Starrett 54717 A2 Tool Steel Flat Stock 5/16x1x18 in

Product Description

The STARRETT 54717 is an A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock bar intended for toolmakers, die makers, machinists, and industrial maintenance professionals who require a precision-ground, ready-to-use blank. The bar measures 5/16 inches thick, 1 inch wide, and 18 inches long, held to tight tolerances: plus or minus 0.001 inches on thickness, plus or minus 0.001 inches on squareness, and a positive 0.000 to 0.005 inches on width. A2 tool steel offers excellent dimensional stability during heat treatment and good wear resistance, making it a reliable choice for punches, dies, gauges, and similar tooling applications.

This flat stock is suited for job shops, tool and die operations, and maintenance departments that need a known-alloy blank they can machine, grind, and then air-harden in-house. The 18-inch length provides enough material for multiple smaller tool blanks from a single piece. The 5/16-inch by 1-inch cross section is a common size for forming dies, stripper plates, and precision guide components in both light industrial and heavy manufacturing environments.

Key Features

• A2 air-hardening tool steel for stable, low-distortion heat treatment
• Thickness held to plus or minus 0.001 inches for consistent stock removal
• Width tolerance of positive 0.000 to 0.005 inches allows finish grinding to final size
• Squareness tolerance of plus or minus 0.001 inches supports accurate layout and fixturing
• Length tolerance of positive 0.250 inches provides usable overage for facing operations
• 18-inch bar length yields multiple blanks from one piece

Compatibility

Designed as a standard A2 tool steel flat stock blank suitable for machining and heat-treating operations wherever AISI A2 air-hardening tool steel is specified.

Installation Notes

Machining and grinding of A2 tool steel flat stock is typically performed by qualified machinists or tool and die makers using appropriate cutting fluids and carbide or high-speed tooling. Air-hardening heat treatment should follow the material manufacturer's recommended austenitizing and quench procedure for AISI A2; this work is best performed by a qualified heat treater. Always use proper personal protective equipment when cutting, grinding, or handling tool steel stock. Deburr all edges before handling or storing finished blanks.