An inquiry that bundles ASTM A36, 410, St12, SPCC, DC01 and DC04 in a single title mixes several different product families. ASTM A36 is a hot-rolled structural plate, 410 is a martensitic stainless steel, and St12, SPCC, DC01 and DC04 are cold-rolled low-carbon sheet grades used for forming and stamping. Ordering them together risks specifying the wrong product. This article defines the four cold-rolled grades properly, corrects the confusion around A36 and 410, and explains how to specify and verify cold-rolled sheet.
A36 and 410: Two Grades That Do Not Belong in This List
ASTM A36, defined in ASTM A36/A36M, is a structural carbon steel plate supplied hot rolled, with a minimum yield strength of 250 MPa and a tensile strength of 400-550 MPa. It is not produced as a cold-rolled sheet for stamping. AISI 410 is a martensitic stainless steel containing about 11.5-13.5% chromium, used for wear-resistant and mildly corrosive service after hardening; it is a completely different material from low-carbon cold-rolled steel. If a project needs both structural plate and cold-rolled sheet, they should be specified as separate line items under their own standards.
The Four Cold-Rolled Forming Grades
DC01 and DC04 are defined in EN 10130, the European standard for cold-rolled low-carbon steel flat products for cold forming. SPCC is defined in JIS G3141. St12 was defined in the old DIN 1623, now superseded by DIN EN 10130. DC01 is the commercial forming grade, DC04 is a deep-drawing grade, SPCC is the Japanese commercial-quality equivalent of DC01 for most purposes, and St12 is essentially the historical name for the same material.
| Grade | Standard | Steel number | Equivalents | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DC01 | EN 10130 | 1.0330 | SPCC, St12 | Commercial forming, bending, light stamping |
| DC04 | EN 10130 | 1.0338 | SPCE-class deep drawing | Deep drawing |
| SPCC | JIS G3141 | - | DC01, St12 | Commercial forming |
| St12 | DIN 1623 (superseded) | - | DC01 | Legacy drawings and specifications |
Chemical Composition and Mechanical Properties
| Property | DC01 (EN 10130) | DC04 (EN 10130) | SPCC (JIS G3141) |
|---|---|---|---|
| C max (%) | 0.12 | 0.08 | 0.12 |
| Mn max (%) | 0.60 | 0.40 | 0.50 |
| P max (%) | 0.045 | 0.030 | 0.040 |
| S max (%) | 0.045 | 0.030 | 0.040 |
| Yield strength (MPa) | 130-260 | 120-210 | Not specified |
| Tensile strength (MPa) | 270-410 | 270-350 | 270 min |
| Elongation min | A80 28% | A80 38% | A50 30-38% by thickness |
Values are the guaranteed levels for the 0.5-1.0 mm thickness range per EN 10130; JIS values vary with thickness and test piece. Always verify against the mill certificate for the ordered gauge.
DC01 in the Automotive Industry
DC01 is used for non-critical load-bearing components such as door panel liners, trunk lids, seat supports and chassis skid plates. These parts need good formability and weldability but not deep-drawing capability. DC04 is chosen when the part geometry requires deeper drawing, such as oil pans, wheel housings and complex inner panels, where its lower yield strength and higher elongation prevent cracking.
Cold Heading, Machining and Food Contact
Cold heading: DC01 is suitable for small, low-stress cold-headed parts such as rivets; larger or higher-strength parts require dedicated cold-heading grades. Machining: the soft, ductile structure tends to stick to the cutting tool; use sharp tools with positive geometry, adequate coolant and optimised cutting parameters. Food contact: DC01 can be used for food-contact applications only when the surface is protected with a coating approved for food contact in the target market and the finished part meets the relevant regulations.
Key Parameters to Specify and How to Verify
Governing standard and grade, for example EN 10130 DC01 or JIS G3141 SPCC.
Thickness and thickness tolerance, normal or special per EN 10131.
Width, length or coil weight.
Surface quality class, for example class A, B or C surface per EN 10130.
Delivery condition: annealed and skin-passed, with bright or matt finish.
Protection: oiled, dry or phosphated.
Quantity, packaging and marking.
Verification of authenticity
Request the mill test certificate and check the chemical composition, mechanical properties and heat number against the standard. Perform random sampling for spectral analysis of composition and tensile testing. For critical orders, arrange third-party inspection or laboratory testing before shipment.
FAQ
What is the difference between DC01 and DC04?
The drawing depth. DC01, with carbon up to 0.12%, is a commercial forming grade; DC04, with carbon up to 0.08%, is a deep-drawing grade with lower yield strength (120-210 MPa) and much higher elongation (A80 38% min versus 28% min).
Are SPCC and DC01 the same?
They are close equivalents for most forming applications. SPCC per JIS G3141 and DC01 per EN 10130 have similar composition limits and are often interchangeable, but tolerance and elongation rules differ, so one governing standard should be specified.
What is St12 today?
St12 was the DIN 1623 designation for commercial cold-rolled sheet. It is now covered by DIN EN 10130 as DC01. The old name still appears on legacy drawings and should be converted to the current designation.
What surface finishes are available?
Bright or matt (roughness controlled), oiled or dry, and special surface quality classes for visible panels. The finish class must be stated because it affects both price and paintability.
How should cold-rolled coils be stored?
Indoors, dry, and off the floor, with protection against condensation and long-term humidity. Oiled material keeps longer; dry material is preferred when the next step is painting or welding.
Can DC01 be used for enamelling?
Yes. Low-carbon cold-rolled sheet is a common substrate for porcelain enamelling. Surface cleanliness, carbon control and grade selection affect enamel adhesion and appearance.