Starrett 54788 A2 Tool Steel Flat Stock 1x2x18 Inches

Product Description

The STARRETT 54788 is an A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock bar intended for tool and die work, jig and fixture fabrication, and precision machining applications. Measuring 1 inch thick by 2 inches wide by 18 inches long, this flat stock is supplied in an annealed condition ready for machining prior to heat treatment. Tolerances are held to plus or minus 0.001 inches on thickness and square, plus 0.000 to 0.005 inches on width, and plus 0.250 inches on length. At 10.18 pounds, the piece is sized for benchtop layout and fabrication work performed by toolmakers, machinists, and die makers.

A2 tool steel is an air-hardening, cold-work die steel known for its dimensional stability during heat treatment and good wear resistance after hardening. This flat stock is appropriate for blanking dies, forming dies, punches, gauges, and similar tooling where tight dimensional control is required before and after hardening. The 18-inch length provides usable stock for multiple short components or a single longer tool body without excessive material waste.

Key Features

• AISI A2 air-hardening tool steel composition for stable, low-distortion heat treatment
• Thickness tolerance of plus or minus 0.001 inches for precise pre-machined fitment
• Width tolerance of plus 0.000 to 0.005 inches allows for finish grinding to final size
• Square tolerance of plus or minus 0.001 inches maintains perpendicularity between faces
• Supplied in annealed condition, machinable with standard HSS or carbide tooling
• 18-inch length provides flexibility for multiple tooling components from a single piece

Compatibility

Designed as a general-purpose A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock suitable for cold-work tooling and precision fixture applications requiring AISI A2 material specification.

Installation Notes

Machining and heat treatment of tool steel flat stock should be performed by qualified toolmakers or machinists familiar with cold-work die steels. All grinding, milling, and EDM operations should be completed before hardening and tempering to final hardness. Follow the material manufacturer's published heat treatment guidelines for A2 tool steel regarding austenitizing temperature, quench method, and tempering cycles. Wear appropriate PPE when cutting or grinding tool steel stock.