What is cold-rolled steel?
Cold-rolled steel products play a central role in the modern manufacturing industry, especially in the field of cold forming. To ensure the quality and consistency of these products, specific standards are of crucial importance. The standards DIN EN 10130 and DIN EN 10152 define the requirements for these products and provide a framework for their manufacture and use. The grades within these standards are classified according to the maximum permissible yield strength and can be subdivided as follows.
DC01 – This grade can be used for simple forming work, e.g. bending, embossing, beading and drawing.
DC03 – This grade is suitable for forming requirements such as deep drawing and difficult profiling.
DC04 – This grade is suitable for high forming requirements.
DC05 – This deep-drawing grade is suitable for higher forming requirements.
DC06 – This special deep-drawing grade is suitable for the highest forming requirements.
DC07 – This super deep-drawing grade is suitable for extreme forming requirements.
Cold-rolled steel manufacturing process
Specifications Table of cold-rolled steel:
| Quality | Material-No. | Standard | Surface refinement | Classification according to EN10020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DC01 | 1.0330 | DIN EN 10130 | +ZE according to DIN EN 10152 | Unalloyed quality steel |
| DC03 | 1.0347 | DIN EN 10130 | +ZE according to DIN EN 10152 | Unalloyed quality steel |
| DC04 | 1.0338 | DIN EN 10130 | +ZE according to DIN EN 10152 | Unalloyed quality steel |
| DC05 | 1.0312 | DIN EN 10130 | +ZE according to DIN EN 10152 | Unalloyed quality steel |
| DC06 | 1.0873 | DIN EN 10130 | +ZE according to DIN EN 10152 | Alloyed quality steel |
| DC07 | 1.0989 | DIN EN 10130 | +ZE according to DIN EN 10152 | Alloyed quality steel |
Performance Advantages of Cold-Rolled Low-Carbon Steel
Outstanding Machinability
Cold-rolled low-carbon steel exhibits excellent processing performance, making it ideal for deep drawing, bending, stamping, and other forming operations. Its high ductility and superior deep-drawing characteristics ensure reliable performance in complex shaping processes.
The low carbon content reduces the risk of cracking or fracture during processing, effectively improving production efficiency and increasing material yield.
Superior Surface Quality
The cold-rolling process enhances the material's surface finish and dimensional precision, often eliminating the need for additional surface treatments.
With its smooth and uniform surface, this steel achieves a refined and attractive appearance after painting or coating, making it suitable for visible components in automotive, appliance, and decorative applications.
Excellent Mechanical Properties
Cold-rolled low-carbon steel combines high strength, elevated yield strength, and substantial tensile strength, providing excellent load-bearing capacity and resistance to deformation.
Its high elongation allows significant plastic deformation under external forces without breaking, offering greater flexibility for designing complex structures and high-performance components.
Quick selection rule
If you need economical, good general forming and some stiffness → DC01.
For medium forming and moderate drawing depth → DC03 / DC04.
For deep drawing, complex shapes, or surface-sensitive parts → DC05 / DC06.
For the most demanding deep-draw parts (very high elongation) → consider DC06 or switch to specialized deep-draw grades or electro-galvanized variants when corrosion protection is required. Practical selection should include trials (prototype stamps) because tool geometry, lubrication and blankholder pressure significantly influence outcomes.
