• Squareness controlled to 0.003 inches per inch on all edges
• Annealed condition ready for machining before hardening and tempering

Compatibility

Designed as a standard A2 tool steel flat stock suitable for general tool and die making, fixture fabrication, and precision machining applications requiring air-hardening grade material.

Installation Notes

Cutting, grinding, and drilling of tool steel flat stock should be performed by qualified machinists or toolmakers familiar with high-carbon alloy steels. Use appropriate cutting fluids and carbide tooling to avoid work hardening at cut edges. Heat treatment — including hardening and tempering of A2 tool steel — should be performed according to established metallurgical procedures and should only be carried out by personnel with proper furnace equipment and safety training. Always wear appropriate PPE when handling large-format metal stock of this weight.