DC01 is a European standard (EN 10130) low-carbon cold-rolled steel known for its exceptional formability, smooth surface, good ductility, and weldability, making it perfect for deep drawing, stamping, and bending in automotive parts, appliances, and general engineering where aesthetics and precise shaping are key.
Specification
| Product Name | DC01 Cold Rolled Steel Coil |
| Standard | DIN1623-1, EN 10130 |
| Grade | DC01 |
| Width | as buyer's requirement |
| Thickness | 0.12-3mm |
| Coil Weight | 3-14 MT |
| Steel coil internal diameter | 508mm/610mm |
| Technique | Cold rolled |
| Tolerance | As the standard or as required |
| Application | Household appliance, automobile, machine etc. |
| MOQ | 25 MT |
| Packing details | Standard seaworthy export packing or as required |
| Delivery | Within 15 to 90 days, according to order quantity |
| Payment | T/T or L/C |
DC01 Steel Chemical Composition (EN 10130)
According to the EN 10130 standard, DC01 steel is an unalloyed, low-carbon, cold-rolled steel whose carbon content is kept to an extremely low level to enhance ductility and reduce the risk of cracking during cold forming.
The following is a typical chemical composition range for DC01 steel:
| C (Carbon) | ≤ 0.12 | Controls hardness and strength; low carbon ensures high ductility |
| Mn (Manganese) | ≤ 0.60 | Enhances strength and hardenability; improves surface finish |
| P (Phosphorus) | ≤ 0.045 | Increases strength slightly but can reduce toughness |
| S (Sulfur) | ≤ 0.045 | Improves machinability but can decrease ductility |
| Al (Aluminum) | ≤ 0.07 | Used for deoxidation; improves grain refinement and surface quality |
| Fe (Iron) | Balance | Base element of the steel matrix |
DC01 Steel Mechanical Properties
DC01 steel has balanced mechanical properties. Compared to structural steels, it offers moderate strength and can be formed into complex shapes without cracking or tearing.
The mechanical properties of DC01 conform to EN 10130. Actual values may vary slightly depending on thickness and rolling direction. Typical values are shown below:
| Yield Strength | ReL / MPa | 140 – 280 | Defines the stress at which plastic deformation begins; suitable for forming operations |
| Tensile Strength | Rm / MPa | 270 – 410 | Moderate tensile strength allows excellent formability |
| Elongation (A80) | % | ≥ 28 – 30 | Indicates high ductility, supporting deep drawing and bending |
| Hardness (Brinell) | HB | 80 – 120 | Soft structure ideal for forming and stamping |
| Elastic Modulus | E / GPa | ~210 | Comparable to other low-carbon steels |
| Poisson's Ratio | ν | ~0.29 | Standard for mild steels, defining deformation behavior under stress |
| Density | ρ / g/cm³ | 7.85 | Consistent with typical carbon steels |
How Does the Corrosion Resistance of DC01 Compare to Other Low-Carbon Steels?
DC01 steel is an unalloyed, low-carbon, cold-rolled steel with limited natural corrosion resistance and lacking significant amounts of chromium or nickel. DC01 steel readily oxidizes unless surface protection is applied, such as painting, galvanizing, or electroplating.
To improve its corrosion resistance, DC01 steel is commonly treated with the following treatments:
Electrogalvanizing (EN 10152 DC01+ZE) – Provides a thin, uniform zinc layer, enhancing rust protection.
Hot-dip galvanizing (EN 10346 DC01+Z) – Produces a thicker zinc coating suitable for outdoor and automotive applications.
Phosphating or painting – Enhances corrosion resistance while also improving paint adhesion and appearance.
EN 10130 DC01 Steel (Cold-Rolled)
EN 10130 DC01 refers to cold-rolled mild steel as defined in European standard EN 10130:2006 (Cold-rolled mild steel flat products for cold forming). It is one of the most commonly used grades in the DC (cold drawn) series and is optimized for stamping, bending, and deep drawing applications.
During the production process, DC01 steel undergoes cold rolling, which involves passing the hot-rolled steel through rollers at room temperature to produce a thinner, smoother, and stronger material.
Typical properties of EN 10130 DC01 include:
Excellent surface quality, suitable for coating, painting, or galvanizing.
Uniform thickness and flatness make it ideal for precision sheet metal fabrication.
Excellent formability makes it ideal for drawing and bending.
