news banner

Product

Full-Range Steel Supply Solutions

DC01 Steel: A Comprehensive Guide to Properties, Applications, and Specifications

DC01 steel is a foundational grade of cold-rolled low-carbon non-alloy steel, defined by the European standard EN 10130 (with compatibility with DIN 1623, GB/T 5213, and JIS G3141 standards). As the entry-level product in the DC steel family (DC01-DC07), it is designated by the material number 1.0330 and was previously known as St12 or FeP01. Renowned for its excellent formability, reliable weldability, and cost-effectiveness, DC01 steel is widely used in automotive manufacturing, home appliances, construction, and general engineering. This guide provides a detailed overview of its core characteristics, technical parameters, applications, and service support.

DC01 Steel: A Comprehensive Guide to Properties, Applications, and Specifications-161
DC01 Steel: A Comprehensive Guide to Properties, Applications, and Specifications-160
DC01 Steel: A Comprehensive Guide to Properties, Applications, and Specifications-159
DC01 Steel: A Comprehensive Guide to Properties, Applications, and Specifications-158
DC01 Steel: A Comprehensive Guide to Properties, Applications, and Specifications-thumbnail-161
DC01 Steel: A Comprehensive Guide to Properties, Applications, and Specifications-thumbnail-160
DC01 Steel: A Comprehensive Guide to Properties, Applications, and Specifications-thumbnail-159
DC01 Steel: A Comprehensive Guide to Properties, Applications, and Specifications-thumbnail-158

1. Core Properties and Technical Specifications

1.1 Chemical Composition

DC01 steel features an ultra-low carbon design that prioritizes ductility and processing performance. Its chemical composition (by mass fraction) adheres to strict international standards:

Content Range

Role and Significance

Element

Carbon (C)

≤0.12%

Controls hardness and strength; low content ensures high ductility

Manganese (Mn)

≤0.60%

Enhances strength and surface finish without compromising formability

Phosphorus (P)

≤0.045%

Minimized to avoid brittleness and ensure toughness

Sulfur (S)

≤0.045%

Controlled to prevent ductility loss and improve processing stability

Acid-soluble Al (Alt)

≥0.020%

Refines grain structure and improves surface quality through deoxidation

Silicon (Si)

≤0.03% (byproduct)

Present in trace amounts without affecting core performance

1.2 Mechanical Properties

The balanced mechanical properties of DC01 steel make it suitable for simple to medium cold-forming operations, with consistent performance across manufacturers:

Performance Indicator

Range

Key Advantage

Yield Strength (Rp0.2)

130–280 MPa

Low yield point enables easy forming without cracking

Tensile Strength (Rm)

270–410 MPa

Moderate strength balances structural support and formability

Elongation (A80mm)

≥28%

High ductility supports bending, shallow stamping, and shaping

Hardness (HRB/HB)

40–75 HRB / 80–120 HB

Soft matrix facilitates cutting, stamping, and welding

Plastic Strain Ratio (r-value)

1.0–1.2

Basic formability for non-deep drawing applications

Strain Hardening Exponent (n-value)

0.18–0.22

Ensures stable deformation during processing

1.3 Physical and Corrosion Resistance Properties

  • Density: 7.85 g/cm³ (consistent with standard carbon steels)

  • Melting Point: ~1,460°C

  • Thermal Conductivity: 54 W/m·K (enables efficient heat dissipation)

  • Corrosion Resistance: Naturally low (lacks chromium/nickel alloying elements); requires surface treatments (galvanizing, phosphating) for rust protection. Galvanized DC01 steel maintains a 98%+ intact rate after 200–500 hours of salt spray testing.

  • roduct Forms, Surface Quality, and Customization

2.1 Product Dimensions and Forms

DC01 steel is supplied in flexible forms to meet diverse industrial needs, with extensive customization options:

  • Thickness: Standard 0.2–3.0 mm (common gauges: 0.3, 0.5, 0.8, 1.0, 1.2, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0 mm); customized up to 400 mm

  • Width: Standard 1000 mm, 1250 mm; customized 305–3000 mm (conventional range: 700–1850 mm)

  • Length: Sheets (2000 mm, 2500 mm; customizable 1–12 m); coils (ID 508 mm/20", OD ≤2120 mm)

  • Main Forms: Steel plates, coils, strips, and slit coils

2.2 Surface Quality Grades

Surface quality is classified by application requirements, ensuring compatibility with appearance and functional needs:

  • FB Grade (Standard): Allows minor scratches/indentations; suitable for non-appearance parts (e.g., mechanical brackets)

  • FC Grade (Improved): One side is defect-free to the naked eye, the other meets FB standards; used for visible appliance components (e.g., refrigerator side panels)

  • FD Grade (Advanced): One side has no coating-affecting defects, the other meets FB standards; ideal for high-end automotive interior panels

