PLASTIC PART MARKING FIELD GUIDE

A Design & Engineering Reference for Polymer Identification, ISO Standards, and Tooling Implementation

Table of Contents

Introduction & Story
Legal & Usage Notes
Ch 1. Introduction to Part Marking
Ch 2. Generic Marking (ISO 11469 & ASTM D7611)
Ch 3. ISO 1043 Symbols Reference
Ch 4. Material Designation Systems
Ch 5. Design for Tooling & Manufacturing
Ch 6. Recycled & Bio-Plastics Trends
App A: Quick-Reference Cheat Sheet: Flame Retardant Codes (FR 10–74)
App B: Standard Recycling Symbol Reference
App C: Standard CAD Drawing Note Templates & Callout Examples
Literature

Introduction

I remember back at university during my polymer engineering study when a veteran engineer, invited as a guest lecturer, leaned against the lectern, holding up a cracked automotive engine cover like a prized trophy."Back when I started in this business," he began, scanning the room of quiet students, "we only cared about three things: Does the part look sleek? Will it pass a safety test? And can we mold it for pennies?"

A few students chuckled, including myself, but he held up a finger. "Today? If you present a part that hits those three metrics but turns into un-recyclable junk thirty years down the road, I will personally send you back to the drawing board. Welcome to modern polymer design. We are chasing low carbon footprints and circular economics now, folks. And the unsung hero of this entire green revolution isn't a miraculous new bio-based resin—it's part marking."

He paced toward the whiteboard, drawing a giant question mark."Picture yourself running a mechanical recycling plant. A ten-ton mountain of post-consumer scrap arrives. If your line accidentally melts a stray batch of PVC into a stream of PET, congratulations! You just ruined tens of thousands of dollars in material and created a corroded, toxic mess inside the extruder. Polymers do not play nice when you blindly mix them together. If you can't identify the plastic at the end of its life, you can't recycle it. Period."

He set down a water bottle and picked up a rigid structural bracket from his demo kit."What happens when you are handed this? Is it pure Nylon 66? A PC/ABS blend? Is it packed with 30% glass fiber reinforcement? Does it contain brominated flame retardants?"

He grinned: "That is where ISO 1043 enters the room like a superhero. ISO 1043 is a four-part master dictionary. Part 1 gives you the base polymer. Part 2 lays out the fillers. Part 3 tracks plasticizers, and Part 4 exposes every flame retardant hidden inside. Without those tiny molded symbols, this high-tech bracket is just expensive trash. With them? It's pure, valuable raw material waiting for its next life."

💡 Target Audience

This guide is engineered for polymer designers, tooling engineers, CAD specialists, supply chain managers, and recycling consultants. It serves as a concise, practical desktop manual for specifying correct codes across global projects.

Legal Notes

Copyright © 2026 by Herwig Juster. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without prior written permission. AI tool Gemini was utilized during text proofreading and styling verification.

Chapter 1. Introduction to Plastic Part Marking

1.1 Why Mark Plastic Parts?

Identification of plastics products is simplified through a standardized part marking framework. This enables improved decision-making for product handling, traceability, waste recovery, and automated end-of-life sorting.

Prevents Contamination: Incompatible resins ruin mechanical properties when melted together during re-granulation.
Improves Automated Sorting: Standard codes allow Near-Infrared (NIR) optical sorting systems to isolate polymer streams rapidly.
Tracks Recycled Content: Modern standards support explicit notations such as >ABS(REC30)<.
Improves Material Value: Cleanly sorted and identified plastics retain a higher market value, turning waste into reliable secondary raw materials.

1.2 Key Industry Standards Overview

There are four main standards used in plastics part marking. However, additional material-specific standards exist for high-volume engineering polymers such as polyamides and polyolefins.

ISO 1043 Material Terms

ISO 1043 is an international standard that provides uniform symbols, abbreviations, and codes for plastics. Its terms are widely used to identify and mark plastic parts, creating a common language for the plastics industry and preventing confusion by ensuring every material or additive has only one official abbreviation.

The standard is split into four main parts:

Part 1: Basic polymers and their special characteristics (e.g., PA for polyamide).
Part 2: Fillers and reinforcing materials (e.g., GF for glass fiber).
Part 3: Plasticizers (additives that make plastics softer).
Part 4: Flame retardants (additives that resist fire).

ISO 1043 is designed specifically for material designation, identification, and marking of plastic products. Manufacturers use these abbreviations to precisely describe what a part is made of and what fillers it contains.

The Marking Format (ISO 1043 + ISO 11469)

While ISO 1043 provides the exact terms (like PA66-GF30), it is usually paired with ISO 11469. ISO 11469 dictates how the final code is stamped or molded onto the physical part—typically by enclosing the ISO 1043 code inside greater-than and less-than signs, like >PA66-GF30<.

ISO 11469:2016 Generic Part Marking

Generic identification and marking of plastics products.
Example: Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene polymer marked as >ABS<.

ASTM D7611 Packaging RIC

Defines Resin Identification Codes (RICs) consisting of an equilateral triangle, Resin Identification Number, and abbreviated term for polymeric materials.

