Overview
EN 10346 specifies continuously hot-dip coated steel flat products for cold forming, including multiple substrate and metallic-coating families. The current published 2015 edition remains the purchasing basis unless a contract adopts another edition; a 2025 draft revision is evidence of revision activity, not a replacement standard for production orders.
Designation and acceptance
BS EN 10346:2015 is the current published standard record for continuously hot-dip coated flat products for cold forming. Its designation combines a substrate steel name with coating type and coating mass, followed by any required surface quality, finish and treatment. A 2025 draft for comment exists, but draft text must not silently replace the contract edition or mill acceptance basis.
Members and selection
| Designation | Selection context |
|---|---|
| DX family | Cold-forming substrate family; select the exact DX grade from forming severity and ordered properties. |
| Structural S family | Strength-oriented coated flat products requiring the complete strength grade and coating designation. |
| Z / ZF | Zinc or zinc-iron alloy continuously hot-dip coating families with their stated coating-mass designation. |
| ZA / AZ and other families | Alternative alloy coatings only where included by the chosen edition and matched to exposure and fabrication. |
Comparison framework
| Criterion | Decision context |
|---|---|
| Published versus draft | The 2015 publication is current; the 2025 draft signals possible change but is not automatically the contract standard. |
| Substrate identity | DX, structural and high-strength families carry different mechanical and forming requirements. |
| Coating identity | Z, ZF, ZA, AZ and other symbols identify different metallic systems, not merely different coating weights. |
| Complete callout | Steel name, coating designation, surface quality, finish, treatment, dimensions and inspection must travel together. |
Performance
- Formability is controlled jointly by substrate grade, metallic coating, thickness, surface and part geometry.
- Corrosion behavior depends on coating family/mass, exposure, edges, fasteners, water retention and optional organic coating.
- Painting, adhesive bonding and welding require the declared surface treatment and validated process window.
Orderable product scope
- Continuously coated coil for cold forming in the stated substrate and coating combination.
- Cut-to-length coated sheet with controlled flatness, surface and protective handling.
- Structural coated flat products where the named mechanical family and project design both permit use.
Processing
- Run forming trials for severe draws or small radii and inspect coating damage.
- Confirm welding, adhesive and paint compatibility with oil, passivation and surface chemistry.
- Use dry ventilated storage and packaging that prevents condensation and wet-storage staining.
Applications
- Construction profiles, roofing components and light-gauge fabrications after system-level detailing.
- Appliances, enclosures and formed components requiring controlled surface and forming quality.
- Automotive-type or industrial parts where the exact EN substrate/coating combination is qualified.
Selection
- Choose substrate family and exact steel name from strength and forming demand.
- Choose coating alloy and mass from environment, cut-edge, joining and paint-system requirements.
- Freeze the published edition in the purchase contract and separately evaluate any draft revision.
Procurement
- State BS EN 10346:2015 or the contract's exact adopted edition; identify any draft review separately.
- State complete steel name, coating type and mass designation, delivery form, dimensions and tolerances.
- Define surface quality, finish, spangle/appearance where relevant, oil/passivation and downstream paint or adhesive needs.
- Specify inspection document, mechanical/coating tests, traceability, marking, coil orientation, packaging and dry storage.