Starrett 54697 A2 Tool Steel Flat Stock 0.875x2x36 in

Product Description

The STARRETT 54697 is an A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock bar used in toolmaking, die-making, and precision machining applications. Measuring 0.875 inches thick, 2 inches wide, and 36 inches long, this bar is ground to tight dimensional tolerances, including plus or minus 0.001 inches on thickness and squareness. A2 tool steel offers excellent dimensional stability during heat treatment, making it a preferred material for punches, dies, gauges, and forming tools. This stock is intended for fabrication by tool and die makers, machinists, and manufacturing shops requiring close-tolerance raw material.

This flat stock is suited for both production tooling and prototype applications in job shops, tool rooms, and manufacturing facilities. The 36-inch length provides enough material for multiple tool blanks from a single bar. A2 air-hardening steel is commonly chosen for applications where distortion-free hardening is critical and where good wear resistance and toughness must be balanced. No specific compatible equipment is stated in the product data.

Key Features

• A2 air-hardening tool steel composition for low distortion during hardening
• Thickness tolerance of plus or minus 0.001 inches for precision fitment
• Width tolerance of plus 0.000 to 0.005 inches
• Length tolerance of plus 0.25 inches
• Squareness tolerance of plus or minus 0.001 inches with edge squareness of 0.003 inches per inch
• Ground flat stock surface finish ready for layout and machining

Compatibility

Designed as a general-purpose A2 tool steel flat stock blank suitable for fabricating punches, dies, gauges, forming tools, and other precision tooling components requiring air-hardening steel.

Installation Notes

Cutting, grinding, and machining of tool steel flat stock should be performed by qualified machinists or tool and die makers using appropriate metalworking equipment. Always follow established heat treatment procedures for A2 tool steel, including proper austenitizing, quenching in still air, and tempering cycles, using furnace equipment rated for tool steel processing. Personal protective equipment is required when sawing, grinding, or handling bar stock. Consult applicable shop safety standards and material data sheets before processing.