SPI Codes Legacy Packaging

SPI codes are the numbers 1 through 7 inside a small triangle of arrows stamped on plastic items to identify the type of plastic resin used to make them. The Society of the Plastics Industry (SPI) created these Resin Identification Codes (RIC) in 1988 to help recycling facilities sort different plastic polymers.

1 PET (PETE): Water & soda bottles

2 HDPE: Milk jugs & detergent bottles

3 PVC: Pipes & vinyl items

4 LDPE: Plastic wrap & sandwich bags

5 PP: Tubs & prescription bottles

6 PS: Yogurt cups & foam packaging

7 Other: Miscellaneous/layered plastics

Comparative Framework of Plastic Marking Standards

Table 1 compares the four primary standards operating across different industries and purposes:

Standard	Primary Scope	Visual Identifier	Data Depth	Primary Purpose
ISO 1043	Raw Materials & Engineering Resins	Standardized Acronyms `PA66-GF30`	Very High (Parts 1–4)	Universal material & additive dictionary
ISO 11469	Part Tooling & EOL Recycling	Reversed Brackets >ABS<	High (Integrates ISO 1043)	Formatting physical stamps/molds on parts
ASTM D7611	Consumer Packaging (North America)	Equilateral Triangle + Number	Low (Broad families)	Standardized packaging Resin Identification Codes (RIC)
SPI Codes	Legacy Packaging (Global)	Chasing-Arrows Triangle (1–7)	Low (Broad families)	Original 1988 recycling classification for packaging

Standard	Industry Focus	Visual Identifier	Primary Use Case
ISO 11469	Automotive, Electronics, Industrial	Reversed angle brackets: `> <`	Durable consumer goods (>100g automotive, >25g electronics)
ISO 1043	Engineering / Raw Materials	Text acronyms (e.g., `PA66-GF30`)	Master dictionary used inside ISO 11469 formatting
ASTM D7611	Consumer Packaging	Solid triangle + Number (1–7)	Rigid/flexible consumer containers in North America

When to Use Which Standard

1. Use ISO 11469 / ISO 1043 For:

-Durable Goods: Automotive components, home appliances, power tools, and electronic housings.

-Complex Material Formulations: Any part utilizing polymer blends (like PC+ABS), reinforcements, or chemical additives.

-Global Compliance: Required for CE marking, EU End-of-Life Vehicles (ELV) directives, and WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) directives.

2. Use ASTM D7611 For:

-Rigid and Flexible Packaging: Bottles, tubs, caps, trays, and film wrap.

-North American Market Requirements: Regulated by local legislation for consumer-facing waste stream sorting.

1.2.1 Generic Part Marking vs. Full Material Line Designations

When documenting your design on a technical blueprint or choosing a mold insert, you must decide between a Generic Part Mark and a Full Material Line Designation. Generic Part Marking Generic marking uses the standardized shorthand symbols dictated by ISO 11469 and ISO 1043 directly on the physical tool.

Example:PP-GF30 (Polypropylene with 30 wt % Glass Fiber).

When to use it: Always on the physical part itself. It only states the chemical ingredients relevant to a recycling facility at end-of-life. It omits commercial details (like manufacturer or specific grade) to remain clear, legible, and simple enough to be engraved into an injection mold.Full Material Line Designation A full material line designation is a detailed callout string used strictly in engineering drawings, CAD metadata, and procurement bills of materials (BOMs).

Example: ASTM D4066 PA0110G30 A12345 Fabricated from DuPont Zytel 70G30HSLR

When to use it: On engineering drawings and specifications. It explicitly outlines strict performance metrics, testing tolerances, specific material data sheets (MSDS), color concentrates, and specific manufacturer trade names. It ensures that the purchasing department buys the exact engineering grade required to withstand operational stress, while the mold still physically prints the generic PA66-GF30on the actual part for future recycling.

1.3 Regulatory Frameworks & Compliance Drivers

The WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Directive, ELV (End-of-Life Vehicles) Directive, PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation—replacing the former Packaging Directive), and the ESPR (Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation) shift plastic part marking from basic material identification toward digital, lifecycle-wide traceability and mandatory recycled-content disclosures.

Physical markings typically rely on standards like ISO 11469 (enclosing polymer abbreviations in angle brackets, such as >ABS< or >PC+ABS(REC30)<); however, each EU framework drives distinct legal motivations for implementing these codes.

1.3.1 Details of Major EU Frameworks & Plastic Marking

WEEE Directive

Electronics

Focus: Electronics and electrical goods.

Marking Impact: Encourages marking plastic parts (typically > 50g) to assist recyclers in rapidly isolating hazardous plastics (e.g., those containing brominated flame retardants) from clean, recyclable waste streams.

ELV Directive

Automotive

Focus: Automotive components and end-of-life vehicles.

Marking Impact: Mandates clear labeling of automotive plastic parts (typically > 100g) using standardized nomenclature so dismantling facilities can rapidly identify polymer types and boost material recovery quotas.

PPWR Regulation

Packaging

Focus: All packaging placed on the EU market (replacing Directive 94/62/EC).

Marking Impact: Requires harmonized physical and digital sorting labels on packaging, replacing old material codes with standardized pictograms and QR/digital markers indicating recyclability and recycled plastic content.

