Symbols in creo parametric

It really is a shame when universal standards, especially regulated ones, are only available through the purchase of standards. These should be provided by the regulating authority to ensure conformance.

Since this is tied to the ISO standard, and if you are planning your CAD file to act as a both a legal and certified compliance master, you probably should obtain the appropriate standard to understand the acceptable uses.

In my case, I often require a representation only, and thereby require on the face of the drawing that the fabricator provide the approved symbol in their process and assure compliance. However, I am still responsible that the size of the symbol specified is compliant. Typically, for a mold maker, for instance, you can simply state a location for the appropriate designation per the appropriate standard. Most tool shops will provide information on this requirement if you ask, such as minimum required area.

Canada seems to be a little more forthcoming on providing good information regarding use of regulated standards. This is a great example for the recycle symbol: http://www.competitionbureau.gc.ca/eic/site/cb-bc.nsf/vwapj/guide-for-industry-and-advertisers-en.pdf/$FILE/guide-for-industry-and-advertisers-en.pdf

This is the ASTM version of the code for purchase: http://www.astm.org/Standards/D7611.htm

For ABS, the code is 7

http://www.gprecycling.co.za/wp-content/uploads/file/plastic_information.png

I am not a fan of this resin identification system (SPI RICs). This is why:

• It is limited to describing six resins that could be widely recycled in the 1980s.
• It is short-sighted in using 7 instead of 0 to represent "other”, effectively closing the system at 7.
• It takes up roughly four times as much space as a simple >ABS< mark at the same font size.
• The text below the symbol is not supposed to be changed – so you still have to write >ABS< elsewhere on the part if you want it to be recycled.
• The 2013 versions of these symbols replace the arrows with a triangle, making the symbol less recognisable while adding no benefit.

I think there are cases where regulations specify the use of SPI RICs. It is certainly common for them to be used in food packaging, but not so much in consumer products where chevron marks like >ABS< are often used instead.