Moderate strength and good elongation make it suitable for complex shapes.
EN 10152 DC01 Steel (Electro-Zinc Coated)
EN 10152 DC01+ZE defines a cold-rolled mild steel with an electroplated zinc coating. This is in accordance with European Standard EN 10152:2009 – Electroplated galvanized cold-rolled flat steel products for cold forming.
During the electroplating process, a thin, uniform layer of zinc (typically 2.5 to 10 microns thick per side) is deposited on the steel surface through an electrochemical reaction.
Key features of EN 10152 DC01+ZE include:
- Enhanced corrosion protection without compromising the steel's formability.
- Excellent surface finish, ideal for painting, powder coating, or decorative plating.
- Close thickness tolerances and stable coating adhesion.
- Good weldability (including resistance spot welding and seam welding).
Due to its excellent surface appearance and protective properties, this grade is widely used in:
- Automotive body components – interior panels, seat structures, brackets, and reinforcements.
- Electrical appliances – control cabinets, panels, and enclosures.
- Office and home furniture-Frame structures and visible metal components requiring an aesthetically pleasing finish.
- General fabrication-Components exposed to indoor humid or mildly corrosive environments.
DC01 Electrolytic Zinc Coatings & Surface Treatment
The most common surface protection methods for DC01 include:
- Electrolytic galvanizing (DC01+ZE): This process uses an electrolytic bath to deposit a thin, uniform layer of zinc.
- Hot-dip galvanizing (DC01+Z): Unlike electrogalvanizing, hot-dip galvanizing involves dipping the steel into molten zinc, resulting in a thicker, rougher coating.
- Phosphating: A chemical conversion coating forms a crystalline phosphate layer on the steel surface.
- Painting and powder coating: These coatings provide an additional barrier against oxidation and are available in a variety of colors and textures.
- Oil coating and passivation: These prevent oxidation without affecting subsequent painting or forming processes.
How Does DC01 Perform Under High-Temperature Conditions?
DC01 steel is a low-carbon, cold-rolled mild steel not specifically designed for high-temperature applications.
At high temperatures (typically between 150°C and 350°C (302°F–662°F)), DC01 steel maintains stable mechanical properties, making it suitable for bending, pressing, and mild hot forming processes.
Above 400°C (752°F), the material begins to lose structural integrity due to grain growth and loss of tensile strength. At these temperatures, oxidation can become severe if the surface is unprotected, leading to scaling and surface degradation.
Related grade
|
Steel Grade |
Yield Strength (MPa) min |
Tensile Strength (MPa) min |
Elongation % min |
Old Description |
|
DC01 |
≤280 |
270-410 |
28 |
St 12-03 |
|
DC03 |
≤240 |
270-370 |
34 |
St 13-03 |
|
DC04 |
≤210 |
270-350 |
38 |
St 14-03 |
|
DC05 |
≤180 |
270-330 |
40 |
St 15-03 |
|
DC06 |
≤170 |
270-330 |
41 |
- |
|
DC07 |
≤150 |
250-310 |
44 |
- |
Conclusion
DC01 steel is highly regarded for its smooth surface finish, excellent formability and reliable mechanical properties.
GNEE specializes in custom cold-rolled steel fabrication and sheet metal forming, offering precision cutting, stamping, deep drawing, automated assembly, and surface treatment. With advanced facilities and strict quality control under IATF 16949 and ISO 13485, we deliver tailored DC-series steel solutions that meet global industrial standards.
What is DC01 steel used for?
DC01 steel is mainly used in automotive panels, appliance housings, furniture, electrical enclosures, and precision-formed components where smooth surface finish and dimensional accuracy are essential.
Is DC01 good for welding?
Yes. DC01 steel has excellent weldability due to its low carbon content, making it suitable for spot, seam, and arc welding without significant risk of cracking or distortion.
What is the difference between DC01 and DC03?
The main difference lies in formability; DC03 contains slightly lower carbon and higher elongation than DC01, allowing it to withstand deeper drawing and more complex forming operations.
Does DC01 need surface treatment?
Although DC01 can be used untreated, surface coatings such as galvanizing, phosphating, or painting are often applied to improve corrosion resistance and aesthetic finish.
What standard defines DC01 steel?
DC01 steel is defined under the EN 10130 standard, which specifies cold-rolled low-carbon steel sheets and strips for cold-forming applications.