ESPR Regulation

Sustainable Goods

Focus: Broad cross-sector framework for sustainable physical goods.

Marking Impact: Introduces the Digital Product Passport (DPP) via data carriers like QR codes on the product or part—moving beyond static stamped text to dynamic, cloud-accessible data on material composition, recycled content percentages, and disassembly instructions.

Summary Comparison of EU Regulatory Directives

Framework	Target Sector	Marking Threshold / Format	Primary Lifecycle Objective
WEEE Directive	Electrical & Electronic Equipment	Parts > 50g (ISO 11469)	Isolate hazardous additives & flame retardants
ELV Directive	Automotive & Vehicles	Parts > 100g (ISO 11469 / ISO 1043)	Accelerate vehicle dismantling & material recycling
PPWR	Consumer & Industrial Packaging	Standardized Pictograms & Digital Sorting Labels	Harmonize EU-wide sorting & enforce recycled content
ESPR	Broad Physical Consumer/Industrial Goods	Digital Product Passport (DPP via QR Code / Tag)	Provide dynamic, cloud-based material composition & traceability

Chapter 2. Generic Part Marking Standards (ISO 11469 & ASTM D7611)

2.1 ISO 11469 Formatting Rules

ISO 11469 is widely used globally—especially in the automotive, electrical, and electronics industries—for molded plastic parts and assemblies. It governs how generic codes are stamped into tooling cavities using reversed angled brackets:

- Single Polymer: ABS (for Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene)

- Blends/Alloys: Components are listed in descending order by mass fraction using a plus sign (+), such as PC+ABS.

-Fillers/Additives: Hyphens and percentages indicate reinforcements like glass fiber or mineral powder (e.g., PP-MD30).

-Multi-component and co-injected parts (marking assemblies, TPE overmolding, multi-layer parts).

Implementation: Marks are typically molded directly into the tool design or stamped/embossed indelibly onto a visible surface.

Weight and size thresholds: Mandatory for automotive parts weighing >100g and electronic parts >25g.

>ABS< >PC+ABS< >PP-MD30< >PA66-(GF30+MD15)<

2.2 ASTM D7611 / Resin Identification Codes (RIC)

Scope & Application: Managed by ASTM International, this practice covers Resin Identification Codes (RICs) used to distinguish plastic resin content.

Formatting Rules:

Consists of a number (1 through 7) inside a solid equilateral triangle, accompanied by the abbreviated polymer term underneath.
Numbers 1–6 represent specific major commercial resins (e.g., 1 for PET, 2 for HDPE, 5 for PP).
Number 7 designates "Other" or mixed/multi-layer resin configurations.

Important Distinction: The symbol uses a plain equilateral triangle rather than the traditional chasing arrows loop to emphasize that the code denotes resin identity, not an automatic guarantee of local recyclability.

Differences between packaging RICs (1–7) and technical component marking (ISO 11469)

The primary difference is their intent: Resin Identification Codes (RICs) are designed for consumer packaging waste, while ISO 11469 is engineered for technical, durable components in manufacturing.

Structural differences in detail:

Visual Symbol
- RIC (ASTM D7611): A solid equilateral triangle containing a number from 1 to 7.
- ISO 11469: Text-based system enclosed in reversed angle brackets (> <).
Material Detail
- RIC (ASTM D7611): Broadly groups materials into 7 generic categories.
- ISO 11469: Highly specific; includes exact polymer types, blends, and fillers.
Target Products
- RIC (ASTM D7611): Bottles, food containers, and fast-moving consumer packaging.
- ISO 11469: Automotive parts, electronics housings, and industrial machinery components.
Primary Users
- RIC (ASTM D7611): Municipal recycling facilities and general consumers.
- ISO 11469: Automotive dismantlers, industrial recyclers, and factory quality control.

2.3 Practical Conversion Matrix

Table 2 shows examples of comparing ASTM D7611 with ISO 11469.

Material Type	RIC Marking (ASTM D7611)	ISO 11469 Marking
Pure Polypropylene	Code 5	>PP<
Polypropylene with 30% Glass Fiber	Code 7 (Other)	>PP-GF30<
PC/ABS blend	Code 7 (Other)	>PC+ABS<
Flame retardant Polyamide	Code 7 (Other)	>PA66-FR(40)<

Table 2: Comparison of ASTM D7611 with ISO 11469 by using material examples.

2.3.1 Standard cross-reference: ISO 11469 vs. ASTM D7611 vs. SAE J1344

Since SAE J1344 (global automotive and mobility focus; governing body is the Society of Automotive Engineers; for parts over 100 g) utilizes the foundational nomenclature of ISO 1043, the resulting output strings between ISO 11469 and SAE J1344 are nearly identical. ASTM D7611 remains the outlier due to its reliance on numerical codes.

