Starrett 54722 A2 Tool Steel Flat Stock 5/16 X 3 X 18 Inches

Product Description

The STARRETT 54722 is an A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock bar used in toolmaking, die making, punch fabrication, and precision machining applications. Measuring 5/16 inch thick, 3 inches wide, and 18 inches long, this flat stock is ground to close dimensional tolerances, making it suitable for jigs, fixtures, gauges, and custom tooling where dimensional accuracy is critical. AISI Type A2 tool steel offers good toughness, moderate wear resistance, and minimal distortion during air hardening, which reduces post-heat-treat grinding. This stock is handled and installed by machinists, tool and die makers, and industrial maintenance technicians.

This flat stock is suited to both prototype and production tooling environments. Typical applications include blanking dies, forming dies, trim dies, punches, and wear plates in light-to-medium production runs. The 18-inch length provides sufficient material for most single-piece tooling blanks without requiring additional cutoff. Because A2 air hardens rather than quench-hardens, it is a common choice where dimensional stability after heat treatment is a priority in shop floor and tool room settings.

Key Features

• AISI Type A2 air-hardening tool steel for minimal distortion during heat treatment
• Ground flat stock with tight thickness tolerance of plus or minus 0.001 inches
• Width tolerance of plus 0.000 to 0.005 inches for consistent fitment in precision applications
• Length tolerance of plus 0.250 inches allows for face-off stock
• Square tolerance of plus or minus 0.001 inches supports accurate layout and machining setups
• Ready-to-machine bar stock suitable for dies, punches, gauges, and fixture components

Compatibility

Designed as a standard A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock blank for use in tool room, die shop, and precision machining applications where AISI A2 material specification is required.

Installation Notes

Cutting, grinding, and machining of tool steel flat stock should be performed by qualified machinists or tool and die makers using appropriate coolant and feeds to avoid surface work-hardening or thermal damage. Heat treatment to harden A2 steel should follow the material manufacturer's recommended austenitizing and air-cool cycle and is typically performed by a certified heat treat shop. Always use proper personal protective equipment when cutting or grinding tool steel. Verify final dimensions after any heat treatment before committing the blank to finish grinding.