Steel DC03-EK (DC03EK)
Grade
EN DC03 · JIS SPCD
Enamelling-quality version with controlled carbon/hydrogen behaviour, used for cookware, water-heater tanks and enamelled panels.
Values for the EK condition
Other DC03 tempers and conditions
DC03 is listed in 3 conditions; see the grade overview at DC03.
Compare all 3 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Solution annealed | Maximum ductility and lowest yield for the deepest draws; must be formed promptly because the yield point returns and causes stretcher strains. | 175 | 300 | 41 | 90 HB | 11 % IACS |
Electrolytically zinc coated | Choose when a paintable, dimensionally exact zinc layer (2.5–10 µm/side) is needed for indoor corrosion protection without affecting drawability. | 200 | 315 | 37 | 95 HB | 11 % IACS |
EKThis page DC03EK | Enamelling-quality version with controlled carbon/hydrogen behaviour, used for cookware, water-heater tanks and enamelled panels. | 210 | 320 | 34 | 100 HB | 11 % IACS |
What is DC03-EK?
DC03-EK is DC03 in the EK grade — enamelling-quality version with controlled carbon/hydrogen behaviour, used for cookware, water-heater tanks and enamelled panels. DC03-EK has a yield strength of 210 MPa (30.5 ksi) and a tensile strength of 320 MPa (46.4 ksi) — weaker than 98% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 34% and the elastic modulus is 210 GPa (30.5 Msi). DC03-EK has a density of 7.85 g/cm³ (0.284 lb/in³), heavier than 56% of steel grades. It melts at 1,490°C (2,714 °F).
Advantages
- Conducts heat well — 54 W/m·K (31.2 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 99% of steel grades
- Good corrosion resistance — 55/100, better than 99% of steel grades
- High electrical conductivity — 11 % IACS, better than 98% of steel grades
- Ductile — tolerates forming and impact — 34%, better than 97% of steel grades
- Forms and bends easily — 82/100, better than 94% of steel grades
Limitations
- Low strength — 210 MPa (30.5 ksi), worse than 98% of steel grades
DC03-EK properties
Typical room-temperature values for DC03-EK; 19 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are DC03 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among steel grades.
Physical3
DC03-EK has a density of 7.85 g/cm³ (0.284 lb/in³), heavier than 56% of steel grades. It melts at 1,490°C (2,714 °F).
Mechanical13
DC03-EK has a yield strength of 210 MPa (30.5 ksi) and a tensile strength of 320 MPa (46.4 ksi) — weaker than 98% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 34% and the elastic modulus is 210 GPa (30.5 Msi).
Thermal6
DC03-EK is rated for continuous service to 400°C (752 °F). It conducts heat at 54 W/m·K (31.2 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 99% of steel grades. Thermal expansion is 12 µm/m·K (6.67 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
DC03-EK conducts electricity at 11 % IACS, better than 98% of steel grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is good (55/100), better than 99% of steel grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of DC03-EK takes about 28 MJ of energy and emits 2.3 kg of CO₂ — less than 56% of steel grades. Typical recycled content is 25%.
Manufacturability7
DC03-EK's machinability is fair (50/100, worse than 53% of steel grades); weldability excellent (90/100); formability very good (82/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with DC03-EK
Is DC03 easy to machine?
Soft and gummy — use sharp positive-rake tools, high speed and coolant to avoid built-up edge and burrs; ideal for punching/blanking rather than turning.
Can DC03 be welded?
Excellent with resistance spot, MAG, laser and brazing; carbon equivalent is very low so no preheat or PWHT is required (remove zinc coating fumes on +ZE).
Can DC03 be formed, bent or molded?
Designed for deep drawing (r90 ≥ 1.3, n90 ≥ 0.18); use non-skin-passed material promptly to avoid stretcher strains and keep draw radii ≥ 5t for cylindrical cups.
What surface finishes work on DC03?
Always coated: phosphate + cathodic e-coat, powder paint, zinc or Zn-Ni plating, or porcelain enamel on EK quality; bare sheet rusts within days.
DC03 chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| CEN 10130 ladle analysis | ≤ 0.1 | 0.05 |
| Mn | ≤ 0.45 | 0.25 |
| P | ≤ 0.04 | 0.02 |
| S | ≤ 0.04 | 0.02 |
| Alaluminium-killed, total Al typical | ≥ 0.02 | 0.04 |
| Fe | balance | — |
DC03-EK — frequently asked
What is DC03-EK used for?
DC03-EK is typically used for appliance housings, brackets, stamped enclosures and automotive inner panels. In short: better drawing than DC01; low-cost forming sheet; enamelling quality available.
What is the yield strength of DC03-EK?
DC03-EK has a typical yield strength of 210 MPa (30.5 ksi) and a tensile strength of 320 MPa (46.4 ksi) — weaker than 98% of steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 3 listed tempers.
Is DC03-EK easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated fair (50/100, worse than 53% of steel grades). Soft and gummy — use sharp positive-rake tools, high speed and coolant to avoid built-up edge and burrs; ideal for punching/blanking rather than turning.
Can DC03-EK be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated excellent (90/100). Excellent with resistance spot, MAG, laser and brazing; carbon equivalent is very low so no preheat or PWHT is required (remove zinc coating fumes on +ZE).
What surface finishes work on DC03-EK?
Always coated: phosphate + cathodic e-coat, powder paint, zinc or Zn-Ni plating, or porcelain enamel on EK quality; bare sheet rusts within days.
Can DC03-EK be formed, bent or molded?
Designed for deep drawing (r90 ≥ 1.3, n90 ≥ 0.18); use non-skin-passed material promptly to avoid stretcher strains and keep draw radii ≥ 5t for cylindrical cups.
What is the maximum service temperature of DC03-EK?
DC03-EK is rated for continuous use to about 400°C (752 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
Sources
- EN 10130 — Cold rolled low carbon steel flat products for cold forming — CEN (2006)
- EN 10152 — Electrolytically zinc coated cold rolled steel flat products — CEN (2017)
- EN 10209 — Cold rolled low carbon steel flat products for vitreous enamelling — CEN (2013)
- JIS G 3141 — Cold-reduced carbon steel sheet and strip (SPCD) — JISC (2021)
- ASM Handbook Vol.1 — Properties and Selection: Irons, Steels — ASM International (1990)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.