Deutsch: Symbol / Español: Símbolo / Português: Símbolo / Français: Symbole / Italiano: Simbolo
A symbol is an object that represents, stands for, or suggests an idea, visual image, belief, action, or material entity. Symbols take the form of words, sounds, gestures, or visual images and are used to convey ideas and beliefs. For example, a red octagon may be a symbol for "STOP".
In the industrial and industry context, a "symbol" refers to a graphical representation or a shorthand that stands for a specific object, concept, or instruction. Symbols are widely used in various industries to communicate technical information, convey safety warnings, or convey a specific meaning in a concise and easily recognizable manner.
Examples of symbols used in industry include:
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Safety symbols: These are used to convey safety warnings and indicate potential hazards in the workplace. Examples include the "warning" symbol, the "prohibited" symbol, and the "mandatory action" symbol.
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Flowchart symbols: These are used to represent the various steps and processes involved in a workflow or production process. Examples include the "start/end" symbol, the "process" symbol, and the "decision" symbol.
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Electrical symbols: These are used in electrical and electronics schematics to represent different components and electrical circuits. Examples include the "resistor" symbol, the "capacitor" symbol, and the "transistor" symbol.
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Piping symbols: These are used in piping and instrumentation diagrams to represent different types of pipes, valves, and fittings. Examples include the "tee" symbol, the "elbow" symbol, and the "valve" symbol.
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Chemical symbols: These are used in the chemical industry to represent the different elements in the periodic table. Examples include the "carbon" symbol (C), the "hydrogen" symbol (H), and the "oxygen" symbol (O).
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ISO symbols: These are international symbols used in various industries to convey specific meanings and instructions. Examples include the "ISO 7010" symbols used for safety signage, and the "ISO 14617" symbols used for graphical symbols in instrumentation and control diagrams.