Overview of DC01 Cold-Rolled Steel
DC01 is a non-alloy low-carbon cold-rolled steel grade specified in EN 10130. It is supplied as cold-rolled plate, sheet and coil with a smooth, uniform surface suitable for painting, coating or plating. Because of its low carbon content and soft annealed condition, DC01 forms easily and is the workhorse grade for general cold forming: light stampings, bends, profiles, housings, trays and enclosures. It is a commercial quality (CQ) grade and is not intended for severe deep drawing, which is the domain of DC03, DC04, DC05 and DC06.
Chemical Composition (EN 10130)
The chemical composition of DC01 is limited as follows: carbon 0.12% maximum, manganese 0.60% maximum, phosphorus 0.045% maximum and sulphur 0.045% maximum. The low carbon content keeps the steel soft, weldable and easy to form, while the tight sulphur and phosphorus limits preserve ductility and surface quality.
Mechanical Properties
In the as-delivered condition, DC01 guarantees a yield strength of 140 to 280 MPa, a tensile strength of 270 to 410 MPa, and a minimum elongation A80 of 28% for the common thickness range of 0.7 to 2.0 mm. Elongation values in EN 10130 depend on the thickness range, so the mill certificate states the exact guaranteed value for the supplied gauge. The soft condition gives DC01 good cold bendability: a 180 degree bend over a mandrel of one times the thickness is achievable for most gauges.
| Property | DC01 value (EN 10130) | Remark |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon (max) | 0.12% | Low carbon, soft and weldable |
| Manganese (max) | 0.60% | - |
| Yield strength | 140-280 MPa | As delivered |
| Tensile strength | 270-410 MPa | As delivered |
| Elongation A80 (min) | 28% | For 0.7 to 2.0 mm thickness |
Surface Quality and Finish
EN 10130 defines surface quality classes and surface finishes for cold-rolled flat products. Surface quality A allows only minor defects that do not affect forming or the appearance of painted or plated parts, and is intended for visible or coated applications. Surface quality B permits a wider range of small defects and is intended for parts where the surface appearance is not critical. Finishes include bright and matte, where matte finish is produced by temper rolling with roughened rolls and gives a better base for paint adhesion. The surface class and finish should be specified in the order because they affect price and application.
Applications
DC01 is used across many industries for parts produced by bending, roll forming, light stamping and simple drawing: automotive interior brackets and covers, appliance housings, electrical enclosures, office furniture parts, lighting fittings, packaging and general fabrication. It is also a common base material for subsequent processes: hot-dip galvanizing, electro-galvanizing (which gives products comparable to SECC), coil coating (pre-painted steel) and powder coating. For deep-drawn parts such as battery trays, sinks and complex shells, move to DC04 or higher.
Equivalents and Grade Comparisons
DC01 is frequently compared with SPCC of JIS G3141, which also has a minimum tensile strength of 270 MPa, and with the former DIN St12 designation. The main difference is in the test method and tolerances defined by each standard, so an equivalent is a guide, not a certificate. Within the EN 10130 family, DC01 has the lowest formability: DC03 adds a lower yield range for moderate drawing, DC04 is a genuine deep-drawing grade, and DC05 and DC06 serve increasingly severe draws. Choose the grade by the severity of the forming operation and the surface requirement, not by price alone.
Buying Considerations
When ordering DC01 coil or sheet, specify the thickness and tolerance class, width, surface quality (A or B), finish (bright or matte), and the oiling condition. Request the mill certificate with the heat number, chemical composition and mechanical test results. Check the flatness class if the material will be laser-cut or used for visible panels, and agree on the packaging standard for export, which usually includes rust-preventive paper, VCI film and suitable edge protection.
FAQ
What does DC01 mean?
DC01 is an EN 10130 designation: DC stands for cold-rolled flat products for cold forming, and the number 01 marks the first and most general formability level in the family, suitable for bending and light stamping.
What is the chemical composition of DC01?
Maximum values are carbon 0.12%, manganese 0.60%, phosphorus 0.045% and sulphur 0.045%, per EN 10130.
What is the tensile strength of DC01?
DC01 has a tensile strength of 270 to 410 MPa and a yield strength of 140 to 280 MPa in the as-delivered condition.
Can DC01 be deep drawn?
DC01 suits light and moderate forming. For deep drawing, use DC04 or higher, which have lower yield strength and higher elongation and are designed for severe deformation.
Is DC01 the same as SPCC?
They are similar commercial cold-rolled grades, DC01 per EN 10130 and SPCC per JIS G3141, with comparable strength. They are treated as equivalents in trade but each follows its own standard, so confirm the certificate and tolerances for your application.
What surface classes are available for DC01?
EN 10130 defines surface quality A (improved, for visible or coated parts) and B (general), with bright or matte finish. Specify the class in the order.