What is cold-rolled DC06?
DC06 is an ultra-low carbon steel characterized by outstanding cold formability. The chemical composition of DC06 is precisely defined to ensure that the material has the required mechanical properties. Typically, DC06 contains a maximum of 0.01% carbon, a maximum of 0.20% manganese and only minimal traces of phosphorus and sulphur. This small amount of alloying elements contributes to the steel's exceptional formability and weldability.
The mechanical properties of DC06 are also clearly defined. The material has a maximum yield strength of 120 MPa and a tensile strength of between 270 and 350 MPa. In addition, DC06 has an elongation at break of at least 40%, which underlines its excellent formability. These properties make DC06 particularly suitable for the production of complex and precise components that require high formability, such as deep-drawn body parts in the automotive industry or sophisticated components in the household appliance industry.
Chemical composition - EN 10130 reference limits
Below is a consolidated table of maximum chemical limits commonly used when ordering DC01–DC06 per EN 10130 (values are maximums unless shown otherwise). These are the normative ceilings; mills usually report actual analysis on the mill test certificate (MTC).
| Element | Unit | DC01 (typical max) | DC03 | DC04 | DC05 | DC06 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | wt% | 0.12 | 0.10 | 0.08 | 0.06 | 0.02 |
| Manganese (Mn) | wt% | 0.60 | 0.60 | 0.45 | 0.35 | 0.25 |
| Phosphorus (P) | wt% | 0.045 | 0.035 | 0.030 | 0.025 | 0.020 |
| Sulfur (S) | wt% | 0.045 | 0.035 | 0.030 | 0.025 | 0.020 |
| Silicon (Si) | wt% | ≤0.03 (typical deoxidation control) | - | - | - | - |
| Titanium (Ti) | wt% | - | - | - | - | ≤0.30 (in some DC06 specs) |
Notes: exact upper limits and deoxidation practice are defined in full in EN 10130; some grades (DC03-DC06) are listed with aluminium deoxidation as the usual practice, while DC01 may be made with manufacturer's choice of deoxidation. Always request the MTC for the batch.
Material properties
The mechanical ranges below are the guaranteed envelope typical in EN 10130 delivery for DC grades. Actual values per coil are shown on the MTC.
| Property | Unit | DC01 | DC03 | DC04 | DC05 | DC06 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yield strength (upper limit) | MPa | up to 280 | up to 240 | up to 210 | up to 180 | up to 170 |
| Tensile strength | MPa | 270–410 | 270–370 | 270–350 | 270–330 | 270–330 |
| Elongation (A, % on specified thickness) | % | ≥28 | ≥38 | ≥38 | ≥40 | ≥41 |
| Hardness (typical HRB) | HRB | 60–90 (depends on temper) | lower with higher DC grade | - | - | - |
These ranges are intentionally broad so mills can offer various strength bands (e.g., HK270, HK340) while remaining within EN 10130. For deep-draw components, pay attention to guaranteed elongation and guaranteed maximum yield strength - lower yield strength reduces springback and required forming force.
Our company can also supply the following cold-rolled steel grades:
DC01 – Designed for basic forming processes such as bending, embossing, beading and standard drawing operations.
DC03 – Intended for more demanding forming applications, including deep drawing and more complex profiling.
DC04 – Suitable for applications requiring high levels of formability.
DC05 – A deep-drawing grade developed to meet very high forming requirements.
DC06 – A special deep-drawing grade engineered for the highest demands in cold forming.
DC07 – An ultra deep-drawing grade tailored for extreme and highly challenging forming operations.
FAQs
Q: Can DC01 be welded?
A: Yes - DC01 and other DC grades are weldable by standard processes (MIG/MAG, TIG, resistance spot), but control heat input and run pre/post treatments if paint or galvanizing is involved. For very low carbon DC06, welding parameters must avoid embrittlement at edges.
Q: Which DC grade gives the best deep drawing?
A: DC05/DC06 provide the highest ductility and lowest yield ceilings in common DC families; DC06 is often chosen where maximum elongation and minimal springback are priorities. Prototype testing is still essential.
Q: What surface finish should I specify for visible panels?
A: Order DC01-A (higher surface quality) or request a defined Ra roughness and skin-pass finish; also ask for protective oil or anti-fingerprint treatments when needed.
Q: Do DC grades come pre-galvanized?
A: EN 10130 covers uncoated products; galvanized variants are supplied under EN 10152 (DC+ZE). Specify coating mass and post-treatment when corrosion protection is required.
