Cold-rolled coil is specified by grade, and in European trade the DC series of EN 10130 is the reference language. The grade number is not arbitrary: it encodes the guaranteed elongation and the intended forming operation. Reading the series correctly lets a buyer pick the cheapest grade that will not crack in the press, which is the whole point of grade selection.
The DC Grade Family at a Glance
| Grade | Carbon, max | Tensile strength | Elongation A80 | Forming level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DC01 | 0.12% | 270-410 MPa | Min 28% | Bending, embossing, shallow stamping |
| DC03 | 0.10% | 270-370 MPa | Min 34% | Drawing and difficult profiling |
| DC04 | 0.08% | 270-350 MPa | Min 38% | Deep drawing, high forming requirements |
| DC05 | 0.06% | 270-330 MPa | Min 40% | Higher forming requirements |
| DC06 | 0.02% | 270-350 MPa | Min 40% | IF steel, most demanding deep drawing |
All DC grades are low-carbon cold-rolled steels for cold forming. As the number rises, the carbon limit drops and elongation rises, which is why DC06, an interstitial-free grade, can be drawn into shapes that would crack DC01.
DC03: The Drawing Grade
DC03 (material number 1.0347) is a mild low-carbon steel for cold forming with excellent deep-drawing capability under all types of deformation. It sits between the general grade and the true deep-drawing grades, and it is the economical answer for parts such as drawn housings, covers and trays where DC01 is marginal and DC04 is more than needed.
DC04: The Deep-Drawing Standard
DC04 (1.0338) is the deep-drawing steel of the DC family, with excellent deep-drawing properties under all types of deformation and a minimum elongation of 38%. It is the standard material for automotive fuel tanks, drawn appliance parts and complex enclosures, and it tolerates multi-stage drawing without cracking when the tooling is correct.
DC05 and DC06: For the Highest Forming Demands
DC05 (1.0484) and DC06 (1.0873) extend the family to higher and highest forming requirements. DC06, produced as an interstitial-free steel with very low carbon, delivers the best deep-drawing behaviour and is used for complex automotive body panels and structural pressings where surface quality and dent resistance after forming matter. Note that designations above DC06 seen in trade literature are not part of EN 10130.
How the Family Maps to Other Standards
ASTM A1008 is the American specification for cold-rolled steel, covering commercial (CS), drawing (DS), deep drawing (DDS) and extra-deep drawing (EDDS) grades; DC01-DC04 correspond in a practical sense to CS through DDS. In JIS terms, SPCC (commercial) aligns with DC01, SPCD with drawing, SPCE with deep drawing, and SPCF/SPCG with the higher forming classes. These mappings help when a customer's drawing references a different standard, but the certificate should state the governing specification.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between DC01 and DC05?
DC01 is for simple forming such as bending, embossing and beading; DC03 for deep drawing and difficult profiles; DC04 for high deformation; DC05 for still higher forming requirements with a guaranteed elongation of 40%.
2. Is DC04 the same as SPCE?
Not exactly. DC04 is the EN 10130 deep-drawing grade; SPCE is the JIS G3141 deep-drawing grade. They are functional equivalents with similar carbon limits, but chemistry tolerances and testing rules differ.
3. Which grade should I use for a fuel tank pressing?
DC04 is the classic choice for fuel tanks and similar multi-stage draws; DC05 or DC06 are used when the drawing ratio exceeds DC04 capability.
4. Can DC01 be electroplated or painted?
Yes. Its smooth surface and stable chemistry take electroplating, painting and powder coating well, which is why it dominates appliance and furniture parts.
5. Why is DC06 more expensive than DC01?
DC06 uses cleaner steelmaking, lower carbon and additional processing, and it delivers a much higher elongation guarantee, so the cost premium is a direct reflection of forming capability.
6. What thickness range is supplied?
Cold-rolled coil in the DC family is commonly supplied from 0.30 mm to 3.00 mm, with thinner strip for packaging and heavier gauges on request depending on the mill.