ATI 304DA tri-ply composite consists of a dual stabilized, low carbon steel center “sandwiched” between Type 304 stainless steel. The top and bottom stainless steel surfaces (cladding), each representing approximately 20% of the product thickness, are bonded to the carbon steel core during hot rolling, thereby providing a metallurgical bond which remains sound during subsequent cold forming operations. This composite product provides the excellent corrosion resistance of ATI 304 stainless steel along with the good heat transfer characteristics of carbon steel. ATI developed this proprietary composite which is covered by U.S. Patent Nos. 5,370,946 and 5,529,644. This patented material has excellent cold forming properties. Carbon from the core does not migrate into the stainless steel cladding during hot processing, and thereby enhances formability by eliminating the possibility of “hook cracks” caused by carbide precipitation at the stain-less/carbon steel interface.