1. Core Definition & Standard Compliance

1.1 Fundamental Overview

DX54D+Z is a ultra-low-carbon hot-dip galvanized steel produced by immersing a high-purity cold-rolled substrate in a molten zinc bath (445–465℃), forming a metallurgically bonded zinc-iron alloy coating. Its design prioritizes extra deep drawability—enabled by ultra-low carbon content, strict impurity control, and refined grain structure—while retaining the corrosion protection of hot-dip galvanizing. Key naming and classification details:

• Grade Nomenclature (EN 10346):

• "D": Indicates hot-dip galvanized (Diplomatic) process;

• "X54": Designates forming capability (X = cold-forming, 54 = extra deep-drawable—suitable for extreme shapes like deep cylindrical tanks or complex curved panels);

• "D": Denotes commercial quality grade (optimized for high-precision mass production);

• "+Z": Signifies zinc coating (Zinc); suffixes like "Z150" or "Z275" indicate zinc coating weight (g/m² per side).

• Key Aliases: Extra Deep-Draw Galvanized Steel DX54D, HDG Steel DX54D+Z, Zinc-Coated Ultra-Formable Steel.

• Equivalent Grades:

• European: EN 10346 DX54D+Z, DIN 17165 DC04+Z;

• American: ASTM A653 CS Type D (extra deep-draw hot-dip galvanized);

• Chinese: GB/T 2518 SGCD3 (equivalent extra deep-draw performance);

• Japanese: JIS G 3302 SGCD3.

1.2 Core Standards

• Primary Standards: EN 10346 (European core standard for coated steel), EN 10142 (zinc coating requirements), ASTM A653 (American standard), GB/T 2518 (Chinese standard), JIS G 3302 (Japanese standard);

• Quality Certifications: ISO 9001, ISO 14001, CE (for European market), and third-party certifications (SGS, BV, TÜV) for export;

• Critical Requirements: Zinc coating weight ranges from Z100 (100 g/m² per side) to Z275 (275 g/m² per side); minimum elongation ≥38% (for extra deep drawing); coating adhesion (no peeling during 180° bend + ultra-deep draw test); corrosion resistance (≥600 hours salt spray test for Z275); Erichsen deep draw value ≥11mm.

2. Chemical Composition

DX54D+Z’s extra deep-draw performance stems from its ultra-low-carbon, ultra-low-impurity substrate—engineered to minimize brittleness and maximize uniform plastic deformation. Chemical composition (mass fraction, %; per EN 10346):

Key Alloy Advantage

The ultra-low carbon (<0.06%) and ultra-low impurity (P/S ≤0.030%) formulation, combined with refined grain structure (average grain size 12–20μm), enables DX54D+Z to undergo extreme plastic deformation—such as ultra-deep drawing (depth-to-diameter ratio >2.0) and complex 3D stamping—without coating peeling or material cracking. This makes it the gold standard for components requiring both corrosion resistance and highly intricate shapes.

3. Mechanical & Coating Properties

DX54D+Z’s performance is defined by its industry-leading extra deep drawability, ultra-low yield strength, and robust zinc coating protection. Typical values for 0.15–2.5mm thick sheets (EN 10346 compliant):

Performance Note

• Substrate Thickness Impact: Thin sheets (<0.5mm) excel in ultra-precision ultra-deep drawing (e.g., micro-electronic components); thicker sheets (1.0–2.5mm) retain formability for automotive fuel tanks and complex appliance shells.

• Formability Advantage: DX54D+Z’s elongation (≥38%) is 12% higher than DX53D+Z and 36% higher than DX51D+Z, making it the only DX-grade capable of forming shapes that require extreme material stretching.

4. Product Forms, Dimensional Range & Surface Quality

4.1 Core Product Forms

DX54D+Z is supplied in configurations tailored for ultra-deep draw and precision stamping applications:

• Hot-Dip Galvanized Coils: Inner diameter (ID) 508mm/20", outer diameter (OD) ≤2100mm; length up to 300m (ideal for continuous high-precision stamping lines);

• Hot-Dip Galvanized Sheets: Standard sizes (1220×2440mm, 1000×2000mm); custom cut-to-length for ultra-precision projects;

• Ultra-Deep-Draw Blanks: Pre-cut, grain-oriented blanks (optimized for uniform deformation) for immediate use in ultra-deep drawing;

• Profiled Sheets: Complex curved or stamped panels for automotive and high-end architectural applications;

• Slit Coils: Custom width slitting (30–1500mm) for specialized micro-stamping lines.

