Starrett 56505 A2 Tool Steel Flat Stock 0.5x0.5x36 in

Product Description

The STARRETT 56505 is an A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock bar intended for toolmakers, machinists, die makers, and maintenance professionals who require a precision-ground, heat-treatable steel blank. Measuring 0.5 inches thick by 0.5 inches wide by 36 inches long and weighing 2.93 pounds, this flat stock is manufactured to tight dimensional tolerances: plus or minus 0.001 inch on thickness and squareness, plus 0.000 to 0.005 inch on width, and plus 0.25 inch on length. A2 tool steel offers excellent dimensional stability during air-hardening heat treatment, making it a reliable choice for dies, punches, gauges, and forming tools that demand consistent geometry after hardening.

This flat stock is suited for machine shops, tool and die operations, and industrial maintenance environments. It is used to fabricate custom tooling, fixtures, die components, and wear-resistant parts in both job-shop and production settings. The bar arrives in an annealed or pre-hardened condition ready for machining, after which it can be air-hardened to the desired working hardness. The 36-inch length allows multiple shorter blanks to be cut from a single piece, reducing material waste on typical toolroom projects.

Key Features

• AISI A2 air-hardening tool steel construction for stable, predictable heat treatment
• Tight thickness tolerance of plus or minus 0.001 inch for precision fitment
• Width tolerance of plus 0.000 to 0.005 inch for controlled stock removal
• Squareness tolerance of plus or minus 0.001 inch per inch, with edge squareness held to 0.003 inch per inch
• 36-inch length accommodates multiple cuts for toolroom efficiency
• Single-piece packaging with no minimum order beyond one unit

Compatibility

Designed as a standard A2 tool steel flat stock blank suitable for use in toolroom, die-making, and general machining applications requiring air-hardening tool steel material to AISI A2 specification.

Installation Notes

Cutting, grinding, and machining of tool steel flat stock should be performed by qualified machinists or toolmakers using appropriate coolant and cutting tools rated for hardened or semi-hardened steel. Heat treatment to final hardness should be carried out in a controlled atmosphere or vacuum furnace by a qualified heat treater following AISI A2 guidelines. Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment when cutting or grinding tool steel. Consult applicable shop safety standards before processing.