Starrett 54685 A2 Tool Steel Flat Stock 3/4 X 3/4 X 36 Inches

Product Description

The STARRETT 54685 is an A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock bar measuring 0.75 inches thick, 0.75 inches wide, and 36 inches long. A2 tool steel is a cold-work die steel known for its excellent dimensional stability during heat treatment and good wear resistance after hardening. This flat stock is ground to tight tolerances, including a thickness tolerance of plus or minus 0.001 inches and a squareness tolerance of plus or minus 0.001 inches. Machinists, toolmakers, and die makers use this material to fabricate punches, dies, gauges, and other precision tooling components that require consistent cross-section and predictable hardening response.

This flat stock is suited for tool and die shops, job shops, and maintenance departments working with cold-work tooling applications. The 36-inch length provides adequate stock for a range of fabrication tasks without requiring further rough cutting in many standard applications. The 0.75 inches by 0.75 inches cross-section is a common size for punches, guides, and small die components. A2 material air-hardens, which reduces distortion risk compared to oil-hardening grades, making it a practical choice for parts where geometry must be preserved through the heat-treat cycle.

Key Features

• A2 air-hardening tool steel for reduced distortion during heat treatment
• Thickness: 0.75 inches with plus or minus 0.001 inch tolerance
• Width: 0.75 inches with plus 0.000 to 0.005 inch tolerance
• Length: 36 inches with plus 0.25 inch length tolerance
• Square tolerance: plus or minus 0.001 inches; edge squareness 0.003 per inch
• Ground flat stock profile for consistent cross-section across the full length

Compatibility

Designed as a standard A2 tool steel flat stock for use in cold-work die, punch, gauge, and precision tooling fabrication applications where air-hardening grade material is specified.

Installation Notes

Cutting, grinding, and heat treatment of tool steel should be performed by qualified toolmakers or machinists following established shop practices. Secure the workpiece properly before any machining operation. Heat treatment of A2 steel should follow the material manufacturer's published hardening and tempering cycle; improper heat treatment can result in cracking or inadequate hardness. Always wear appropriate PPE when machining or grinding hardened or pre-hardened tool steel stock.