What DC01 Designates
DC01 is the basic forming grade of the European cold-rolled steel family defined in EN 10130. It replaced the former designation St12 of the withdrawn DIN 1623 and the older FeP01 designation, and it carries the material number 1.0330. The grade is a low-carbon, aluminium-killed cold-rolled flat product intended for simple cold-forming operations such as bending, coining, beading and light drawing.
Because DIN 1623 has been withdrawn in favour of EN 10130, a drawing that still quotes St12 or FeP01 should be updated to DC01. Keeping the old designation on the order creates a real risk of a mill quoting a different product, or of a supplier certifying to a standard that is no longer current.
Position of DC01 in the DC Grade Family
The DC family in EN 10130 progresses from the basic grade to progressively more formable qualities. DC01 is the entry grade; DC03 and DC04 add drawing and deep-drawing capability; DC05 and DC06 are reserved for the most severe forming operations.
| Grade | Forming class | Re max (MPa) | Rm (MPa) | A80 min (%) | r90 min |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DC01 | Basic forming | 280 | 270–410 | 28 | 1.4 |
| DC03 | Drawing | 240 | 270–370 | 34 | 1.6 |
| DC04 | Deep drawing | 210 | 270–350 | 38 | 1.8 |
The values above summarise the mechanical requirements of EN 10130 and are given for orientation only; the mill certificate issued for the actual coil governs acceptance. In JIS G3141 the closest commercial-quality equivalent is SPCC, while SPCE belongs to the deep-drawing class and is therefore nearer to DC04 than to DC01. An enquiry that asks for both SPCE and DC01 at the same time mixes two systems and should be aligned before the coil is rolled.
Typical Supply Form of a 0.4 mm DC01 Coil
Thickness. 0.4 mm is a common light gauge for panels, enclosures and formed parts. Dimensional and shape tolerances for non-coated cold-rolled product follow EN 10131 for the ordered width.
Surface finish and condition. EN 10130 distinguishes surface finishes suitable for direct visible use from finishes intended for painting, and surface condition A or B depending on whether oiling is specified. For 0.4 mm material, oiled condition is usual to limit handling marks and transit rust.
Coil form. Coils are normally supplied with 508 mm or 610 mm inside diameter, in slit widths matched to the press or roll-forming line, and with a coil weight agreed with the customer.
Edge condition. Mill edge or trimmed edge, chosen according to whether the edge will be visible or will be formed.
Typical Applications of 0.4 mm DC01
The combination of a light gauge, a low carbon content and predictable forming behaviour makes the grade suitable for components that are bent, coined or lightly drawn but not subjected to extreme deformation.
Enclosures, cabinets and housings for electrical and electronic equipment.
Panels, brackets, clamps and mounting plates in general engineering.
Automotive and appliance parts formed by bending, beading or shallow drawing before painting or coating.
Ducting, furniture frames and general light-gauge fabrication where a smooth, paintable surface is required.
Where a part must survive a deep draw without thinning or splitting, a more formable grade such as DC03 or DC04 should be selected rather than increasing blank-holder force on a DC01 coil.
Ordering and Processing Notes
Quote the full designation: cold-rolled coil, DC01 to EN 10130, thickness, width, coil inside diameter, surface finish, surface condition and oiling.
Confirm whether the material will be delivered with a mill test certificate, and check that the yield strength and elongation on the certificate match the grade.
Store coils dry and off the ground; light-gauge DC01 marks and rusts easily if moisture is trapped under the wrapping.
Use a lubricant suited to the drawing operation, and remove residues before painting, since press lubricants affect paint adhesion.
If the part will be hot-dip galvanized or painted after forming, agree the surface condition with the processor at the enquiry stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is DC01 material grade?
A: DC01 is the basic cold-forming grade of cold-rolled low-carbon steel defined in EN 10130, material number 1.0330, formerly designated St12 and FeP01.
Q: What is DC01 steel equivalent to?
A: It corresponds to the former St12 under DIN 1623, to FeP01 in older designations, and broadly to SPCC commercial quality under JIS G3141.
Q: Does DIN 1623 still apply to DC01?
A: No. DIN 1623 has been withdrawn and replaced by EN 10130, and the designation St12 has been replaced by DC01.
Q: What is the difference between DC01 and DC04?
A: DC04 is a deep-drawing grade with lower yield strength, higher elongation and a higher plastic strain ratio, so it withstands severe deformation that DC01 cannot.
Q: What is 0.4 mm DC01 coil used for?
A: Light-gauge formed parts such as enclosures, panels, brackets, ducting and shallow-drawn components that will be painted or coated after forming.
Q: Which standards apply to a DC01 coil order?
A: EN 10130 for the grade and mechanical properties, EN 10131 for dimensional and shape tolerances of uncoated cold-rolled product, and a referenced coating standard only if the coil is subsequently metallic-coated.