The durability of enamelled products-from domestic appliances to industrial chemical reactors-starts with the quality of the substrate. For engineers and procurement specialists, selecting EN 10209 DC04EK / DC04ED / DC06ED in heavy gauges like 3.0 mm and 4.0 mm is a strategic decision that impacts both the longevity of the final product and the efficiency of the manufacturing process. As a leading supplier, GNEE STEEL focuses on delivering steel that minimizes waste and maximizes enamel adhesion.
EN 10209 DC04EK / DC04ED / DC06ED
Enamelling on steel was prone to issues like "black specks" or "boiling" due to impurities in the metal. The introduction of the EN 10209 standard revolutionized this field by setting strict limits on carbon content and introducing vacuum degassing and specific alloying techniques. Grades like DC04EK are now the industry standard for high-volume production where reliability is non-negotiable. For components requiring extreme elongation and precision, DC06ED offers a titanium-stabilized ultra-low carbon structure that excels in deep-drawing applications.
Request Latest Steel Price Today
Basic Grade & Material Information
|
Item |
DC04EK |
DC04ED |
DC06ED |
Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Steel Number (W.Nr.) |
1.0392 |
1.0393 |
1.0394 |
European standard material identification |
|
Grade Type |
Standard Enamelling Steel |
Deep-Drawing Direct Enamelling Steel |
Extra Deep-Drawing Direct Enamelling Steel |
Ultra-low carbon ED grades for direct enamelling |
|
Nominal Thickness |
3.0 mm, 4.0 mm |
3.0 mm, 4.0 mm |
3.0 mm, 4.0 mm |
Fixed thickness for heavy-duty enamelling parts |
|
Application Scope |
Conventional enamelling (1-2 layers) |
Single-fire direct enamelling, deep-drawn parts |
Complex extra deep-drawn components, high-end enamelling |
Optimized for vitreous enamelling process compatibility |
Chemical Composition (Mass Fraction, %)
Strictly controlled for anti-bubbling and enamelling adhesion performance
|
Element |
DC04EK |
DC04ED |
DC06ED |
Control Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Carbon (C), max |
≤ 0.080 |
≤ 0.004 |
≤ 0.003 |
Eliminate enamelling bubbles, prevent fish scaling |
|
Manganese (Mn), max |
≤ 0.40 |
≤ 0.30 |
≤ 0.25 |
Improve enamelling layer adhesion |
|
Phosphorus (P), max |
≤ 0.025 |
≤ 0.020 |
≤ 0.015 |
Avoid grain boundary embrittlement |
|
Sulfur (S), max |
≤ 0.020 |
≤ 0.015 |
≤ 0.010 |
Reduce enamelling surface defects |
|
Soluble Aluminum (Al), min |
≥ 0.020 |
≥ 0.025 |
≥ 0.030 |
Fix nitrogen, enhance deep drawability |
|
Ti/Nb Microalloying |
- |
Trace |
Trace |
Refine grains, stabilize microstructure |
Mechanical Properties (Transverse Direction, 3.0/4.0 mm)
Tested per EN 10209 standard; adjusted for thickness > 2.0 mm per specification
|
Property |
DC04EK |
DC04ED |
DC06ED |
Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Yield Strength (R) |
140 – 220 |
130 – 200 |
120 – 180 |
MPa |
|
Tensile Strength (R) |
270 – 350 |
270 – 340 |
260 – 330 |
MPa |
|
Elongation (A), min |
≥ 36 |
≥ 38 |
≥ 40 |
% |
|
Plastic Strain Ratio (r̅), min |
≥ 1.2 |
≥ 1.4 |
≥ 1.6 |
- |
|
Strain Hardening Exponent (n), min |
≥ 0.18 |
≥ 0.20 |
≥ 0.22 |
- |
Structural Applications of 4.0 mm DC04EK Steel
While thin-gauge steel is common in the kitchenware industry, the 3.0 mm to 4.0 mm EN 10209 DC04EK sheets are the workhorses of the energy and infrastructure sectors.
- Air Preheaters: Enamelled steel is essential for heat exchangers in coal-fired power plants to resist acid corrosion.
- Storage Silos: Large-scale agricultural and chemical storage tanks require the strength of 4.0 mm steel with the chemical resistance of glass.
- Architectural Cladding: For high-traffic areas or tunnels, enamelled panels provide a graffiti-proof and fire-resistant surface that stays vibrant for over 50 years.
- Solar Water Heaters: The inner tanks must withstand constant pressure and thermal expansion, where the deep-drawing quality of DC06ED becomes invaluable.
At GNEE STEEL, our commitment to the EN 10209 standard goes beyond the certificate. We implement a rigorous three-step quality check for every batch of DC04EK, DC04ED, and DC06ED. First, we verify the chemical composition through ladle analysis. Second, we perform mechanical testing to ensure elongation and yield strength meet the 3.0 mm and 4.0 mm specifications. Finally, we conduct surface inspections to guarantee the absence of laminations or scratches that could jeopardize the enamel bond. Our global logistics network is optimized to deliver these heavy coils and sheets in seaworthy packaging, preventing any moisture-induced oxidation during transit.
FAQ
Q: Why is DC06ED preferred over DC04EK for deep drawing?
A: DC06ED has a much lower carbon content and is titanium-stabilized, which results in a higher "r-value" (plastic strain ratio). This means it can be stretched into deeper and more complex shapes without thinning or cracking compared to DC04EK.
Q: Does 4.0 mm steel require special pre-treatment for enamelling?
A: Thicker materials have a higher thermal mass. GNEE STEEL recommends a slightly longer pickling or degreasing cycle to ensure the surface is perfectly clean, as thicker gauges may retain more residual processing oils.
Is your current steel supplier meeting the strict tolerances required for your high-performance enamelled products? Don't settle for "good enough" when you can have the precision of GNEE STEEL. Whether you need 3.0 mm DC04EK for industrial heaters or 4.0 mm DC06ED for complex tanks, we have the stock and the expertise to support your growth.
Reach out to our technical sales team today for a full catalog and a competitive price list. Click here to send your inquiry and receive a response within 12 hours!
Client Visit
Qualifications