4.2 Dimensional Range

• Thickness: Standard 0.15–2.5mm (optimal for ultra-deep drawing); common gauges: 0.3mm, 0.5mm, 0.8mm, 1.0mm; customized up to 4.0mm for heavy-duty ultra-stamped parts;

• Width: Standard 1000mm, 1250mm, 1500mm; customized 30–2000mm;

• Length: Sheets 1000–6000mm; coils up to 300m;

• Dimensional Tolerance: Thickness ±0.01mm (precision grade) to ±0.03mm (standard grade); width ±0.5mm (standard); length ±1.0mm (standard)—critical for ultra-precision stamping.

4.3 Surface Quality & Coating Types

DX54D+Z’s surface quality is optimized for ultra-deep drawing and high-end finishing (painting, printing, plating):

Surface Defect Control

• Critical Defects Eliminated: Zinc slag, uneven coating, scratches, and pitting—100% visual + automated optical inspection (resolution ≥0.01mm) ensures surface smoothness, preventing tool damage and material failure during ultra-deep drawing.

5. Production Process & Quality Control

DX54D+Z’s extra deep-draw performance requires advanced precision manufacturing and rigorous process control:

1. Substrate Preparation: Ultra-low-carbon steel coils (e.g., DC04) with ultra-low impurities are selected; chemical composition verified via high-precision spectrometry to meet EN 10346.

2. Pickling: Substrate immersed in high-purity hydrochloric acid (18–20% concentration) at 55–70℃ to remove oxide scale; multi-stage rinsing ensures pH-neutral, contaminant-free surface for zinc adhesion.

3. Annealing: Critical for extra deep drawability—substrate heated to 780–880℃ in a pure hydrogen atmosphere (reducing oxygen content <10ppm) for 4–6 hours; slow cooling (5℃/min) refines grain structure to 12–20μm.

4. Fluxing: High-purity zinc ammonium chloride solution treatment to prevent re-oxidation and ensure uniform zinc wetting.

5. Hot-Dip Galvanizing: Substrate immersed in molten zinc bath (445–455℃, zinc purity ≥99.99%) for 2–6 seconds; computer-controlled withdrawal speed (0.5–1.0m/min) ensures ultra-uniform coating thickness.

6. Cooling & Skin Pass Rolling: Controlled air cooling + ultra-light skin pass (0.2–0.4% elongation) to improve flatness and surface uniformity without work hardening.

7. Post-Treatment: Optional passivation, lubricated oil coating, or zero-spangle treatment based on application needs.

8. Quality Inspection:

• Chemical Testing: High-precision spectrometric analysis of substrate and zinc bath composition;

• Mechanical Testing: Tensile, Erichsen deep draw, and coating adhesion tests (180° bend + ultra-deep draw);

• Coating Testing: Magnetic thickness gauge (coating weight verification) + salt spray testing (ASTM B117);

• Surface & Dimensional Testing: Laser interferometry for thickness/width/flatness + high-resolution optical scanning for defects;

• Grain Structure Analysis: Optical microscopy to confirm grain size (12–20μm) and uniformity.

6. Core Applications

DX54D+Z’s unrivaled extra deep drawability and corrosion resistance make it indispensable for industries requiring ultra-complex, weather-resistant components:

6.1 Automotive Industry

• Ultra-deep-drawn components (fuel tanks, oil pans, complex body panels), exhaust system parts, and precision interior stamped components;

• Rationale: Ultra-low yield strength enables extreme shaping; zinc coating resists road salts and humidity; grain uniformity prevents deformation defects.

6.2 Home Appliances & Consumer Electronics

• Ultra-deep-drawn washing machine inner tubs, refrigerator door liners, air conditioner compressor shells, and smartphone/tablet precision casings;

• Rationale: Extra deep-draw capability for curved/concave shapes; smooth zero-spangle surface for high-end finishing.

6.3 Precision Engineering & Micro-Stamping

• Medical device components (stainless steel-coated DX54D+Z for biocompatibility), precision metal brackets, and electronic connector shells;

• Rationale: Ultra-precision thickness tolerance and ductility for micro-stamping (part dimensions ≤5mm).

6.4 Architectural & High-End Design

• Complex curved roofing panels, custom-shaped decorative facades, and artistic metal installations;

• Rationale: Extra deep-draw capability for architectural curves; corrosion resistance for outdoor use; aesthetic zero-spangle finish.

6.5 Agricultural & Industrial Equipment

• Ultra-stamped tractor fuel tanks, grain bin hoppers, and chemical-resistant industrial containers;

• Rationale: Resistance to agricultural chemicals and outdoor corrosion; formability for complex equipment shapes.

