DC01 Steel
DC01 is a widely used cold-rolled low-carbon steel (also known as mild steel) primarily designed for general-purpose forming applications. It belongs to the European standard (EN) cold-rolled steel series, valued for its excellent formability, weldability, and machinability. DC01 is commonly used in industries such as automotive, home appliances, construction, and metal fabrication where easy shaping and cost-effectiveness are critical.
Basic Information
Definition: DC01 is a non-alloy cold-rolled steel with low carbon content, characterized by low strength, high ductility, and uniform mechanical properties. It is produced through cold rolling, which enhances surface finish and dimensional precision compared to hot-rolled steel.
Corresponding Standards: Defined by the European standard EN 10130:2006 (Cold rolled low carbon steel flat products for cold forming). It is equivalent to other international grades, such as:
China: Q195 (cold-rolled)
USA: ASTM A1008 CS Type B
Japan: JIS SPCC
Key Characteristics: High formability (easy to bend, draw, or stamp), smooth surface finish, good weldability, and low cost, making it suitable for non-structural or lightly stressed components.
Chemical Composition
DC01’s composition is strictly controlled to ensure its formability and processing performance, with key elements as follows:
Element Content Range Role in the Steel
Carbon (C) ≤0.12% Kept low to ensure high ductility and formability; minimizes hardening during cold working.
Manganese (Mn) ≤0.60% Improves strength slightly without significantly reducing ductility; aids in deoxidation.
Silicon (Si) ≤0.05% Controlled at low levels to avoid surface defects and ensure clean steel.
Phosphorus (P) ≤0.035% Limited to prevent brittleness, especially in welded joints.
Sulfur (S) ≤0.035% Minimized to avoid hot shortness and improve surface quality.
Aluminum (Al) ≥0.02% (optional) Acts as a deoxidizer, refining grain structure and improving toughness.
Physical Properties
Density: ~7.85 g/cm³ (standard for carbon steels).
Melting Point: ~1430–1450°C.
Thermal Conductivity: ~50 W/(m·K) at room temperature (good heat transfer performance).
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion: ~12×10⁻⁶/°C (20–100°C), typical for low-carbon steels.
Electrical Resistivity: ~0.16 μΩ·m (moderate electrical conductivity).
Mechanical Properties
DC01’s mechanical properties are optimized for formability rather than high strength:
Property Value Range (Cold-Rolled State)
Tensile Strength (Rm) 270–370 MPa
Yield Strength (Rp0.2) 130–220 MPa
Elongation (A80mm) ≥28%
Hardness ≤130 HV (Vickers hardness)
Formability: Excellent—can undergo deep drawing, bending (with small bend radii), roll forming, and stamping without cracking. It is classified as a “dead soft” steel, meaning it has minimal resistance to deformation.
Weldability: Outstanding—easily welded using common methods (arc welding, spot welding, gas welding) without preheating or post-weld heat treatment, due to its low carbon and impurity content.
Machinability: Good for simple machining operations (cutting, drilling) but not ideal for high-precision or heavy machining due to its softness, which can cause tool buildup.
Processing Performance
Cold Forming: DC01 is specifically designed for cold forming processes, including:
Stamping: Used for producing flat or shallow-drawn parts like panels, brackets, and covers.
Bending: Can be bent to tight radii (e.g., 1× thickness) without fracturing, making it suitable for hinges or folded components.
Deep Drawing: Moderate deep drawing capability (though grades like DC03/DC04 are better for deeper draws).
Surface Treatment: Accepts various surface finishes, including painting, galvanizing, powder coating, and plating, due to its smooth cold-rolled surface.
Welding: As mentioned, welds well with minimal risk of cracking or brittleness, making it ideal for assembled structures.
Cutting: Easy to cut with shears, lasers, or plasma cutters, with clean edges and minimal burrs.
Application Fields
DC01’s combination of formability, cost-effectiveness, and versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of applications:
Automotive Industry:
Interior and exterior trim parts (e.g., door panels, dashboard components).
Non-structural brackets, clips, and fasteners.
Underbody covers and light-duty sheet metal parts.
Home Appliances:
Casings for refrigerators, washing machines, microwaves, and air conditioners.
Internal components like brackets, trays, and panels.
Construction and Hardware:
Metal furniture (frames, legs, brackets).
Ventilation ducts, gutters, and light steel structures.
Fasteners, hinges, and simple metal parts.
General Fabrication:
Signage, nameplates, and decorative metalwork.
Enclosures for electrical equipment and control panels.
Advantages and Limitations
Advantages
High Formability: Easily shaped into complex geometries without failure.
Cost-Effective: One of the most affordable cold-rolled steels, suitable for mass production.
Good Surface Quality: Smooth, uniform surface reduces the need for post-processing.
Excellent Weldability: Simplifies assembly in manufacturing.
Limitations
Low Strength: Not suitable for structural applications requiring high load-bearing capacity (use high-strength steels like DP or HSLA instead).
Poor Wear Resistance: Soft nature makes it prone to abrasion; may require coating for wear protection.
Susceptible to Corrosion: Uncoated DC01 rusts easily in humid environments, so galvanizing or painting is often needed for outdoor use.
In summary, DC01 is a versatile, low-cost cold-rolled steel ideal for general forming and fabrication applications where formability and weldability take priority over high strength. Its widespread use across industries underscores its reliability and practicality in everyday manufacturing.