Cold Rolled Steel Sheets (DC01 – DC04)

Cold rolled steel sheets classified under EN 10130 are low carbon steels designed for forming and drawing operations. These steels are produced by cold rolling hot rolled steel coils to achieve improved surface quality, tighter thickness tolerances, and enhanced mechanical properties.

The most common grades in this group are DC01, DC02, DC03, and DC04. Each grade offers a different level of formability depending on the complexity of the forming process.

These steels are widely used in the manufacturing of automotive components, household appliances, sheet metal products, and storage tanks.

1. DC01 – General Purpose Cold Rolled Steel

DC01 is the most widely used cold rolled steel grade for general forming applications. It provides good surface quality and is suitable for simple bending and stamping operations.

Key Characteristics

• Good surface finish

• Excellent weldability

• Suitable for basic forming

• Cost-effective material

Typical Applications

• Electrical cabinets

• Steel furniture

• Appliance housings

• Light sheet metal parts

• HVAC components

2. DC02 – Drawing Quality Steel

DC02 is designed for drawing operations where better formability is required compared to DC01.

It offers improved ductility and better performance during forming processes.

Key Characteristics

• Improved ductility

• Better drawing capability

• Good weldability

• Smooth cold rolled surface

Typical Applications

• Household appliances

• Metal enclosures

• Automotive sheet metal components

• Electrical equipment panels

3. DC03 – Deep Drawing Steel

DC03 steel is used for deep drawing operations where the sheet must undergo higher deformation.

The steel has higher elongation and better forming characteristics than DC02.

Key Characteristics

• High ductility

• Excellent deep drawing capability

• Uniform microstructure

• Good surface quality

Typical Applications

• Deep drawn containers

• Automotive panels

• Appliance components

• Industrial sheet metal parts

4. DC04 – Extra Deep Drawing Steel

DC04 is designed for very demanding deep drawing operations.

It provides the highest formability among the standard cold rolled steel grades.

Key Characteristics

• Very high elongation

• Excellent deep drawing performance

• Stable grain structure

• High forming capability

Typical Applications

• Automotive body panels

• Complex sheet metal components

• Deep drawn tanks

• Electric water heater tanks

DC04 is frequently used in tank manufacturing because it allows deep forming without cracking.

5. Chemical Composition (Typical)

Carbon (C) ≤ 0.12 %

Manganese (Mn) ≤ 0.60 %

Phosphorus (P) ≤ 0.045 %

Sulfur (S) ≤ 0.045 %

The low carbon content improves formability and weldability.

7. Typical Thickness Range

Cold rolled sheets are commonly supplied in thicknesses between:

0.4 mm – 3 mm

They are usually delivered in:

• Steel sheets

• Steel strips

• Steel coils

8. Surface Condition

Cold rolled DC steels are available with different surface conditions:

• Oiled surface (corrosion protection)

• Dry surface

• Skin passed surface finish

• Smooth industrial surface quality

9. Standards

These steels are defined in the European standard:

EN 10130 — Cold Rolled Low Carbon Steel Flat Products

Equivalent classifications include:

EN DC01 – DC04

DIN St12 – St14

ASTM Similar to A1008

10. Summary

Cold rolled steel sheets DC01 through DC04 are widely used in sheet metal manufacturing due to their excellent surface quality, weldability, and forming properties.

DC01 is suitable for basic forming, while DC02, DC03, and DC04 provide progressively higher levels of drawing and deep drawing capability. The correct grade selection depends on the complexity of the forming process and the required mechanical performance.

These materials are essential in industries such as automotive manufacturing, appliance production, and tank fabrication.