DC04 is the deep drawing quality grade of the EN 10130 family of cold rolled low carbon steels, and it is the workhorse material for parts that are drawn, stretched and reshaped under multi-stage tooling. Its low carbon chemistry and tightly controlled rolling and annealing give it a combination of softness, ductility and uniform behaviour that simple forming grades cannot match. This article sets out the official grade data, explains what the forming indicators mean on the press floor, and maps the applications that consume the grade.
What the DC04 Designation Means
Reading EN 10130 designations: D indicates a flat steel product for cold forming, C states that the product is cold rolled, and 04 is the serial number for deep drawing quality. The material number is 1.0338. The designation replaces older national names such as St14 in the DIN system and FeP04 in the old European system, and it is the direct European counterpart of drawing grades in other systems, such as SPCE under JIS G 3141 in Japan.
Chemical Composition of DC04
| Element | Max % (EN 10130) |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 0.08 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.40 |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.030 |
| Sulphur (S) | 0.030 |
The low carbon and manganese ceilings keep the ferrite soft and free of hard second phases, so the sheet yields gradually and work-hardens slowly during deep drawing, which is the physical basis of the grade behaviour.
Mechanical Properties of DC04
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Yield strength Re (MPa) | 140 - 210 |
| Tensile strength Rm (MPa) | 270 - 350 |
| Elongation A80 (min %) | 38 |
| Plastic strain ratio r90 (min) | 1.6 |
| Strain hardening exponent n90 (min) | 0.18 |
The r90 and n90 values are the deep drawing credentials. The plastic strain ratio r90 measures how much the sheet thins against how much it draws in width: a value above 1.6 means the material prefers to flow rather than thin, which is exactly what prevents wall splits in a deep cup. The hardening exponent n90 measures how evenly strain distributes: higher values delay local necking and tearing. For thicknesses where these indicators apply, DC04 is a certified deep drawing grade, not just a soft sheet.
Surface Quality and Finish
EN 10130 defines surface classes A, B and C. Class A is the finest, free of visible imperfections, and is required where the part is painted to a high appearance standard. Class B tolerates minor marks and is the general purpose level. Class C allows visible imperfections and suits parts that are coated or hidden. The surface finish, such as dull, smooth or bright, is controlled by the skin pass roll, and the coil is normally delivered oiled to protect the surface in transit and storage. Buyers of visible deep drawn parts should specify class A or B explicitly and check the surface on arrival, because a drawing die amplifies every scratch into a visible defect.
Applications of DC04 Coil
In automotive manufacture, DC04 is specified for body panels, door and bonnet inners, fuel tank shells, and structural pressings that combine a deep draw with a clean painted surface. In white goods, it forms washing machine drums, refrigerator panels and dishwasher tubs. In general industry it produces sinks, cookware, battery cases, lighting reflectors and drawn housings, and in furniture it forms deep drawn metal components with smooth visible surfaces. Because the material is soft, it is also a preferred substrate for subsequent galvanizing or painting where the finished part demands both formability and corrosion protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between DC04 and DC01?
DC04 carries a lower carbon ceiling, 0.08% versus 0.12%, a higher minimum elongation, 38% versus 28%, and guaranteed r90 and n90 deep drawing indicators that DC01 does not have. DC04 is specified where the die actually draws the material; DC01 handles bending and light stamping at lower cost.
Is DC04 the same as SPCE or St14?
Functionally yes. SPCE under JIS G 3141 and the former St14 in the DIN system are the Japanese and German equivalents of the deep drawing DC04 level, all serving the same class of deep drawn applications.
What thicknesses does EN 10130 DC04 cover?
The standard applies to cold rolled flat products up to roughly 3 mm. Mechanical guarantees, including the r90 and n90 values, are defined per thickness group, so the certificate values should be checked against the ordered gauge.
Can DC04 be welded?
Yes, very easily. The low carbon content makes it suitable for spot welding, MIG and TIG without preheat, and welds are ductile. After welding, deep drawn assemblies are normally cleaned and painted or coated.
Why does DC04 cost more than DC01?
The chemistry is leaner and the processing window is tighter: lower carbon and manganese, controlled annealing to a softer microstructure, and verified drawing indicators. That control adds cost, and the buyer pays it only when the part geometry genuinely draws.
How should DC04 coils be stored?
Keep them wrapped, dry and off the floor. The oiled surface resists light handling but condensation and humidity cause surface rust that shows up immediately after drawing, so a dry warehouse and careful slitting are part of the quality chain.