Starrett 54739 A2 Tool Steel Flat Stock 3/8x6x18 in

Product Description

The STARRETT 54739 is an A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock bar used in toolmaking, die work, and precision machining applications. It arrives in an annealed, machinable condition ready for rough machining before heat treatment. The stock measures 0.375 inches thick, 6 inches wide, and 18 inches long, with tightly controlled tolerances: plus or minus 0.001 inches on thickness and squareness, plus 0.000 to 0.005 inches on width, and plus 0.250 inches on length. At 11.44 pounds, this is a substantial piece suited for fabricating punches, dies, gauges, and formed tooling. Machinists, tool and die makers, and precision metalworking shops are the primary users.

A2 tool steel is a versatile air-hardening grade known for good dimensional stability during heat treat and a balance of wear resistance and toughness. This flat stock format is a common starting point for blanks that will be milled, ground, and hardened into finished tooling components. It is well suited for low-to-medium production dies, forming tools, and precision fixtures where tight as-machined tolerances must be maintained through hardening. The 6-inch width and 18-inch length provide enough material for a wide range of tooling blank layouts without excessive waste.

Key Features

• A2 air-hardening tool steel offers excellent dimensional stability during heat treatment compared to oil-hardening grades
• Thickness tolerance of plus or minus 0.001 inches supports accurate stock allowance planning before grinding
• Width tolerance of plus 0.000 to 0.005 inches ensures consistent fit in precision setups
• Squareness tolerance of plus or minus 0.001 inches reduces setup time at the surface grinder
• 18-inch length with a plus 0.250-inch length tolerance provides a reliable minimum usable length
• Annealed condition allows full rough machining prior to hardening

Compatibility

Designed as a standard A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock blank suitable for toolmaking, die making, and precision machining operations requiring AISI A2 material specification.

Installation Notes

Cutting, milling, and grinding of tool steel should be performed by qualified machinists using appropriate cutting fluids and tooling rated for hardened or semi-hard ferrous stock. Heat treatment of A2 tool steel requires controlled atmosphere or vacuum furnace equipment and should be performed by a qualified heat treater following recognized metallurgical procedures. Always follow shop safety protocols when handling large steel stock, including use of appropriate lifting aids for pieces at this weight class.