Example 1: Pure Polyethylene Terephthalate

ISO 11469: >PET<
SAE J1344: >PET<
ASTM D7611: Triangle with a 1 (PET)

Example 2: Polycarbonate / ABS Blend

ISO 11469: >PC+ABS<
SAE J1344: >PC+ABS<
ASTM D7611: Triangle with a 7 (Other)

Example 3: Polyamide 66 with 30% Glass Fiber Reinforcement

ISO 11469: >PA66-GF30<
SAE J1344: >PA66-GF30<
ASTM D7611: Triangle with a 7 (Other)

Chapter 3: ISO 1043 – Symbols and Abbreviated Terms Reference

We already laid out that the ISO 1043 international standard, officially titled Plastics — Symbols and abbreviated terms, establishes a uniform shorthand and coding structure for identifying plastic materials.

It prevents confusion by ensuring every polymer, filler, or additive has a single, universally accepted abbreviation. The standard is built as a four-part series, with each part covering a specific category of component used to build a plastic compound.

3.1 ISO 1043-1: Basic Polymers & Special Characteristics

The first part defines the core abbreviations for base plastics (e.g., PE for polyethylene, PA for polyamide/nylon, ABS for acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene), and blends (e.g., PC+ABS, PPE+PS).

Special characteristics use suffix letters to denote specific material structural properties, such as:

H for homopolymer, C for copolymer, or G for glycol-modified (like PETG).
Modifiers and structural indicators (e.g., -HI for High Impact, -L for Linear).

👉 A comprehensive list of basic polymers and special characteristics can be found here.

3.2 ISO 1043-2: Fillers and Reinforcing Materials

The second part standardizes letters for material types and their physical forms when plastics are reinforced:

Single Letter Material Codes: G = Glass, M = Mineral, C = Carbon, A = Aramid.
Form Indicator Letters: F = Fiber, D = Dust/Powder, B = Beads/Spheres, K = Whiskers.
Weight Percentage Notation: e.g., GF30 (30% Glass Fiber), MD20 (20% Mineral Dust), (GF+MD)25 (25% Combined Glass & Mineral).

3.3 ISO 1043-3: Plasticizers

The third part governs abbreviations for chemical plasticizers (softeners) added to polymers. It contains standardized codes for common plasticizer chemical families.

3.4 ISO 1043-4: Flame Retardants

The fourth part uses a standardized code number system to declare what type of flame retardant package has been mixed into the plastic. Mandatory disclosure rules apply to hazardous or regulated additives.

Code classification systems:

Halogenated compounds: FR(10) to FR(19)
Nitrogen compounds: FR(30)
Organophosphorus & Inorganic Phosphorus: FR(40), FR(50)
Metal oxides, Boron, Zinc, Silicon, Graphite: FR(60)–FR(70)

3.5 How a Code is Built (The Component Structure)

When parts are physically stamped or molded (frequently in conjunction with ISO 11469 for component recycling marks), these four parts are combined in a specific syntax using dashes, parentheses, and plus signs:

>[Base Polymer] - [Fillers/Reinforcements] [Flame Retardants]<

Example String: >PA66-(GF30+MD15) FR(40)<

PA66 (Part 1): The base polymer is Polyamide 66 (Nylon 66).
-(GF30+MD15) (Part 2): The material is reinforced with 30% Glass Fiber (GF30) and 15% Mineral Dust/Powder (MD15).
FR(40) (Part 4): A flame retardant package is present, specifically utilizing halogen-free organophosphorus compounds (designated by code 40).

Chapter 4: Polymer-Specific Material Designation Systems (Line Callouts)

4.1 Understanding Data Block Architectures (Data Blocks 1 to 5)

In the plastics industry, identifying materials for recycling and generic coding (ISO 11469) requires a completely different data structure than specifying materials for commercial purchasing (ASTM/ISO line call-outs).

While ISO 11469 provides a high-level overview for part marking, material purchasing specifications use a highly structured 5-Data Block Architecture to define exact physical, mechanical, and chemical properties.

4.1.1 The 5-Data Block Architecture for Purchasing

When an engineer writes a material specification line code (often following standards like ASTM D4000 or product-specific ISO standards), it follows a strict 5-block hierarchy to map the material's DNA:

Block 1: Identification of the Polymer Type

Defines the standard abbreviation for the base plastic matrix (e.g., PP, PA66, PC) directly referencing acronyms from ISO 1043-1.
Block 2: Broad Material Classification (The Broad Type)

Narrows down the market class, processing method, or specific sub-group (homopolymer, copolymer, extrusion grade, injection molding grade, or alloy).
Block 3: Reinforcements, Fillers, or Lubricants

Specifies the type and nominal percentage of additives used to alter mechanical properties (e.g., GF30 for 30% Glass Fiber, MD20 for 20% Mineral Dust/Talc).
Block 4: Property Attribute Requirements (The Cell Matrix)

Dictates performance boundaries using letters (referencing properties like Density, Flexural Modulus, Impact) followed by numbers referencing defined cell table values (e.g., A12340 for Tensile strength > 50 MPa, Flexural Modulus > 2 GPa, Impact > 5 kJ/m²).
Block 5: Suffix / Special Requirements

Captures secondary or application-specific requirements (UV stabilization, specific color matches, UL 94 V-0 flame ratings, FDA food contact, or automotive OEM specs).

