What Is Dead Soft Quality (DSQ) Steel Plate? Full Form, Properties & Uses Explained
DSQ steel plate stands for Dead Soft Quality, a type of low-carbon, fully killed mild steel known for its exceptional formability, ductility, and clean surface finish. It is manufactured with stringent quality controls as per IS 8917:1978 and is widely used for fabricated tanks, galvanizing plants, pickling lines, and chemical storage systems.
What makes DSQ plate unique is its non-strain-hardened condition, which allows it to be deep drawn, bent, welded, or cold-formed without risk of cracking. With a smooth finish and consistent mechanical behavior, it is an ideal choice wherever tight bends and corrosion resistance coatings are required.
What Is the Full Form and Meaning of DSQ Steel?
The full form of DSQ is Dead Soft Quality. It refers to a specific steelmaking process where the plate is:
- Fully killed (deoxidized) to eliminate internal porosity
- Produced with very low carbon content for superior softness
- Normalized or hot rolled to maintain ductility
This makes DSQ ideal for components that undergo heavy forming or need zinc or acid protection layers.
Where Are DSQ Plates Used? – Top Industrial Applications
DSQ steel plates are critical in industries where acidic, corrosive, or coated environments demand flexibility during fabrication:
- Galvanizing tank manufacturing
- Pickling plants and acid storage tanks
- Electroplating and chemical process vessels
- Ducting systems, hoods, and gas scrubbers
- Formed cylindrical vessels and cone fabrication
- Automotive pressed components (in some cases)
Mechanical Properties of DSQ Steel Plate
While DSQ plates are not designed for high structural loads, their mechanical consistency is crucial. Typical values (may vary by thickness and batch):
| Property | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Yield Strength | 180 – 240 MPa |
| Tensile Strength | 300 – 380 MPa |
| Elongation | 28% min (on 5d gauge length) |
| Hardness (BHN) | ≤ 120 |
| Weldability | Excellent |
| Formability | Very High |
What is Dead Soft Quality Steel Plate?
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Indian Standards Followed for DSQ Steel Plate (IS 8917:1978)
DSQ plates are governed by IS 8917:1978, a BIS specification that outlines the material’s:
- Dead soft condition with no cold work hardening
- Minimum elongation % to ensure drawability
- Chemical and mechanical property thresholds
- Suitable welding, pickling, and coating compatibility
At Hindustan Steel Corporation, all our DSQ plates conform to IS 8917 with full mill test certificates and third-party inspection upon request.
Available Thickness, Width & Size Range of DSQ Plates
We supply cut-to-size DSQ steel plates from leading rolling mills and in-house processing centers. Our inventory typically includes:
- Thickness: 1.6 mm to 40 mm
- Width: Up to 2500 mm
- Length: Custom lengths up to 12,000 mm
- Finish: Hot rolled, pickled, descaled or oiled
- Supply Condition: Normalized or As Rolled
Clients requiring coil-to-sheet conversion or slit-width plates for ducting can also request customized formats.
Can DSQ Plates Be Bent, Rolled, or Welded? – Fabrication Insights
Yes — DSQ plates are one of the most formable steel options available for tank makers and process industry fabricators:
- Bending: Tight-radius bending without edge cracking
- Rolling: Perfect for forming cones, cylinders, and hoppers
- Punching & Cutting: Clean edges with minimal burr
- Welding: Excellent arc and gas weldability
- Coating Compatibility: Suitable for galvanizing, pickling, epoxy, and acid-resistant lining
We also provide machining and shearing services for DSQ orders across India and export destinations.
Why Choose Hindustan Steel Corporation for DSQ Steel Plate Supply?
India’s Trusted DSQ Plate Stockist: Bulk stock of IS 8917 grade plates from 3mm to 25mm
Project-Centric Supply: Tailored supply for galvanizing plants, tank yards & acid process units
Third-Party Inspection & IBR Ready: ISO, MTC, IBR, PED docs ready for every dispatch
Cut-to-Length & Custom Profiling: CNC plasma, oxyfuel cutting, edge bevelling on request
Proven Export Partner: UAE, Saudi, Africa, and Southeast Asia trusted supplier
DSQ vs IS 2062 Grade A / E250 – What’s the Difference?
| Feature | DSQ Plate | IS 2062 E250 Grade A |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon Content | Lower | Higher |
| Elongation (%) | 28–32% (high) | 22% (typical) |
| Strength Focus | Ductility over strength | Strength with moderate ductility |
| Applications | Bending, forming, tank making | Structural load-bearing |
| Standard | IS 8917 | IS 2062 |
If your project involves press-forming, rolling, or acid contact, DSQ is the better choice. For load-bearing frames or construction, IS 2062 is recommended.