7. Comparison with Similar Materials

7.1 DX54D+Z vs. DX53D+Z (Deep-Drawable)

7.2 DX54D+Z vs. Electrogalvanized Steel (DX54D+ZE)

• DX54D+Z (Hot-Dip): Thicker coating (14–49μm); better adhesion for ultra-deep drawing; lower cost for thick coatings;

• DX54D+ZE (Electrogalvanized): Thinner coating (5–15μm); smoother surface; higher cost; suitable for ultra-precision electronics (no forming stress).

7.3 DX54D+Z vs. Stainless Steel (304)

• DX54D+Z: 50–70% lower cost; superior extra deep-drawability; requires zinc coating for corrosion resistance;

• 304 Stainless Steel: Superior corrosion resistance (no coating); higher cost; poor formability for ultra-deep drawing.

8. Cost & Pricing Considerations (2025 Q4 Data)

DX54D+Z’s premium extra deep-draw performance and stricter production controls result in a modest premium over DX53D+Z:

8.1 Key Pricing Drivers

• Zinc Price Fluctuation: 20–30% of total cost (linked to LME zinc prices: 2025 Q4 ~$2,800/ton);

• Coating Weight: Z275 costs 20–30% more than Z150; Z100 is 10–15% cheaper;

• Surface Finish: Zero spangle costs 8–12% more than small spangle; lubricated oil coating adds 5–8%;

• Order Volume: Bulk orders (≥50 tons) unlock 10–15% discounts vs. small orders (<5 tons);

• Formability Grade: DX54D+Z costs 5–10% more than DX53D+Z due to advanced annealing and impurity control.

8.2 Cost Optimization Strategies

• Coating Weight Matching: Choose Z150 for most ultra-deep-draw applications (balance of cost and protection); avoid over-specifying Z275;

• Bulk Purchasing: Partner with manufacturers for project-wide orders to reduce unit costs;

• Standard Sizes: Opt for common dimensions (1220×2440mm) to avoid custom cutting premiums (10–15%);

• Grade Right-Sizing: Use DX53D+Z for standard deep-draw needs (saves 5–10% vs. DX54D+Z) and reserve DX54D+Z for ultra-complex shapes.

9. Supply Chain & Value-Added Services

• Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ): 1 ton (standard sizes, Z150); 5 tons (custom coating/surface finish); 10 tons (ultra-deep-draw blanks);

• Delivery Lead Time: 10–15 days (stock products); 25–40 days (custom orders); 30–45 days (ultra-deep-draw blanks);

• Packaging: Seaworthy export packaging (moisture-proof plastic film + kraft paper + anti-scratch interlayers + steel strips + wooden pallets) to prevent scratches and white rust; ultra-deep-draw blanks packaged in anti-deformation crates;

• Value-Added Services:

• Precision Processing: Slitting, cut-to-length, ultra-deep-draw blanking (grain-oriented), and complex bending;

• Surface Customization: Zero spangle, passivation, lubricated oil coating, and food-grade cleaning;

• Technical Support: Forming process optimization (e.g., tooling design for ultra-deep drawing);

• Third-Party Testing: SGS/BV/TÜV reports for coating weight, adhesion, Erichsen value, and grain structure;

• Global Supply Hubs: Core production bases in China (Hebei, Jiangsu), USA (Indiana, Ohio), and Europe (Germany, Poland); loading ports: Shanghai, Tianjin, Hamburg, Houston.

10. Conclusion

DX54D+Z hot-dip galvanized steel stands as the benchmark for extra deep-drawable weather-resistant steel, balancing exceptional ultra-formability, corrosion protection, and precision performance. Its ultra-low-carbon substrate, refined grain structure, and uniform zinc coating make it the preferred choice for industries requiring ultra-complex, high-precision stamped components—from automotive fuel tanks to high-end appliance shells.

While DX54D+Z carries a modest premium over other DX-grade galvanized steels, its ability to eliminate cracking during ultra-deep drawing and reduce maintenance costs (via zinc coating) delivers superior long-term value. For standard deep-draw applications, DX53D+Z offers a cost-effective alternative, but for ultra-complex shapes and precision requirements, DX54D+Z remains unmatched.

Backed by EN 10346 compliance, strict quality control, and a global supply chain, DX54D+Z continues to be the top choice for engineers and buyers seeking a reliable, high-performance material for extra deep-draw and weather-resistant applications—setting the standard for ultra-formable galvanized steel in the global market.