4.1.2 The ISO 11469 Alternative (Part Marking)

In contrast, ISO 11469 simplifies this entire ecosystem into a single legible string meant to be molded directly onto the plastic part. It strips out all purchasing requirements (Block 4 and Block 5) and compresses Blocks 1, 2, and 3 into a single-line identifier:

Syntax: Marked between angle brackets: > Polymer - Filler/Modifier <
Flame Retardants: Appends an ISO 1043-4 code, e.g., >PA66-GF25FR(40)< (Polyamide 66 with 25% glass fiber using halogen-free organic phosphorus flame retardants).

4.2 Polyamides (ISO 16396)

ISO 16396-1:2022 (formerly ISO 1874) specifies Polyamide moulding and extrusion materials (PA 6, PA 66, PA 69, PA 610, PA 612, PA 11, PA 12, PA MXD6, PA 46, PA 1212, PA 4T, PA 6T, PA 9T, and copolyamides).

The designation consists of five data blocks:

Data block 1: Identification of the plastic by abbreviated term (PA) and chemical composition.
Data block 2: Position 1: Application/processing method; Positions 2 to 8: Important properties, additives, and supplementary info.
Data block 3: Designatory properties.
Data block 4: Fillers or reinforcing materials and nominal content.
Data block 5: Additional optional information.

4.2.1 Case Study Breakdown: PA6T/66 MH, 14-190, GF50

PA6T/66: Polyamide 6T (homopolymer based on terephthalic acid TPA / hexamethylenediamine) blended with Polyamide 66 (hexamethylenediamine and adipic acid).
M: Injection moulding grade.
H: Heat ageing stabilized.
14-190: Viscosity number 14 (140 ml/g, range > 130 to < 150) and Tensile modulus of elasticity 190 (19,000 MPa, range 17,000 to 20,000 MPa).
GF50: 50% Glass Fiber reinforcement by weight.

4.2.2 High Heat Polyamides - Plastic Part Marking Examples

Table 7 summarizes commonly used high heat Polyamides under ISO 16396:

Data Block 1	Data Block 2	Data Block 3	Data Block 4	Description
`PA6T/6I`	`MH`	`12-110`	`GF30`	PA based on TPA (6T) and IPA (Isophthalic acid; 6I) with 30 wt% glass fiber; injection moulding; heat stabilized; viscosity number >110–130; Elastic modulus >10.5–11.5 GPa.
`PA6T/66`	`MH`	`14-250`	`CF30`	PA based on TPA (6T) and PA 6.6 with 30 wt% carbon fiber; injection moulding; heat stabilized; viscosity number >130–150; Elastic modulus >23 GPa.
`PA10T/X`	`MH`	`14-100`	`GF30`	PA based on 1,10-decamethylene diamine (10) and terephthalic acid (T) with 30 wt% glass fiber; injection moulding; heat stabilized; viscosity number >130–150; Elastic modulus >9.5–10.5 GPa.

Table 7: Plastic part marking of high heat polyamides using ISO 16396.

4.3 Polyoxymethylene / POM (ISO 29988)

ISO 29988 is the official international standard for Polyoxymethylene (POM) moulding and extrusion materials, replacing the older ISO 9988 standard.

The standard uses a structured multi-block coding system based on core criteria:

Primary Properties: Melt mass-flow rate (MFR) / melt volume-flow rate (MVR) and tensile modulus.
Compounding Details: Processing methods, applications, additives, colorants, and reinforcements.
Polymer Type Coding: Data Block 1 uses H for Homopolymer and K for Copolymer.

4.3.1 Example 1: Modified Homopolymer (POM-H) with Recyclate

Full Designation Code: ISO 29988-POM-H, (R30), MRN, 1-1

Identity Block (ISO 29988): Standard governing POM materials.
Data Block 1 (POM-H): Identifies Polyoxymethylene Homopolymer.
Data Block 2 ((R30)): Indicates 30% post-consumer recyclate (PCR) by mass.
Data Block 3 (MRN): M = Injection Moulding, R = Mould Release Agent, N = Natural (uncolored).
Data Block 4 (1-1): Scaled physical properties (First 1 = MFR range, Second 1 = Tensile Modulus threshold ~2010 MPa).

4.3.2 Example 2: Copolymer (POM-C / POM-K) For Extrusion

Full Designation Code: ISO 29988-POM-K, , E-GNR, 1-2

Data Block 1 (POM-K): Represents a Copolymer formulation (often labeled POM-C).
Data Block 2 (Blank , ,): Left empty because this is an unfilled/unreinforced grade.
Data Block 3 (E-GNR): E = Extrusion profile, G = General-purpose, N = Natural color, R = Mould release / processing aids.
Data Block 4 (1-2): Low Melt Flow Rate (high-viscosity extrusion integrity) paired with distinct tensile stiffness.

4.3.3 Other Common POM Code Variations

POM-K, , M-GCR, 3-2: A copolymer grade built for injection moulding (M) that is chemically colored (C).
POM-H+PE: A polymer blend/alloy consisting of Polyoxymethylene Homopolymer mixed with Polyethylene to drastically improve sliding wear performance.

