Steel DC05-CR vs DC05 +ZE
Steel · DC05 temper comparison
DC05-CR and DC05 +ZE are two conditions of the same steel grade, DC05: CR (cold rolled) versus +ZE (electrolytically zinc coated DC05). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. Both yield at about 160 MPa — the mechanical properties are the same, and the difference is in how the stock is processed and what it is certified to (cold rolled versus electrolytically zinc coated DC05). DC05-CR runs hotter in service (300°C vs 200°C continuous). On the shop floor, DC05-CR welds better (excellent vs very good).
DC05-CRChoose it when the part sees heat, or when it will be welded.
DC05-CR vs DC05 +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.
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Reduction in Area
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 210 GPa30.5 Msi · Shear Modulus 81 GPa11.7 Msi · Bulk Modulus 160 GPa23.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.29 · Tensile Strength (Ultimate) 300 MPa43.5 ksi · Shear Strength 225 MPa32.6 ksi · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 140 MPa·√m127 ksi·√in · Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT) 80 J59 ft·lbf
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.85 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,480°C2,696 °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 55 W/m·K31.8 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 -40°C-40 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 11.5 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 1.5×10⁻⁷ Ω·m5.91 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.62 V
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Brazeability / Solderability 70 / 100 · Polishability 60 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 29 MJ/kg12,468 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 2.4 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 35 L/kg4.2 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.
DC05-CR vs DC05 +ZE — frequently asked
What is the difference between DC05-CR and DC05 +ZE?
DC05-CR and DC05 +ZE are two conditions of the same steel grade, DC05: CR (cold rolled) versus +ZE (electrolytically zinc coated DC05). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. Both yield at about 160 MPa — the mechanical properties are the same, and the difference is in how the stock is processed and what it is certified to (cold rolled versus electrolytically zinc coated DC05).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, CR or +ZE?
CR is the default DC05 condition in the FabDigit quote flow. The other condition is available on request or by drawing note — specify it in the material field or the part notes and the quote is priced for it.
Which is easier to machine, DC05-CR or DC05 +ZE?
DC05-CR. Its machinability rates good (55/100) against fair (50/100) for DC05 +ZE; for welding the order is DC05-CR first (excellent, 95/100) then DC05 +ZE (very good, 80/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in DC05-CR and DC05 +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.