What's the difference between DC04 and SPCC?
DC04 and SPCC are two widely used grades of cold-rolled steel sheet, but they differ significantly in their standard systems, composition, mechanical properties, formability, and applicable applications. The core difference stems from their differing design priorities: DC04 focuses on deep-drawing formability, while SPCC emphasizes universal workability.
DC04: Deep-drawing Formability
Due to aluminum-killed, refined grains (grain size approximately 10-15μm) and a uniform microstructure, it exhibits excellent deep-drawability (cupping value IE ≥ 8.0mm) and a "yield plateau-free" characteristic (temper rolling after annealing eliminates the yield plateau). This allows it to withstand:
Complex deep drawing (e.g., automotive door panel linings and refrigerator liners);
Reverse drawing and bulging (e.g., special-shaped metal shells);
Multiple stamping deformations (without the risk of cracking). SPCC: General-purpose Formability
Coarse grains (approximately 20-30μm) and average microstructure uniformity provide only basic formability (cupping index IE ≈ 6.5mm). This material can only withstand:
Simple stamping (e.g., gaskets and brackets);
Single-stage bending and shearing (e.g., metal box housings);
Processing without deep drawing requirements (e.g., mechanical part bases).
Note: The higher the IE, the greater the material's deep-drawing capability. DC04's IE is significantly higher than SPCC's, a hallmark of its "deep-drawing" designation.