Starrett 54696 A2 Tool Steel Flat Stock 7/8 X 7/8 X 36 in

Product Description

The STARRETT 54696 is an A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock bar intended for toolmakers, machinists, and die makers who need a precision-ground blank ready for heat treatment and final finishing. Measuring 0.875 inches thick by 0.875 inches wide by 36 inches long, this flat stock is held to tight dimensional tolerances: plus or minus 0.001 inches on thickness and squareness, plus 0.000 to 0.005 inches on width, and plus 0.25 inches on length. At 8.97 pounds per bar, it offers substantial material for punches, dies, gauges, and other tooling applications where dimensional accuracy before hardening is critical.

A2 air-hardening tool steel is a commonly specified material for cold-work tooling. Its air-hardening characteristic reduces distortion during heat treatment compared to oil-hardening grades, making it a practical choice for precision components with tight finished tolerances. This flat bar format is suited for machine shops, tool-and-die operations, and maintenance departments that cut, mill, and grind stock to final form before hardening. The square cross-section profile simplifies layout and machining setups.

Key Features

• AISI A2 air-hardening tool steel for reduced distortion during heat treatment
• Thickness tolerance of plus or minus 0.001 inches for consistent starting dimensions
• Width tolerance of plus 0.000 to 0.005 inches
• Squareness held to 0.003 inches per inch on all edges
• 36-inch length with plus 0.25-inch length tolerance
• Precision flat stock format ready for machining and subsequent hardening

Compatibility

Designed as a standard A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock suitable for cold-work tooling, die making, punch fabrication, and gauge manufacturing applications.

Installation Notes

Cutting, milling, and grinding of tool steel flat stock should be performed by qualified machinists using appropriate coolant and carbide or high-speed-steel tooling rated for tool steel. All heat treatment operations, including hardening and tempering, should follow established metallurgical procedures and applicable shop safety practices. Eye protection and cut-resistant gloves are standard PPE when handling and cutting bar stock. Verify dimensional requirements against finished-part tolerances before machining to account for material removed during grinding and finishing steps.