CR1 vs CR2 vs CR3 vs CR4 vs CR5: Which IS 513 Grade Does Your Production Line Need?

A CR sheet may meet every dimensional requirement on the purchase order and still fail on the production line. The first few bends may work, but deeper draws could produce wrinkles, splits or inconsistent shapes. In many cases, the problem is not the thickness of the sheet. It is the grade selected for the forming operation. 

Under IS 513 (Part 1):2016, cold rolled steel grades CR1 to CR5 support progressively more demanding forming requirements. Choosing the correct grade means matching the steel’s formability to the shape your production line needs to create. 

This article compares the five commonly specified IS 513 steel grades and explains how manufacturers can select the right grade without under-specifying the material or unnecessarily increasing costs. 

Quick answer: CR1 is generally suited to basic fabrication and light forming. CR2 supports standard drawing operations, while CR3 is intended for deeper and more complex shapes. CR4 and CR5 offer progressively higher drawability for demanding components with severe forming requirements. On DigECA, these grades are listed under the catalogue names CQ, DQ, DDQ, EDD and IF. 

IS 513 is the Indian Standard covering cold-reduced carbon steel sheets and strips. Part 1 of the standard applies to material intended for cold forming and drawing. 

Unlike structural steel grades, CR1 to CR5 are not arranged as a strength ladder. A higher number does not simply mean stronger steel. The grades primarily indicate increasing formability and drawability. 

As the grade moves from CR1 towards CR5, the steel becomes better suited to operations that require it to stretch and flow into increasingly complex shapes. The Bureau of Indian Standards groups CR1 to CR5 together but recognises the progression towards lower tensile strength and higher drawability across the series. BIS product manual for IS 513 Part 1 

DigECA lists Tata Steelium cold rolled steel under the catalogue names CQ, DQ, DDQ, EDD and IF. The table below connects these names with the corresponding CR1 to CR5 grades discussed in this article. 

IS 513 Grade	DigECA catalogue name	General forming level	Typical production requirement
CR1	CQ	Basic forming	Cutting, profiling and simple bends
CR2	DQ	Drawing quality	Moderate drawing and standard pressed parts
CR3	DDQ	Deep drawing quality	Deeper shapes and more complex geometry
CR4	EDD	Extra-deep drawing quality	Severe draws and complex stamped components
CR5	IF	Highest drawability in the sequence	Critical parts with demanding forming requirements

 

These classifications provide a useful starting point. Final material selection should still be checked against the component design, forming process and applicable mechanical-property requirements.

CR1, listed as CQ on DigECA, is generally used when the CR sheet requires limited deformation. It is suitable for operations such as cutting, shearing, profiling and straightforward bending. 

Common applications can include simple panels, cabinets, furniture parts and general fabricated components that do not require the sheet to stretch significantly. 

CR1 or CQ can be an economical choice when the process involves simple geometry. However, using it for a deep-drawn component can increase the risk of splitting, uneven material flow or premature failure during forming. 

Choose CR1 or CQ when the component requires: 

• Simple bends or folds 
• Limited material stretching 
• Basic fabricated geometry 
• No severe drawing operation 

CR2, listed as DQ on DigECA, is used for drawing operations that require greater formability than CR1. It can support moderately shaped components where the sheet must move into a die without excessive thinning or cracking. 

This grade may suit appliance parts, enclosures, panels and other pressed components with controlled draw depth and relatively straightforward geometry. 

CR2 or DQ is often the practical middle ground for production lines that perform regular pressing or drawing but do not create highly complex shapes. 

Choose CR2 or DQ when the component requires: 

• Moderate drawing 
• Standard press forming 
• Better material flow than CR1 or CQ 
• Controlled but not severe deformation 

CR3, listed as DDQ on DigECA, becomes relevant when the production process involves deeper draws or more complex geometry. The material must withstand greater deformation as it moves through the die. 

It may be considered for deeper housings, automotive components, appliance parts and other products that require more demanding forming than a standard drawing-quality sheet can reliably support. 

A production line may need to move from CR2 or DQ to CR3 or DDQ when it repeatedly encounters splitting around corners, excessive thinning or inconsistent component depth. Before changing the grade, manufacturers should also examine lubrication, die design, blank-holder pressure and process settings. 