4.4 Polyolefins & Styrenics (ISO 17855 PE, ISO 19069 PP, ISO 19062 ABS, ISO 24022 PS)

4.4.1 ISO 17855 (PE) and ISO 19069 (PP)

Supply the technical data blocks defining the physical and mechanical properties of polyolefins:

ISO 17855 (Polyethylene): Categorizes PE by density (PE-HD for high-density, PE-LD for low-density), melt mass-flow rate (MFR), and additives.
ISO 19069 (Polypropylene): Categorizes PP into polymer types (PP-H homopolymer, PP-R random copolymer, PP-B impact block copolymer), tensile modulus, impact strength, and MFR.

4.4.2 ISO 19062 (ABS)

Establishes classification and designation for Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene (ABS) moulding and extrusion materials:

Part 1 (Classification): Evaluates Vicat softening temperature, MFR, Charpy notched impact strength, tensile modulus, and continuous styrene-acrylonitrile matrix / dispersed polybutadiene rubber composition.
Part 2 (Testing & Preparation): Specifies exact procedures for conditioning and preparing test specimens to ensure repeatable measurements.

4.4.3 ISO 24022 (PS)

Provides a structured coding system for amorphous Polystyrene homopolymers based on Vicat softening temperature, MFR, intended processing methods, colorants, and fillers.
Note: Applies strictly to standard amorphous PS homopolymers (unmodified or modified with additives). Excludes EPS, styrene copolymers, or elastomer-modified materials.

4.5 High-Performance & Thermoset Polymers

4.5.1 ISO 24025 for Sulfone Polymers

Governs high-performance, high-heat amorphous thermoplastics containing ether oxygen and sulfone (-SO₂-) linkages:

Materials Covered: PSU (Polysulfone), PESU (Polyethersulfone), PPSU (Polyphenylsulfone).
ISO 24025-1: Designation system based on MFR, tensile modulus, yield stress, temperature of deflection under load, and Charpy impact strength.
ISO 24025-2: Preparation of test specimens and property testing conditions.

4.5.2 ISO 24026 for PMMA

Sets designation and testing specifications for Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA, commonly known as acrylic):

Scope: Applies to PMMA homopolymers and copolymers containing at least 80% methyl methacrylate (MMA) by mass (beads, granules, pellets). Excludes elastomer-modified PMMA.
Part 1 (ISO 24026-1): Classification based on Vicat softening temperature, MFR, and viscosity number.
Part 2 (ISO 24026-2): Specimen handling, conditioning, and injection moulding parameters.

4.5.3 ISO 3672 for Unsaturated Polyester Resins

Provides a uniform framework for designating, classifying, and testing Unsaturated-Polyester Resins (UP-R) in liquid and solid states:

ISO 3672-1: Data-block coding system covering polymer parameters, fillers/reinforcements, and processing methods.
ISO 3672-2: Testing guidelines distinguishing properties before crosslinking (processing traits) from after crosslinking (intrinsic mechanical traits).

4.5.4 ISO 19374 for Recycled Carbon Fiber Composites

Establishes an identification and designation system for recycled carbon fibers (rCF) used in polymer composites.

Traceability: Differentiates fiber types using 1 to 5 designatory properties based on key metrics like tensile strength and tensile modulus of elasticity.
Circular Economy Impact: Provides standardized specifications that make rCF data transparent and reliable across global supply chains.

Chapter 5: Design for Tooling & Manufacturing Integration

5.1 Physical Marking Placement Guidelines

There are three important guidelines to follow for the physical marking of the injection mold:

Surface Selection
Place markings on non-cosmetic (B-side) surfaces or core-side tool halves to preserve exterior part aesthetics and avoid surface defects.
Text Sizing & Geometry
Use clear, simple sans-serif fonts. Standard relief depth or height ranges between 0.3 mm and 0.5 mm to ensure readable resin replication without structural weakening.
Draft Angles
Lettering walls require draft angles (typically 3° to 5° minimum) to prevent undercuts, drag marks, or part sticking during ejection.

5.2 Tooling Execution Methods

In this section we deepen the possible tooling execution methods:

Embossed vs. Debossed Features

Embossed on Part (Debossed in Mold Cavity): Recessed into the steel tool. Cheaper to machine (CNC/EDM) and offers higher tool longevity.
Debossed on Part (Embossed in Mold Cavity): Raised features on the steel tool. Costs more to machine and is more prone to tool wear, but results in flush/recessed text on the final part surface.

Modular Inserts

Interchangeable tool inserts (date wheels, shift indicators, and material revision tags) allow quick line adjustments without re-machining the main cavity.

Tool Machining Technologies

CNC Milling: Ideal for larger text on accessible tool surfaces.
EDM (Electrical Discharge Machining): Used for hard tool steels, deep cavities, and complex geometry.
Laser Ablation: Best for micro-text, high-precision logos, and fine texture details.

5.3 Post-Molding Marking Technologies

There are post-molding marking technologies which can be applied after the injection molding process too:

Laser Marking
Utilizes UV, Fiber, or CO₂ lasers. Relies on either surface ablation (burning/engraving) or chemical color-change mechanisms (often enhanced with laser-active polymer additives).
Secondary Printing Processes
Pad printing, hot stamping, screen printing, and inkjet printing provide high-contrast or multi-color markings when in-mold geometry is restricted.
Direct Part Marking (DPM) & Traceability
Machine-readable 1D barcodes, 2D DataMatrix codes, and integrated RFID tags enable automated part tracking across manufacturing and recycling lifecycles.

