What are the grades of cold roll steel?
Cold rolled steel is a type of steel processed at room temperature after hot rolling, achieving superior surface finish, tighter thickness tolerances, and enhanced mechanical properties. Through cold reduction, annealing, and temper rolling, cold rolled steel becomes stronger, smoother, and more suitable for precision applications. It is widely used in automotive panels, home appliances, electronics, metal furniture, and deep-drawn components that require high dimensional accuracy.
Cold rolled steel grades are classified based on formability, carbon content, strength, and end-use requirements. These grades range from commercial quality to ultra-deep drawing quality, each engineered for specific forming operations.
1. Common Cold Rolled Steel Grades (EN 10130 Standard)
The EN 10130 specification defines cold rolled low-carbon steel grades for deep drawing and forming applications.
Table 1. EN Cold Rolled Steel Grades and Features
| Grade | Formability Level | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| DC01 | Commercial | General forming, good bendability |
| DC03 | Deep Drawing | Reduced yield strength for deeper drawing |
| DC04 | Extra Deep Drawing | High elongation, excellent formability |
| DC05 | Special Deep Drawing | Very high ductility |
| DC06 | Extra-Extra Deep Drawing | Suitable for severe forming operations |
| DC07 | Ultra Deep Drawing | Lowest strength, highest formability |
EN cold rolled steel grades form the foundation for automotive and appliance manufacturing due to predictable behavior and consistent surface quality.
2. Comparison of Mechanical Properties
Table 2. Mechanical Property Comparison
| Grade | Yield Strength (MPa) | Tensile Strength (MPa) | Elongation (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| DC01 | 140–280 | 270–410 | 28–34 |
| DC03 | ≤ 220 | 260–370 | ≥ 34 |
| DC04 | ≤ 180 | 270–350 | ≥ 36 |
| DC05 | ≤ 160 | 270–340 | ≥ 38 |
| DC06 | ≤ 150 | 270–330 | ≥ 40 |
| DC07 | ≤ 140 | 240–310 | ≥ 38 |
Higher formability corresponds to lower yield strength and higher elongation.
3. International Equivalent Grades
Cold rolled steel grades vary across national standards, but many have functional equivalents.
Table 3. Global Equivalent Grades
| EN Grade | JIS Equivalent | ASTM Equivalent | ISO Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
| DC01 | SPCC | CS Type A/B | CR1 |
| DC03 | SPCD | DS | CR2 |
| DC04 | SPCE | DDS | CR3 |
| DC05 | SPCE-SD | EDDS | CR4 |
| DC06 | SPCF | EDDS+ | CR5 |
| DC07 | SPCE-SD (closest) | EDDS | CR5 |
These equivalency tables help engineers source materials globally with similar properties.
4. Applications of Different Cold Rolled Steel Grades
DC01–DC03: general forming parts, metal cabinets, simple automotive brackets
DC04–DC05: appliance shells, medium-depth automotive panels
DC06–DC07: complex deep-drawn components, fuel tank housings, lamp reflectors, inner body panels
Understanding grade differences ensures manufacturers select the right steel for optimal stamping performance and cost-efficiency.
GNEE STEEL also produces other cold-rolled steel grades. If you have any needs for cold-rolled steel plates, cold-rolled steel coils, galvanized steel plates, or galvanized steel coils, please contact us. We will provide you with the latest quotation!