Choose CR3 or DDQ when the component requires: 

• Deep drawing 

• Greater draw depth 

• More complex component geometry 

• Improved resistance to failure during forming 

CR4, listed as EDD on DigECA, is intended for severe drawing applications where the sheet undergoes substantial deformation. It offers higher drawability for complex stamped parts that may be difficult to produce consistently with CR2 or CR3. 

The grade may be suited to demanding automotive and appliance components, particularly when the design includes deeper profiles, tighter curves or multiple forming stages. 

CR4 or EDD should be selected because the component and forming process require it, not simply because it sits higher in the grade sequence. 

Choose CR4 or EDD when the component requires: 

• Extra-deep drawing 

• Severe deformation 

• Multiple forming stages 

• Complex profiles with a higher risk of splitting 

CR5, listed as IF on DigECA, represents the highest drawability level within the CR1 to CR5 sequence. It is considered for critical components involving severe material flow, intricate geometry or highly demanding press operations. 

Such applications require close control over more than the steel grade. Tooling condition, lubrication, blank shape, press settings and dimensional consistency all affect the final result. 

CR5 or IF should therefore be specified only after the component design and production process have been reviewed in detail. Using it for a simple part can add cost without improving production performance. 

Choose CR5 or IF when the component requires: 

• Highly demanding drawability 

• Intricate or severe component geometry 

• Critical forming consistency 

• A grade confirmed through production trials or technical review 

Before selecting an IS 513 steel grade, production teams should answer five questions: 

1. How much will the sheet deform? 

Simple bends may require CR1 or CQ, while deeper shapes can require CR3, CR4 or CR5. 

2. How complex is the component geometry? 

Corners, narrow radii and irregular profiles place greater demands on material flow. 

3. How many forming stages are involved? 

A multi-stage stamping process may require better drawability than a single shallow press operation. 

4. What failures currently occur? 

Splits, wrinkles, excessive thinning and inconsistent dimensions may indicate a material or process mismatch. 

5. What surface quality does the final component require? 

Visible automotive, furniture, panel and appliance parts may require tighter control over surface finish and cleanliness. 

The right cold rolled steel grade is the lowest grade that can consistently meet the part and process requirements. Moving to a higher grade without a production need can increase cost. Choosing a grade with insufficient formability can increase rejection, rework and downtime. 

Once you have identified the required IS 513 grade, use its corresponding catalogue name while exploring Tata Steelium cold rolled steel on DigECA: 

• Look for CQ when the requirement corresponds to CR1. 

• Look for DQ when the requirement corresponds to CR2. 

• Look for DDQ when the requirement corresponds to CR3. 

• Look for EDD when the requirement corresponds to CR4. 

• Look for IF when the requirement corresponds to CR5. 

Tata Steelium serves applications across auto ancillaries, electrical and telecom panels, furniture, packaging and general engineering. Its product benefits include consistent mechanical properties, flatness, thickness, cleanliness, surface finish, formability and weldability. 

Before placing your requirement, confirm the mechanical properties, dimensions, surface requirements and intended application against the product specifications. If you are unsure whether CQ, DQ, DDQ, EDD or IF fits your production line, use Ask an Expert on DigECA for technical guidance. 

Which IS 513 grade is best for deep drawing? 

CR3 or DDQ is generally associated with deep drawing, while CR4 or EDD and CR5 or IF are considered for progressively more severe forming requirements. The final grade should be confirmed against the component and production process. 

Is CR5 or IF always better than CR1 or CQ? 

No. CR5 or IF provides greater drawability, but a simple fabricated component may not require it. The right grade is the one that meets the production requirement without unnecessary specification or cost. 

What is the difference between CR1 and CR2? 

CR1, listed as CQ on DigECA, is generally suited to basic fabrication and light forming. CR2, listed as DQ, offers greater formability for standard drawing and pressed components. 

What should I search for on DigECA if I need CR3 steel? 

Look for DDQ under Tata Steelium cold rolled steel. Before placing your requirement, verify that its mechanical properties, dimensions and surface specifications suit your application. 

Where can MSMEs buy cold rolled steel online? 

MSMEs can buy cold rolled steel online through DigECA by Tata Steel, with access to the Tata Steelium range. To get started, register on the platform and raise an enquiry for a quotation based on your requirements. The available grades are listed in the catalogue as CQ, DQ, DDQ, EDD and IF.