Starrett 54732 A2 Tool Steel Flat Stock 3/8x2-1/2x18 in

Product Description

The STARRETT 54732 is an A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock bar used in tool and die making, fixture building, and precision machining applications. Measuring 0.375 inches thick, 2.5 inches wide, and 18 inches long, this bar is cut and ground to tight tolerances that make it ready for layout, machining, or heat treatment with minimal stock removal. A2 tool steel offers good dimensional stability during air hardening, making it a preferred material for punches, dies, blades, and gauges where distortion control is critical. Weighing 4.76 pounds, this piece is sized for single-unit job shop and maintenance toolroom use.

This flat stock is suited for toolrooms, machine shops, and maintenance facilities that fabricate or repair cutting tools, forming dies, and precision fixtures. A2 material is commonly specified when parts require moderate toughness combined with good wear resistance after hardening. The 18-inch length accommodates many standard toolroom applications without requiring additional sawing. It is also used in educational and vocational machine shop settings for toolmaking projects.

Key Features

• AISI A2 air-hardening tool steel with good dimensional stability during heat treatment
• Thickness tolerance of plus or minus 0.001 inches for precise stock removal planning
• Width tolerance of plus 0.000 to 0.005 inches
• Square tolerance of plus or minus 0.001 inches
• Length tolerance of plus 0.250 inches
• Ready for machining, grinding, or direct layout work as received

Compatibility

Designed as a standard AISI A2 air-hardening tool steel flat bar suitable for general toolroom fabrication, die making, and fixture applications requiring tight dimensional tolerances.

Installation Notes

Machining and grinding of tool steel flat stock should be performed by qualified toolmakers or machinists using appropriate cutting fluids and speeds for tool steel. Heat treatment to harden A2 material requires air-quench procedures and should be performed in a controlled atmosphere furnace to minimize scaling and decarburization. Always allow the material to reach ambient temperature before performing final grinding or tolerance-critical operations. Follow applicable shop safety procedures when handling freshly hardened tool steel, as brittle fracture risk increases before tempering.