(1) Classification by production method

Profiles can be classified according to their production methods into hot-rolled profiles, cold-bent profiles, cold-rolled profiles, cold-drawn profiles, extruded profiles, forged profiles, hot-bent profiles, welded profiles, and specially rolled profiles, etc.

(2) Classification based on cross-sectional characteristics

Profiles can be divided into simple cross-section profiles and complex cross-section profiles based on their cross-sectional shapes. Simple cross-section profiles have symmetrical cross-sections, uniform and simple shapes, such as round steel, wire rod, square steel, and flat steel. Complex cross-section profiles, also known as irregular cross-section profiles, are characterized by distinct convex and concave branches in their cross-sections. Therefore, they can be further divided into flange profiles, multi-step profiles, wide and thin profiles, locally specially processed profiles, irregular curved profiles, composite profiles, periodic cross-section profiles, and metal wire materials, among others.

(3) Classify by department of use

Profiles are classified according to the departments using them, including railway profiles (rails, fishplates, turnout rails, wheels, wheel rims), automotive profiles (rim, tire bead ring, and lock ring), shipbuilding profiles (L-shaped steel, bulb flats, Z-shaped steel, ship window frame steel), structural and architectural profiles (H-shaped steel, I-beam, channel steel, angle steel, crane rails, window and door frame materials, steel sheet piles, etc.), mining steel (U-shaped steel, channel steel, mining I-beam, scraper steel, etc.), and special-shaped profiles for machinery manufacturing.

(4) Classification based on cross-sectional dimensions

Profiles can be classified into large, medium, and small profiles based on their cross-sectional dimensions. This classification is often determined by their suitability for rolling on large, medium, and small rolling mills, respectively. The distinction between large, medium, and small profiles is not strictly defined. Alternatively, profiles can also be classified based on their unit weight (kg/m). Generally, profiles with a unit weight below 5 kg/m are considered small profiles, those between 5 and 20 kg/m are medium profiles, and those exceeding 20 kg/m are large profiles.