When sourcing galvanized steel for your manufacturing needs, the grade matters. You may see designations like C1006, C1008, C1010, C1015, C1020, and C1022 when reviewing specifications for galvanized steel sheet or galvanized steel coil. These numbers aren’t random—they provide important information about the steel’s carbon content, strength, and formability.
What the “C10XX” Designation Means
In the SAE/AISI steel classification system, the “C” indicates carbon steel, and the four-digit number identifies the specific grade.
For C1006 to C1022, the main difference between grades is carbon content:
- Lower carbon content → Softer, more ductile steel, ideal for deep drawing and complex forming.
- Higher carbon content → Stronger steel with reduced formability, better for parts requiring strength and wear resistance.
No matter the grade, galvanizing provides an added layer of corrosion protection, making it a reliable choice for a variety of industrial and manufacturing applications.
Galvanized Steel Grades and Common Uses
C1006
- Carbon content: ~0.03–0.08%
- Properties: Extremely ductile, low strength, excellent for deep draw applications.
- Common uses: Complex stampings, deep drawn parts, automotive panels.
C1008
- Carbon content: ~0.10%
- Properties: Very good formability, slightly higher strength than C1006.
- Common uses: General forming applications, brackets, electrical enclosures, light structural components.
C1010
- Carbon content: ~0.08–0.13%
- Properties: Balanced strength and formability.
- Common uses: Fasteners, automotive components, manufacturing parts requiring moderate forming.
C1015
- Carbon content: ~0.13–0.18%
- Properties: Higher strength, reduced ductility.
- Common uses: Machinery parts, lightly stressed structural components, simple stampings.
C1020
- Carbon content: ~0.18–0.23%
- Properties: Stronger steel, less suited for deep forming.
- Common uses: Shafts, light gears, bolts, parts requiring additional strength.
C1022
- Carbon content: ~0.18–0.23% (tighter chemistry control)
- Properties: Excellent for cold heading and consistent mechanical properties.
- Common uses: Cold-formed fasteners such as screws, bolts, and rivets.
Galvanized Steel Grades: Quick Reference Chart
Grade | Carbon Content (%) | Strength | Formability | Common Uses |
C1006 | 0.03 – 0.08 | Low | Excellent (deep draw) | Complex stampings, deep drawn parts, automotive panels |
C1008 | ~0.10 | Low–Medium | Very Good | General forming, brackets, electrical enclosures, light structural components |
C1010 | 0.08 – 0.13 | Medium | Good | Fasteners, automotive parts, moderate-forming applications |
C1015 | 0.13 – 0.18 | Medium–High | Fair | Machinery parts, lightly stressed structural components, simple stampings |
C1020 | 0.18 – 0.23 | High | Limited | Shafts, light gears, bolts, parts needing more strength |
C1022 | 0.18 – 0.23 (tighter spec) | High | Limited | Cold-formed fasteners such as screws, bolts, rivets |
Choosing the Right Galvanized Steel Grade for Your Application
The right galvanized steel grade depends on your manufacturing process and end-use requirements:
- For maximum formability → Choose C1006 or C1008.
- For greater strength → Consider C1015, C1020, or C1022.
- For balanced performance → C1010 offers a middle ground.
Partner with Hascall Steel for Your Galvanized Steel Needs
At Hascall Steel, we stock a wide range of galvanized steel sheet and galvanized steel coil in grades from C1006 to C1022. We offer precision slitting and cut-to-length services to meet your exact specifications. Whether you need ultra-low carbon steel for deep drawing or higher carbon grades for added strength, our experts can help you select the best option for your manufacturing process.