Alternative Grades or Equivalent Plates for DSQ
DSQ steel has few direct equivalents globally, but similar materials include:
- ASTM A283 Grade C (soft, low-carbon plate)
- SAE 1008/1010 Mild Steel Sheets (in coils)
- IS 2062 Grade A – Only if strain is acceptable
- EN 10025 S235JR (for basic ductility)
However, none match the low hardness and high ductility of DSQ as per IS 8917 — it remains the industry benchmark for acid tank and galvanizing fabrication in India.
Exporting DSQ Plates to UAE, Saudi, Africa & More
Hindustan Steel Corporation is a leading DSQ plate exporter, with successful shipments to:
- Saudi Arabia – For galvanizing and pickling tank projects
- UAE – Used in ducting, vessel linings, and chemical plants
- Africa – Bulk container supply to Ghana, Kenya, Egypt, South Africa
- Bangladesh & 🇱🇰 Sri Lanka – Galvanizing and electroplating industries
We offer CIF, FOB, and Door Delivery terms with mill certifications, export-grade seaworthy packaging, and documentation support (Form A, CO, BL, etc.).
How to Select the Right DSQ Plate for Your Application
Here’s how buyers can choose the right DSQ plate:
Thickness:
- 3–6 mm: Ducting, HVAC & coil-formed parts
- 8–16 mm: Galvanizing tanks & acid storage
- 20–40 mm: Deep drawn vessels and formed fabrication
Surface Finish:
- Pickled/Oiled for lining
- Descaled for direct galvanizing
- Shot-blasted if coating-ready
Project Needs:
- For acid resistance? Ask for DSQ + FR lining
- For cone-rolling or pressing? Ask for ≤180 BHN hardness DSQ
Ask our team for help matching exact IS 8917 DSQ properties to your tank, duct, or acid process project.
Certifications, Test Reports & Inspection Documents Provided
With every DSQ plate order, we supply:
- Mill Test Certificates (MTC) – as per EN 10204 3.1
- Chemical + Mechanical Test Reports
- IBR Form IIIc (on request)
- Third-Party Inspection Reports – DNV, BV, SGS, TUV
- NABL-accredited lab testing (on request)
We also offer customized documentation kits for EPC contractors and international tenders.
FAQs – What is Dead Soft Quality Steel Plate?
What is DSQ plate used for?
DSQ plates are used for making galvanizing tanks, acid storage vessels, pickling plants, and ducting structures.
Is DSQ plate suitable for acid-resistant lining?
Yes. DSQ is commonly used with FRP/PP/HDPE lining in chemical industries for acid resistance.
What standard governs DSQ plates in India?
IS 8917:1978 is the official Indian standard for DSQ steel plates.
What is the difference between DSQ and IS 2062?
DSQ is softer, more ductile, and better for forming. IS 2062 offers higher strength but lower elongation.
Can DSQ plates be used for welding?
Yes, DSQ plates offer excellent weldability using common MIG, TIG, and SMAW processes.
What are the typical mechanical properties of DSQ steel?
Tensile strength ~ 270–410 MPa; elongation ~ 28–32%; hardness < 180 BHN.
Can I get DSQ plate in cut-to-size format?
Absolutely. We offer cut-to-length and profiled DSQ sheets based on your drawings.
What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ) for export?
MOQ varies by size but generally starts from 5–10 metric tons for export lots.
Does DSQ steel support galvanizing or coating?
Yes. It is suitable for hot-dip galvanizing, epoxy coating, pickling, and FR lining.
What thicknesses are available in DSQ plates?
Standard stock from 3 mm to 40 mm thickness.
Can I get DSQ steel plates with MTCs?
Yes. Mill Test Certificates are provided with every dispatch.
Is DSQ steel magnetic or non-magnetic?
DSQ is magnetic, being a low-carbon mild steel.
Where can I buy DSQ plates in bulk in India?
From Hindustan Steel Corporation – India’s leading DSQ stockist and exporter.
Can I use DSQ plate for pressure vessels?
Only if allowed by the design code and not subjected to high pressure – it’s mainly for atmospheric tanks.
Looking to source IS 8917 DSQ Plates for your next project?
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