Steel DC03-A vs DC03 +ZE
Steel · DC03 temper comparison
DC03-A and DC03 +ZE are two conditions of the same steel grade, DC03: A (solution annealed) versus +ZE (electrolytically zinc coated). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. DC03 +ZE is the stronger of the two: yield strength 200 MPa (29 ksi) against 175 MPa (25.4 ksi) for DC03-A, about 14% more. DC03 +ZE is harder — 95 HB against 90 HB for DC03-A — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. DC03-A runs hotter in service (350°C vs 200°C continuous). On the shop floor, DC03-A welds better (excellent vs very good).
DC03-AChoose it when the part sees heat, or when it will be welded.
DC03 +ZEChoose it when strength drives the design, or when surface hardness matters.
DC03-A vs DC03 +ZE: propertiesHow to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all steel grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
How to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all steel grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
Mechanical
Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Reduction in Area
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 210 GPa30.5 Msi · Shear Modulus 80 GPa11.6 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.85 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,490°C2,714 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,525°C2,777 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 54 W/m·K31.2 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 470 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 12 µm/m·K6.7 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 247 J/g106 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -30°C-22 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 11 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 1.6×10⁻⁷ Ω·m6.3 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.61 V
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Machinability 48 / 100 · Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 52% · Brazeability / Solderability 70 / 100 · Polishability 50 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 28 MJ/kg12,038 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2.3 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 40 L/kg4.8 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 25%
Strength versus weight
Yield strength against density for every steel grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.
DC03-A vs DC03 +ZE — frequently asked
Is DC03 +ZE stronger than DC03-A?
Yes. DC03 +ZE has a typical yield strength of 200 MPa (29 ksi) against 175 MPa (25.4 ksi) for DC03-A — about 14% more. Tensile strength is 315 MPa (45.7 ksi) vs 300 MPa (43.5 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, A or +ZE?
Specify the condition in the material field or the drawing note; FabDigit prices the quote for the state you call out.
Which welds better, DC03-A or DC03 +ZE?
DC03-A. Its weldability rates excellent (95/100) against very good (82/100) for DC03 +ZE.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in DC03-A and DC03 +ZE side by side — material, machining time, tolerance and finish in one quote. Certified material data ships with the order on request.
Typical handbook values for the conditions named above, normalised for comparison. Hardness on non-Brinell scales is converted approximately for charting only. Request certified data with your order for design-critical properties.