DC06 Carbon Steel: Cold-Forming Steels (EN 10130)
DC06 carbon steel, specified under the EN 10130 standard for cold-rolled low-carbon steels, is a high-quality, extra deep-drawing grade designed for exceptional formability in demanding applications. With its ultra-low carbon content and precise alloying, DC06 offers superior ductility, minimal springback, and excellent surface quality, making it ideal for automotive body panels, appliance housings, and precision components. This article explores its chemical composition, mechanical properties, manufacturing processes, applications, and comparative advantages.
1. Core Chemical Composition (EN 10130 Standard)
| Element | Content Range | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.02% | Ultra-low content for maximum ductility and reduced hardening during forming |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 0.25% | Improves hot workability and deoxidizes; supports fine grain structure |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 0.03% | Limited to enhance formability; avoids embrittlement in cold working |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.025% | Controlled impurity to prevent brittleness and ensure uniform deformation |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.025% | Minimized to reduce inclusions and improve surface quality post-forming |
| Titanium (Ti) | ≤ 0.300% | Optional micro-alloying for grain refinement and stabilization of microstructure |
| Iron (Fe) | Balance | Primary matrix for low-alloy structure |
2. Key Mechanical Properties (Room Temperature, Typical Values)
- Yield Strength (Rp0.2): ≤ 140 MPa (low yield for deep drawing without cracking)
- Tensile Strength (Rm): 270 – 350 MPa (balanced strength for structural integrity)
- Elongation (A80): ≥ 44% (for thicknesses > 2 mm; exceptional ductility for complex shapes)
- r-Value (Lankford Coefficient): ≥ 2.0 (high anisotropy resistance for uniform drawing)
- n-Value (Strain Hardening Exponent): ≥ 0.23 (supports progressive forming without necking)
- Hardness (HRB): ≤ 65 (Rockwell B; soft for easy cold forming and finishing)
3. Manufacturing Process Characteristics
- Steelmaking: Basic oxygen furnace (BOF) or electric arc furnace (EAF) with vacuum degassing to achieve ultra-low carbon and impurity levels for superior cleanliness.
- Hot Rolling: Continuous casting into slabs, hot-rolled at 1100-1200°C to 2-4 mm thickness, with controlled cooling to refine microstructure and avoid scale formation.
- Cold Rolling: Multi-pass reduction from hot-rolled strip to final gauge (0.3-3.0 mm), with intermediate annealing at 600-750°C to restore ductility and achieve precise thickness tolerance (±0.05 mm).
- Annealing: Batch or continuous annealing in a protective atmosphere (N2-H2) at 700-800°C, followed by slow cooling to ensure full recrystallization and optimal formability.
- Surface Treatment: Skin-pass rolling for shape control and surface smoothness; optional chemical passivation or phosphating to prevent rust during storage and enhance paint adhesion.
4. Typical Application Fields
Automotive Industry
Inner body panels, fuel tanks, wheel arches, and chassis components — leverages deep-drawability for complex geometries in vehicle manufacturing.
Appliance & Household
Washing machine tubs, refrigerator linings, microwave interiors, and furniture frames — provides smooth surfaces for enameling and corrosion protection.
Electronics & Precision Parts
Computer chassis, electrical enclosures, and stamped casings — ensures minimal distortion in high-volume production with fine surface finish.
General Manufacturing
Deep-drawn containers, tubular parts, and metal packaging — suitable for progressive die forming in cost-effective, high-precision operations.
5. Difference from Similar Grades (DC01 vs DC04 vs DC05 vs DC06)
| Grade | Carbon Content | Key Advantage | Suitable Scenario |
|---|---|---|---|
| DC01 | ≤ 0.12% | Cost-effective general forming | Simple bending and shallow drawing (e.g., brackets, covers) |
| DC04 | ≤ 0.06% | Good drawability for medium complexity | Automotive panels and appliance shells with moderate deformation |
| DC05 | ≤ 0.035% | Enhanced deep drawing with better r-value | Complex parts like oil pans and structural housings |
| DC06 | ≤ 0.02% | Ultra-high ductility for extra deep drawing | Extreme forming like double-action draws in automotive and precision industries |
6. Selection & Usage Precautions
- Forming Limits: Optimized for single or double deep drawing; avoid excessive strain rates to prevent orange peel or Lüders bands — use lubricant for draws > 2x diameter.
- Coating Compatibility: Excellent base for galvanizing, electroplating, or organic coatings; ensure surface cleanliness to avoid adhesion failures in painted applications.
- Thickness & Tolerance: Select gauges based on EN 10130 tolerances (IT grades); thinner sheets (<1 mm) for lightweight designs, thicker for rigidity.
- Quality Verification: Require EN 10130-compliant certificates with mechanical testing (e.g., ISO 6892-1 for tensile properties) and surface inspection per ISO 497.
- Storage & Handling: Protect from moisture to prevent rust; use oiling or plastic wrapping for long-term storage in humid environments.
7. Get a Carbon Steel Quote
If you need customized DC06 carbon steel products (sheets, coils, strips) or want to get a detailed price quote, please contact our team directly. Our specialists will provide professional technical support and competitive pricing based on your requirements.