DX54D+Z is a continuously hot-dip zinc-coated steel designed for deep drawing, defined in EN 10346. It belongs to the same family as DX51D, DX52D and DX53D, but with a higher drawing capability that comes from a cleaner, lower-carbon base material. In the European steel numbering system DX54D is designated 1.0306. It is the galvanized counterpart of DC04, the deep-drawing grade of EN 10130.
Designation: What DX54D+Z Tells You
The designation is read in parts. D means a flat product for cold forming. X means the base metal may be hot rolled or cold rolled, so the rolling route is not restricted. The number 54 is the series number, indicating the drawing grade - the higher the number, the deeper the drawing capability within the DX family. The final D means a metallic coating applied by hot-dip processing, and +Z specifies a pure zinc coating. When the base is required to be cold rolled only, the equivalent designation DC54D+Z is used.
Chemical Composition and Mechanical Properties
The base material of DX54D is a low-carbon, aluminium-killed steel. Typical ladle-analysis maxima per EN 10346 are carbon 0.06%, manganese 0.40%, phosphorus 0.025% and sulphur 0.025%, with no significant alloying additions. The low carbon content keeps the material soft and ductile, and the low phosphorus and sulphur improve deep-drawing behaviour and surface quality. Exact values for a delivered lot are documented on the mill test certificate.
For a thickness of 0.5 to 1.0 mm, DX54D+Z guarantees a yield strength range of 120-220 MPa, a tensile strength of 260-350 MPa and a minimum elongation A80 of 36%. The yield range is the lowest in the DX forming family, which means the material yields early under load and flows instead of cracking during deep drawing. Elongation increases slightly with thickness.
| Thickness (mm) | Yield strength (MPa) | Tensile strength (MPa) | Elongation A80 min (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5-1.0 | 120-220 | 260-350 | 36 |
| 1.0-2.0 | 120-220 | 260-350 | 38 |
Values shown are the guaranteed levels of EN 10346 for the stated thickness ranges; confirm the exact range with the standard edition and the mill certificate.
Formability and Processing
DX54D+Z is engineered for multi-stage deep drawing, stretching and complex bending. Its low yield strength gives low springback, which improves the dimensional accuracy of stamped parts, and its high elongation supports severe deformation without necking. The zinc coating is designed to survive forming: coating adhesion is verified so that the zinc layer does not flake or powder during drawing. The material welds well by resistance and arc processes, although local zinc evaporation at the weld zone requires standard precautions, including fume extraction and touch-up of the damaged zinc.
Surface Conditions and Coating Options
DX54D+Z is available with regular, minimized or zero spangle. Zero spangle is the standard choice for automotive and appliance exposed panels because it gives a uniform surface for painting or lamination. Chemical surface treatments follow EN 10346: passivation, oiling, or a combination of both. Oiled surfaces protect the coating during storage and are degreased before painting. Coating classes are normally ordered in the Z100 to Z275 range; for deep-drawn automotive parts, Z100-Z180 is common because very heavy coatings are more likely to crack in severe deformation.
Production Process
The route starts with a DC04 cold-rolled substrate, which is cleaned and annealed on the galvanizing line, hot-dip coated in a zinc bath containing a small aluminium addition, wiped by air knives to control coating mass, cooled, and finally skin-passed to control surface roughness and flatness. Annealing controls the mechanical properties, the air knives control coating uniformity, and the skin pass controls the surface finish that determines paintability.
Applications
Automotive: deep-stamped parts such as front and rear floor panels, wheel-arch inner panels, door inners, roof panels and other complex drawn components.
Home appliances: housings and panels of washing machines, refrigerators, ovens and other white goods that need both deep drawing and corrosion resistance.
Construction: profiles, roof and wall elements where the forming severity rules out lower DX grades.
General: any component that combines deep drawing with a requirement for corrosion protection and a painted or laminated surface.
FAQ
What is the difference between DX53D and DX54D?
DX54D has lower carbon (0.06% max versus 0.08%), a lower yield range (120-220 versus 140-260 MPa) and higher elongation (A80 36% min versus 30% min), so it draws deeper before cracking.
What is the Chinese equivalent of DX54D?
GB/T 2518 defines the DC54D+Z equivalent for the same application; the composition and mechanical levels are aligned with EN 10346.
Can DX54D+Z be welded?
Yes, with the standard precautions for galvanized steel: local coating removal or proper ventilation, correct parameters, and touch-up of the damaged zinc at the weld.
Which spangle should I choose for exposed panels?
Zero spangle for painted or laminated appliance and automotive panels; regular spangle is acceptable for hidden parts where appearance is not critical.
Is DX54D+Z suitable for enamelling?
Enamelling normally uses the cold-rolled DC04 substrate rather than the coated product. If enamelling is required, confirm the process with the coating and enamel suppliers first.
How do I verify the grade on delivery?
Check the mill certificate for the steel number 1.0306, the ladle analysis and the mechanical test results, and carry out random tensile tests when the material is critical.