Chapter 6: Recycled Content, Bio-based Plastics & Future Trends

6.1 Marking Recycled Plastics (PCR & PIR)

6.1.1 Material Origin & Recycled Content Marking Syntax

Standard Syntax (ISO 14021 / ISO 11469): When molding components with Post-Consumer Recyclate (PCR) or Post-Industrial Recyclate (PIR), part marks combine base polymer symbols with recycled content indicators.

Notation Rules: Use parentheses to denote blended feedstocks.

Standard Example: >PP-(REC+VIR)<
Designates a Polypropylene blend containing both recycled (REC) and virgin (VIR) resin.

Extended Example: >PA66-(PIR+VIR)-GF30<
Indicates a Glass Fiber reinforced Polyamide 6.6 composed of mixed Post-Industrial Recyclate and virgin polymer.

6.1.2 Specialized & Chemically Recycled Feedstocks

Ocean-Bound Plastics: Requires explicit verification standards (e.g., ISO 14021 environmental claims) to declare verified origin metrics (e.g., ocean-bound vs. land-based recovery) on component drawings and tooling inserts.
Chemically Recycled Resins: Because chemical (advanced) recycling yields monomers physically indistinguishable from virgin material, traceability relies on mass-balance allocation models and chain-of-custody documentation alongside standard ISO part symbols.

6.1.3 Standard Frameworks & Data Quality (EN 18065 & Related ISOs)

EN 18065 (Data Quality Levels & Digital Product Passports): Classifies recycled plastics using standardized Data Quality Levels (DQL) based on material origin, purity, and mechanical properties. It forms the backbone for Digital Product Passports (DPP) to transmit recyclate metadata through manufacturing supply chains.

Supporting ISO Standards: Works in tandem with ISO 14021 (environmental self-declarations) and ISO 15270 (waste recovery guidelines) to ensure transparent material lineage from post-use scrap to finished injection-molded parts.

6.1.4 Automotive Specific Standards — Volkswagen Group Factory Standard VW 50026

The Volkswagen Group factory standard VW 50026 defines the quality and origin classification system for thermoplastic molding compounds, establishing clear rules for the use of virgin vs. recycled materials in automotive components.

Granulate Class	Material Origin	Description & Specifications
GK1	Virgin / Prime Material	Unused, first-choice original polymer sourced directly from the raw material manufacturer.
GK2	Industrial Grade	Non-prime or transition material that sits slightly outside the narrow quality specifications of prime virgin material.
GK3	Post-Industrial Recyclate (PIR)	Pre-consumer manufacturing waste, such as single-stream sprues, runners, production trimmings, or defective rejected parts.
GK4	Post-Consumer Recyclate (PCR)	Material recovered and reprocessed from post-consumer waste streams (e.g., household or municipal recycling collections).

Technical Application & Compliance: Standard VW 50026 is widely referenced across technical supply specifications throughout the automotive supply chain (such as TL 52311):

GK3 (PIR) is frequently permitted for component manufacturing, provided it meets specific quality and testing requirements.
GK4 (PCR) is often restricted or completely barred from use in sensitive or structural vehicle components due to strict material performance and contamination limits.

6.1.5 VDA 260 ("Parts of Motor Vehicles — Marking of Materials")

VDA 260 is a standard created by the German automotive association VDA (Verband der Automobilindustrie) that specifies how automotive component materials must be permanently labeled.

Core Purpose

Recycling: Enables type-specific, mono-material recycling when a vehicle reaches end-of-life.
Compliance: Helps manufacturers comply with EU End-of-Life Vehicles Directive 2000/53/EC (and updates like 2003/138/EC), mandating material marking for plastics, elastomers, and textiles.

Key Marking Guidelines

Designations: Uses standard shorthand symbols defined by ISO, DIN, and EN (such as ISO 1043 for plastics), usually enclosed in pointed brackets like >ABS<.
Formatting: Multi-component parts, blends, and composites follow specific notation rules (listing materials in decreasing percentage order or using comma/bracket formats).
Legibility: Letters are raised directly onto plastic or cast parts, with a recommended minimum character height of 3 mm to 5 mm to ensure long-term durability.

6.2 Bio-Based & Degradable Polymers

6.2.1 ISO 16620 Series (Bio-Based Content Identification)
Sets rules for declaring bio-based carbon fraction and bio-based synthetic polymer content.

• Standard Abbreviations: Native bio-polymers use standard polymer codes (e.g., >PLA< for Polylactic Acid, >PHA< for Polyhydroxyalkanoates).

• Bio-Based Drop-In Resins: Chemically identical to fossil counterparts (e.g., Bio-PE, Bio-PET) are denoted by adding bio-indicators or bio-carbon mass fractions (e.g., >PE-BIO< or >PE(BIO)<).
6.2.2 ISO 22526 Series (Carbon Footprint of Bio-Based Plastics)
Defines procedures for quantifying environmental footprints and reporting bio-mass allocations throughout product lifecycles.

• Material Differentiation in Recycling: Marking must explicitly distinguish bio-degradable resins (like PLA or PHA) from non-biodegradable bio-based drop-ins (like Bio-PE) to prevent contamination of mechanical recycling streams.

