Steel DC04 · finish state
Steel DC04-ZE
Properties of the ZE condition, compared with the other DC04 tempers.
Thin, very uniform zinc layer that keeps class-A surface and full drawability — best for visible painted panels.
What is DC04-ZE?
DC04-ZE is DC04 supplied in the ZE condition — thin, very uniform zinc layer that keeps class-A surface and full drawability — best for visible painted panels. DC04-ZE has a yield strength of 185 MPa (26.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 310 MPa (45 ksi) — weaker than 99% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 39% and the elastic modulus is 210 GPa (30.5 Msi). DC04-ZE has a density of 7.85 g/cm³ (0.284 lb/in³), heavier than 56% of steel grades. It melts at 1,500°C (2,732 °F). HR is the default condition FabDigit quotes; ZE is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- Conducts heat well — 55 W/m·K (31.8 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 99% of steel grades
- Forms and bends easily — 93/100, better than 99% of steel grades
- Ductile — tolerates forming and impact — 39%, better than 98% of steel grades
- Good corrosion resistance — 24/100, better than 90% of steel grades
- High electrical conductivity — 10.5 % IACS, better than 89% of steel grades
Limitations
- Low strength — 185 MPa (26.8 ksi), worse than 99% of steel grades
- Hard to polish — 40/100, worse than 96% of steel grades
- Limited service temperature — 200°C (392 °F), worse than 93% of steel grades
DC04-ZE properties
Typical room-temperature values for DC04-ZE — 8 properties are specific to this condition; the rest are grade-level values shared by every DC04 temper. Each bar shows where the value sits among the steel grades in FabDigit's library — further right is higher.
Physical3
DC04-ZE has a density of 7.85 g/cm³ (0.284 lb/in³), heavier than 56% of steel grades. It melts at 1,500°C (2,732 °F).
Mechanical13
DC04-ZE has a yield strength of 185 MPa (26.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 310 MPa (45 ksi) — weaker than 99% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 39% and the elastic modulus is 210 GPa (30.5 Msi).
Thermal6
DC04-ZE is rated for continuous service to 200°C (392 °F). It conducts heat at 55 W/m·K (31.8 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 99% of steel grades. Thermal expansion is 12 µm/m·K (6.67 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
DC04-ZE conducts electricity at 10.5 % IACS, better than 89% of steel grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is poor (24/100), better than 90% of steel grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of DC04-ZE takes about 25 MJ of energy and emits 2.1 kg of CO₂ — less than 82% of steel grades. Typical recycled content is 22%.
Manufacturability7
DC04-ZE's machinability is good (55/100, better than 62% of steel grades); weldability excellent (85/100); formability excellent (93/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Other DC04 tempers and conditions
DC04 is also supplied in 3 other conditions. The full side-by-side table is on the DC04 overview.
- HRDefaultOnly for thicknesses above the cold-rolled range; slightly stronger, less ductile and rougher surface than true DC04.230 MPa yield · 115 HB
- GalvanizedChoose when the drawn part must survive humidity or outdoor exposure without full paint systems.190 MPa yield · 100 HB
- ZEThin, very uniform zinc layer that keeps class-A surface and full drawability — best for visible painted panels.185 MPa yield · 96 HB
- CRStandard stocked condition: the deep-drawing sheet itself — pick for multi-stage stampings and drawn shells.180 MPa yield · 95 HB
Working with DC04-ZE
Is DC04 easy to machine?
Soft and gummy — use sharp positive-rake tools, high speed and good lubrication to avoid burrs and built-up edge; deburr blanked edges.
Can DC04 be welded?
Excellent: resistance spot, MAG, laser and brazing all straightforward at very low carbon equivalent; remove zinc fume/coating allowance on coated grades.
Can DC04 be formed, bent or molded?
Designed for severe multi-stage deep drawing (r90 ≥ 1.6, n90 ≥ 0.18); use drawing oil and radii ≥ 3t, mind ~1–2 % strain-ageing/stretcher-strain risk on long-stored non-stabilised coil.
What surface finishes work on DC04?
Standard route is zinc phosphate + cathodic e-coat or powder paint; hot-dip/electro-galvanised, prepainted and Zn-Ni options available — bare sheet must never be left unprotected.
DC04 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 max | ≤ 0.08 | 0.04 |
| Mn | ≤ 0.4 | 0.25 |
| P | ≤ 0.03 | 0.02 |
| S | ≤ 0.03 | 0.01 |
| Sinot specified in EN 10130; typical mill practice, Al-killed | ≤ 0.05 | 0.02 |
| AlAl-killed, total Al typical | 0.02 – 0.07 | 0.04 |
| Fe | balance | — |
DC04-ZE — frequently asked
What is DC04-ZE used for?
DC04-ZE is typically used for complex automotive stampings, appliance housings, lighting and lamp bodies, deep-drawn enclosures and covers, thin-wall brackets and electrical cabinet panels. In short: superior deep-draw quality.
What is the yield strength of DC04-ZE?
DC04-ZE has a typical yield strength of 185 MPa (26.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 310 MPa (45 ksi) — weaker than 99% of steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 4 listed tempers.
Is DC04-ZE easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated good (55/100, better than 62% of steel grades). Soft and gummy — use sharp positive-rake tools, high speed and good lubrication to avoid burrs and built-up edge; deburr blanked edges.
Can DC04-ZE be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated excellent (85/100). Excellent: resistance spot, MAG, laser and brazing all straightforward at very low carbon equivalent; remove zinc fume/coating allowance on coated grades.
What surface finishes work on DC04-ZE?
Standard route is zinc phosphate + cathodic e-coat or powder paint; hot-dip/electro-galvanised, prepainted and Zn-Ni options available — bare sheet must never be left unprotected.
Can DC04-ZE be formed, bent or molded?
Designed for severe multi-stage deep drawing (r90 ≥ 1.6, n90 ≥ 0.18); use drawing oil and radii ≥ 3t, mind ~1–2 % strain-ageing/stretcher-strain risk on long-stored non-stabilised coil.
What is the maximum service temperature of DC04-ZE?
DC04-ZE is rated for continuous use to about 200°C (392 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between DC04-HR and DC04-CR?
HR is the default condition — only for thicknesses above the cold-rolled range; slightly stronger, less ductile and rougher surface than true DC04. CR: standard stocked condition: the deep-drawing sheet itself — pick for multi-stage stampings and drawn shells. Yield strength is 230 MPa in HR versus 180 MPa in CR.
Can FabDigit make parts in DC04-ZE?
Yes — DC04-ZE is available for sheet metal with instant online pricing. Upload a STEP file to get a price and a DFM check.
Sources
- EN 10130 — Cold rolled low carbon steel flat products for cold forming — CEN (2006)
- EN 10346 — Continuously hot-dip coated steel flat products for cold forming — CEN (2015)
- EN 10152 — Electrolytically zinc coated cold rolled steel flat products — CEN (2017)
- ASTM A1008/A1008M — Steel Sheet, Cold-Rolled, Carbon, Structural, HSLA, DS/DDS — ASTM (2021)
- ASM Handbook Vol.1 — Properties and Selection: Irons, Steels — ASM International (1990)
- Cold rolled mild steel DC01–DC06 datasheet — ArcelorMittal / ThyssenKrupp Steel (2023)
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.