CRCA is cold rolled close annealed low-carbon steel sheet. Cold rolling gives a smooth surface and close thickness, and annealing makes it soft enough to bend, press and draw. It is the standard sheet for panels, enclosures, cabinets, brackets and pressed parts that will be painted or powder coated.
Quick facts
- Standard
- IS 513 (Part 1)
- Thickness
- About 0.3–3 mm (0.0118–0.118 inch)
- Grades
- CR1 to CR5 (older names O, D, DD, EDD)
- Surface
- Smooth, oiled; ready for painting or powder coating
- Strength
- About 270–410 MPa tensile, by grade
- Not for
- Outdoor use without coating (it rusts)
Grades and what they suit
| IS 513 grade | Older name | Suits |
|---|---|---|
| CR1 | O (ordinary) | Simple bending, flat panels |
| CR2 | D (drawing) | Bending and light forming |
| CR3 | DD (deep drawing) | Pressed and drawn parts |
| CR4 / CR5 | EDD (extra deep drawing) | Deep drawn shells, complex pressings |
Values are typical. The exact limits depend on the standard and supplier; ask for the mill test certificate when it matters.
Equivalent grades
| Standard | Grade |
|---|---|
| IS 513 | CR1 – CR4 |
| EN 10130 | DC01 – DC04 |
| JIS G3141 | SPCC, SPCD, SPCE |
| ASTM A1008 | CS, DS, DDS, EDDS |
Equivalents are close, not identical. Name the grade and standard on the drawing.
CRCA or HR sheet?
| CRCA (cold rolled) | HR (hot rolled) | |
|---|---|---|
| Thickness | About 0.3–3 mm (0.0118–0.118 inch) | About 1.6 mm (0.0630 inch) and up |
| Surface | Smooth, bright | Rough, with mill scale |
| Size tolerance | Close | Wider |
| Typical use | Panels, enclosures, pressings | Structural parts, base plates |
Typical uses
- Electrical panels and control cabinets
- Furniture, lockers and racks
- Brackets and pressed parts
- Appliance bodies and covers
- Automobile inner panels
Need parts made in CRCA sheet (IS 513)?
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Questions
- What does CRCA stand for?
- Cold Rolled Close Annealed: sheet that is rolled cold to its final thickness and then annealed in coils (close annealed) so it is soft and formable.
- Which CRCA grade should I order for bending?
- CR1 (O) or CR2 (D) is enough for normal press brake bending. Use CR3 or CR4 (DD, EDD) for deep drawn or heavily formed parts.
- Does CRCA rust?
- Yes. It is plain low-carbon steel with only an oil film, so it must be painted, powder coated or plated. For rust-free sheet without coating, use galvanised (GP) sheet or stainless steel.
The figures on this page are typical values for guidance, written by Diemeco from standard engineering practice. They are not a specification: confirm grades and properties with the relevant standard or the supplier's mill test certificate, and tolerances with your workshop. Last checked 18 October 2026.