  • Surface Finish: Matte (default, Ra 0.6–1.9 μm), smooth (Ra ≤0.9 μm), or special smooth (Ra ≤0.4 μm)

2.3 Surface Treatment Options

To enhance corrosion resistance and adapt to specific environments, DC01 steel offers multiple surface treatments:

Treatment Type

Code/Designation

Features and Applications

Hot-dip Galvanizing

DC01+Z

Thick, uniform zinc layer (Z100/Z275); high corrosion resistance for outdoor/automotive use

Electrogalvanizing

DC01+ZE

Thin, smooth zinc coating (ZE25/ZE100); ideal for appliances/indoor components

Phosphating/Passivation

DC01+C

Improves paint adhesion; used for subsequent coating processes

Oiling

DC01+O

Temporary rust protection without affecting processing

3. Production Process and Quality Control

DC01 steel undergoes a highly standardized production process to ensure consistent performance:

  1. Pickling: Removes oxide layers from hot-rolled coils using 18–22% HCl at 60–80°C

  2. Cold Rolling: 4–6 passes with ±0.05 mm thickness tolerance to achieve precise dimensions

  3. Annealing: Heat treatment at 650–750°C (bell/continuous furnace) to eliminate work hardening and improve ductility

  4. Skin Pass Rolling: 0.3–1.0% elongation to enhance flatness and surface finish

Quality control includes third-party testing (SGS/CE/ISO certified) for chemical composition, mechanical properties, coating thickness, and corrosion resistance. Suppliers typically offer free samples to verify performance before bulk orders.

4. Key Applications and Limitations

4.1 Primary Application Fields

DC01 steel’s versatility makes it a staple in multiple industries:

  • Automotive Manufacturing: Door inner panels, seat rails, fuel tank caps, brackets, and reinforcements (non-deep drawing components)

  • Home Appliances: Refrigerator side panels, washing machine inner barrels, air conditioner shells, and control cabinet enclosures

  • Construction: Light steel roofs, door/window frames, curtain wall keels, and greenhouse structures

  • Packaging: Food cans, aerosol cans, and chemical barrels (food-grade safety certified)

  • General Engineering: Metal furniture frames, shelving, machine covers, and agricultural machinery parts (harvester racks, seed boxes)

4.2 Limitations and Recommendations

  • Not Suitable for Deep Drawing: DC01 is designed for simple forming; deep-drawing applications require DC03 (improved) or DC06 (ultra-deep drawing) grades

  • No Heat Treatment Enhancement: Low carbon content limits strength improvement via quenching/tempering; rely on cold working or higher-grade DC steel for increased strength

  • Requires Surface Protection: Uncoated DC01 is prone to oxidation; galvanizing/phosphating is recommended for outdoor or humid environments

5. DC Series Grade Comparison

To help select the right grade for specific needs, here’s a comparison of DC01 with higher-formability DC steels:

Grade Yield Strength (MPa) Elongation (%) Formability Typical Applications Cost

DC01

≤280

≥28

Simple forming (bending, shallow stamping)

Brackets, non-appearance parts

Lowest

DC03

≤240

≥34

General deep drawing

Automotive inner panels, appliance housings

Moderate

DC04

≤210

≥38

High deformation

Complex appliance components

Moderate-High

DC06

≤170

≥41

Ultra-deep drawing

High-end automotive panels

Highest

6. Supply Chain and Service Support

6.1 Order Terms

  • MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity): 1 Ton

  • Delivery Time: 7 days for stock goods; 30–50 days for customized orders

  • Monthly Capacity: Up to 5000 MT (major suppliers)

  • Loading Ports: Shanghai, Tianjin, Qingdao (China-based manufacturers)

6.2 Value-Added Services

  • Customization: Size, surface treatment, and processing (laser/plasma cutting, bending, punching, CNC milling)

  • Quality Assurance: Third-party testing (chemical composition, mechanical properties, corrosion resistance)

  • Packaging: Seaworthy export packaging (kraft paper + plastic film + GI steel sheet/coil, lockable steel strips)

  • Global Reach: Exported to over 60 countries (Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia, UAE, South Korea, etc.)

7. Conclusion

DC01 steel stands out as a cost-effective, reliable solution for simple cold-forming applications. Its ultra-low carbon design, excellent formability, and good weldability make it ideal for mass-produced components in automotive, appliance, and construction industries. While limited in deep-drawing and natural corrosion resistance, its versatility is enhanced by surface treatments and customization options. For buyers seeking a balance of performance and cost, DC01 steel—backed by standardized production, strict quality control, and comprehensive supply chain support—remains the preferred choice for basic structural and functional components. When deeper forming or higher corrosion resistance is required, upgrading to DC03-DC07 grades or selecting galvanized variants (DC01+Z/DC01+ZE) is recommended.

If you need any help please click the link below to leave a message. Our professionals will contact you within 24 hours.
help img