Starrett 54787 A2 Tool Steel Flat Stock 1x1x18 Inches

Product Description

The STARRETT 54787 is an A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock bar used in toolmaking, die making, and precision machining applications. It measures 1 inch thick, 1 inch wide, and 18 inches long, with a weight of 5 pounds. The AISI A2 designation indicates an air-hardening, medium-alloy cold-work tool steel known for excellent dimensional stability during heat treatment and good wear resistance. Thickness and square tolerances are held to plus or minus 0.001 inches, making this stock suitable for applications where close dimensional control is required before and after hardening. Licensed machinists, tool and die makers, and industrial maintenance technicians are the primary users.

This flat stock is suited for fabricating punches, dies, gauges, jigs, fixtures, and other precision tooling components. Its air-hardening characteristics reduce the risk of distortion during the hardening cycle compared to oil-hardening grades, making it a practical choice in both job shop and production tooling environments. The 18-inch length provides a manageable starting blank for most bench and mill work without requiring initial cutoff on larger stock.

Key Features

• AISI A2 air-hardening tool steel with good dimensional stability through heat treatment
• Thickness tolerance of plus or minus 0.001 inches for close-tolerance tooling work
• Width tolerance of plus 0.000 to 0.005 inches
• Length tolerance of plus 0.250 inches
• Square tolerance of plus or minus 0.001 inches
• Ready-to-machine flat stock form — no initial milling required on thickness or width faces

Compatibility

Designed as a standard AISI A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock suitable for general toolmaking, die making, and precision machining applications requiring an air-hardening cold-work steel grade.

Installation Notes

Machining and grinding of A2 tool steel should be performed by qualified machinists or tool and die makers using appropriate tooling for hardened or pre-hardened steel stock. Heat treatment, including hardening and tempering, should follow the material manufacturer's published thermal processing guidelines and be performed in a controlled-atmosphere furnace or by a qualified heat treater to minimize decarburization and distortion. Always allow the workpiece to reach ambient temperature before performing finish grinding to final tolerances.