ISO 369:2009

Overview - ISO 369:2009 (Machine tools symbols)

ISO 369:2009 - "Machine tools - Symbols for indications appearing on machine tools" specifies a standardized set of graphical symbols and their meanings in English, French and German for use across machine-tool equipment and associated documentation. Intended for placement on equipment, parts, user handbooks, drawings, maps and diagrams, the standard promotes consistent, multilingual symbolization to support operation, maintenance and safety of industrial machinery.

Key topics and technical scope

ISO 369:2009 covers the definition, registration and designation of symbols for machine tools, including:

• Registration numbers and designation of symbols to ensure unique identification.
• Symbol groups for general operations, measurements, actuation and movement directions.
• Symbols for workpiece handling, material waste processes and equipment.
• Lubrication and hydraulics, and cooling of machine parts and processes.
• Symbol sets for pressing, forming, severing, shearing and other metalworking processes.
• Extensive coverage of metal-cutting processes (turning, drilling, milling, grinding, gear cutting, broaching, sawing, honing, lapping/polishing, etc.).
• Multilingual definitions (English/French/German) and an alphabetical index for easy lookup.
• Administrative context: prepared by ISO/TC 39 (Machine tools), replacing ISO/R 369:1964.

Practical applications and who uses it

ISO 369:2009 is practical for any organization involved with machine tools and industrial documentation:

• Machine tool manufacturers - for control panel labels, function icons and equipment markings.
• Technical writers and documentation teams - to standardize symbols in user handbooks and maintenance manuals.
• Design engineers and draughtsmen - for consistent symbol use in drawings, diagrams and CAD documentation.
• Health & safety and maintenance staff - to improve operator guidance, hazard communication and procedural clarity.
• Plant managers and integrators - when harmonizing machine fleets across international facilities where multilingual labeling reduces errors.

Benefits include improved international interoperability, reduced language barriers, clearer operator instructions, and better conformity in technical documentation and safety signage.

Related standards and context

• Developed by ISO/TC 39 (Machine tools); follows ISO/IEC directives for international standard development.
• ISO 369:2009 is complementary to other ISO symbol and machinery-safety guidance documents (consult ISO catalogs or national bodies for linked standards and updates).

For accurate implementation, reference the full ISO 369:2009 publication to access the complete symbol set, registration numbers and official multilingual meanings.