Electron Backscatter Diffraction Characterization and High‐Temperature Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope Observation of Cold Deformation and Annealing Process of Interstitial‐Free Steel Based on Compact Strip Production Premise

To align with national energy conservation and low‐carbon strategies, a steel enterprise adopts compact strip production (CSP) technology to produce interstitial‐free (IF) steel, while the microstructure and mechanical properties during subsequent processing remains unclear. This study systematically investigated the influence of cold rolling reduction rate on strain energy accumulation based on the “CSP–hot rolling–cold rolling–annealing” process, and clarified preferential growth mechanism of γ texture during annealing to balance strength and deep‐draw performance. Results showed that 73% reduction rate combined with annealing at 840 °C for 120 s reached a 175.3 MPa yield strength (12% higher than that of the 53% reduction ratio sample under the same annealing conditions). Meanwhile, the γ texture component was predominant, with 0.04 planar anisotropy value (Δ r ) and 0.23 average strain hardening exponent ( n m ), indicating superior deep‐drawing performance. Mechanistic analysis indicated that reduction rate and annealing parameters jointly governed the recrystallization behavior by modulating dislocation density evolution and grain boundary mobility. The resulting uniformly refined recrystallized microstructure effectively eliminated work hardening, restored ductility, promoted favorable texture development, and reduced planar anisotropy, thereby satisfying stringent deep‐drawing requirements. This study provides a theoretical and practical guidance for producing high‐performance galvanized deep‐drawing IF steel via the CSP route.