DC01–DC06 are EN 10130 cold-rolled, low-carbon drawing/forming grades engineered to give predictable formability, consistent surface quality, and controlled mechanical limits for automotive, appliance, and general-fabrication applications. For buyers needing reliable, thin-gauge sheet for deep drawing or light structural parts, choosing the correct DC grade (from DC01 for general drawing to DC06 for the highest formability) reduces scrap, eases stamping, and shortens downstream processing time. MWAlloys supplies all EN 10130 DC grades from Chinese mills at 100% factory pricing with fast stock delivery for standard coil sizes and full material certificates on request.

What the “DC” grades mean

The “DC” designation (Drawing and forming Cold-rolled) is a family of non-alloy, low-carbon steel grades defined by EN 10130 (and country variants). The grades DC01 through DC07 are classified primarily by guaranteed maximum yield strength and guaranteed minimum ductility — higher DC numbers generally mean lower yield and higher ductility, which translates to better deep-drawing performance. EN 10130 sets the chemical ceilings and mechanical ranges so designers and purchasing teams can specify a grade with confidence.

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.

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).

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.

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.

Surface finish, supply conditions and coatings

Common supply finishes and codes you will see on orders:

• Bare cold-rolled, oiled — for immediate forming or further coating.

• DC01-A / DC01-B — surface categories per EN spec: “A” usually denotes higher surface quality than “B” (fewer imperfections acceptable).

• +ZE / EN 10152 — electro-galvanized variant based on EN 10152 (e.g., DC01+ZE or 1.0330+ZE) for corrosion protection and painted finishes.

• Skin-pass / temper rolling — a light cold pass to control flatness and surface appearance. Surface finish influences paint adhesion and cosmetic acceptance; specify surface class and roughness when appearance matters.

Manufacturing route and annealing

Cold-rolled DC steels are produced by pickling HRC, cold rolling to gauge, annealing (continuous or batch), and skin-pass tempering. The annealing cycle (temperature and atmosphere) controls recrystallization and grain size, which in turn influences formability and surface appearance. For deep-draw parts, continuous annealing with controlled cooling often gives the most uniform ductility. Mills will indicate annealing type on technical sheets; request process details for critical applications.

Typical applications and industry examples

• Automotive inner panels, brackets and reinforcements — DC03/DC04 and DC05 used for mild-to-moderate drawing.

• Domestic appliances (washing machines, ovens) — DC01/DC03 for structural panels and stamped parts.

• Furniture and shelving — DC01 for cost-effective panels, DC04 for better forming.

• HVAC ducts and enclosures — DC04/DC05 where forming and stiffness are balanced.

• Electrical cabinets and boxes — cosmetic surface grades (DC01-A) are often chosen.
  Case example: a household appliance supplier switched from DC01 to DC05 for a stamped door and reduced springback and rejection rate, while maintaining similar press-force demand because tooling and lubrication were optimized in tandem. Real-world selection benefits from blank trials and checklists (lubricant, tool radius, blankholder).

Specification table — dimensions, tolerances, supply form

Standard coil supply options and common tolerances:

Always include thickness tolerance and surface class on the purchase order; MWAlloys issues full MTCs and can arrange 3.1 inspection certificates on request.

2025 price snapshot (USA, Europe, China)

Important: steel coil prices fluctuate daily with scrap, electricity, tariffs, and regional mill production. The figures below are mid-2025 market indicators consolidated from industry price reports — use them for budgeting and negotiating, not as firm quotes. Actual ex-mill or FOB prices will vary by mill, quantity, delivery port and contract terms.

How to read these ranges

• The US market showed higher CRC levels mid-2025 due to domestic cost bases and tariff considerations; European prices move with energy costs and scrap availability; China’s domestic spot is generally lower but export premiums, processing, and logistics add to delivered cost. For precise RFQ comparisons, request ex-works and FOB options and include certificates and surface class to ensure apples-to-apples quotes.

Procurement checklist & MWAlloys value proposition

Procurement checklist when buying DC coils:

• Specify EN 10130 grade, surface class (A/B), thickness tolerance and coil weight.

• Request MTC (EN 10204 3.1) for chemical and mechanical batch confirmation.

• Ask for flattening / skin-pass state and whether the coil is oiled.

• Clarify edge type, slit width tolerances, and minimum order quantity.

• Include acceptance tests: tensile, bend, and surface inspection criteria.

Why buy from MWAlloys
MWAlloys is a specialized supplier of cold-rolled DC grades with factory direct pricing (we operate on a 100% factory price model), visible stock for common thicknesses (0.5–1.5 mm popular sizes), rapid dispatch (standard coils shipped within 5–14 working days depending on quantity), and full traceability via MTCs. We carry stock suitable for stamping houses and appliance OEMs and provide pre-shipment sampling on request. Our QC includes dimensional checks, surface inspection and packaging for sea export.

Testing, certifications and authoritative standards

Key standards that relate to DC01–DC06 and supply:

• EN 10130 (Cold-rolled low carbon steel flat products for cold forming) — primary standard for composition and mechanical guarantees.

• EN 10152 — covers electrolytically galvanized cold-rolled products (DC+ZE variants).

• EN 10204 — types of inspection certificate (2.1, 2.2, 3.1) — buyers often require 3.1 MTC for critical orders.

• Mill test certificates should show heat number traceability, actual chemical analysis, tensile/Y.S./elongation results and surface classification.

For projects requiring third-party verification, specify inspection by a notified body or inspection agency and include acceptance criteria on the PO. Mills can accommodate additional testing (deep draw trials, r-value testing) for development runs.

FAQs

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. Q: How do I ensure consistent formability across coils?
   A: Require MTCs, ask mills for process control data (annealing schedule), and keep lot sizes coherent for a production run. Consider blanks from same heat number for critical parts.

6. Q: What tolerances are typical for 0.8 mm thickness?
   A: Tolerances depend on mill and thickness band; EN standards define acceptable thickness ranges — specify on PO and request mill tolerance sheet.

7. Q: How does cold-rolling affect magnetic properties?
   A: Cold rolling slightly increases yield and strength and can increase magnetic permeability anisotropy; specify magnetic requirements if relevant for electrical parts.

8. Q: Is DC01 suitable for powder coating?
   A: Yes; surface prep and degreasing are critical. Choose surface class and oiling consistent with coating line specifications.

9. Q: How to compare prices from Chinese mills vs EU mills?
   A: Compare ex-works and FOB plus inland logistics, certificates, and lead time. Chinese domestic spot is often lower, but landed cost parity depends on shipping, duties and quality assurance. See mid-2025 market indicators (US, EU, China).

10. Q: What paperwork should I insist on?
    A: EN 10204 3.1 MTC, packing list, COA, mill inspection report and any special test certificates (e.g., r-value test) for critical parts.

Practical OEM checklist

• Order in coherent lots for single stamping tool runs.

• Lock in surface class and MTC requirement in P.O.

• Include acceptance criteria (visual, mechanical) and sample approval procedure.

• Ask supplier (e.g., MWAlloys) for pre-shipment photos, coil dimensions, and heat numbers.

Closing note from MWAlloys

MWAlloys combines direct factory partnerships in China with export logistics expertise. For DC01–DC06 coils we provide: factory-level pricing, available stock for standard gauges, quick shipping schedules, and full trace documentation. Tell us your target thickness, width, grade, and surface class and we will supply a detailed RFQ with lead time and sample availability.