6.3 Next-Gen Traceability & Circularity

6.3.1 Near-Infrared (NIR) Sorting & Pigment Limitations

The NIR Identification Mechanism: Automated Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) rely on Near-Infrared (NIR) spectroscopy to identify polymer types by analyzing reflected light spectra at high speeds.

The Carbon Black Problem: Traditional carbon black pigments absorb light across the entire NIR spectrum, preventing sensors from detecting the characteristic reflection footprint of the base polymer. Consequently, carbon-black-pigmented parts are misclassified as residue and routed to landfills or incineration.

Design Mitigation: Part designers must specify NIR-detectable black alternatives (e.g., specialized organic or inorganic NIR-reflective black colorants) to ensure black and dark-colored plastic components can be properly identified and mechanically recycled at end-of-life.

6.3.2 Digital Product Passports (DPP) & Marker Additives

Digital Product Passports (DPP): Regulatory and industry frameworks (e.g., EU Ecodesign requirements) that link physical plastic components to an external digital ledger via 2D DataMatrix codes or RFIDs. The DPP provides instant access to real-time material composition, origin, recycled content percentage, and handling instructions.

Invisible Fluorescent Tracer Additives: Embedded chemical or optical tracer technologies (such as stealth fluorescent markers or digital watermarks) integrated into the polymer matrix. When excited by specific light wavelengths during sorting:

They enable high-speed automated sorting machines to read covert markers.
They allow facilities to separate food-contact from non-food-contact plastics, identify complex multi-layer structures, and accurately sort specific resin grades beyond the limits of standard optical sorters.

Thank you for reading the Plastic Part Field Marking Guide!

Soon this guide will be avaialble as hardcopy including additional chapters and real-life part marking examples - stay tuned. In the meantime check out my other article on plastic part marking here: Plastic Part Marking – Overview Codes and Standards (Find Out About Plastics)

Standardized numeric classifications according to ISO 1043-4 for declaring flame retardant additive chemistry:

Codes	Chemical Meaning & Additive Class
10–29	Halogen compounds
30	Nitrogen compounds
40	Halogen-free organophosphorus compounds
50–52	Inorganic phosphorus compounds
60–64	Metal oxides
70–73	Boron and zinc compounds
75–76	Silicon compounds
80	Graphite

Resin Identification Codes (RIC) according to ASTM D7611 and legacy SPI classifications:

Code / Symbol	Material Acronym	Common Uses & Target Applications
01 (PETE)	PET / PETE	Water bottles, food packaging, beverage containers
02 (HDPE)	HDPE	Milk jugs, heavy-duty containers, detergent bottles
03 (V or PVC)	PVC	Pipes, flooring, window profiles, chemical bottles
04 (LDPE)	LDPE	Plastic bags, squeeze bottles, flexible lids
05 (PP)	PP	Automotive parts, Tupperware, caps, prescription bottles
06 (PS)	PS	Foam packaging, disposable cutlery, yogurt cups
07 (OTHER)	PC, ABS, Nylon, Blends	Technical/Engineering plastic parts, multi-layer resins

Appendix C contains standard engineering drawing notes and callout templates for plastic part marking. They can be copied, pasted, and adapted to your specific CAD drawings (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Creo, etc.) to comply with ISO 11469 and ASTM D7611 standards.

General Drawing Notes (Plastic Marking)

Place these text blocks in your drawing's General Notes area. Choose the option that fits your manufacturing method:

Option 1: Molded-In Marking (Most Common)

1. PART TO BE PERMANENTLY MARKED VIA MOLDED-IN CHARACTERS PER ISO 11469 AND ASTM D7611. 2. MARKING TO INCLUDE MATERIAL RECYCLING CODE, CAVITY NUMBER, DATE CODE, AND PART NUMBER. 3. CHARACTERS TO BE [RAISED / DEPRESSED] [0.2mm - 0.5mm] FROM FLUSH SURFACE. 4. TEXT SIZE TO BE [3mm] MINIMUM HEIGHT, USING [ARIAL / SANS-SERIF] FONT. 5. LOCATION TO BE IN CONSPICUOUS AREA, PREFERABLY ON A NON-COSMETIC SURFACE, AS SHOWN ON VIEW [X].

Option 2: Post-Mold Marking (Ink Stamp / Laser / Label)

1. PART TO BE PERMANENTLY MARKED VIA [LASER ETCHING / INK STAMP / SILKSCREEN / ADHESIVE LABEL]. 2. MARKING TO INCLUDE PART NUMBER, REVISION LEVEL, AND SUPPLIER CODE. 3. INK/LABEL TO BE PERMANENT, SMUDGE-RESISTANT, AND COMPATIBLE WITH PLASTIC SUBSTRATE. 4. LOCATION AND ORIENTATION TO BE AS SHOWN ON VIEW [X].

Field Callout Examples (On the Drawing View)

Use a leader arrow pointing directly to the face where the marking belongs, and use one of the following callout templates:

1. Material Recycling Callout (ISO 11469 / ISO 1043)

Template: MOLDED-IN MATERIAL MARKING PER ISO 11469: >[Material Code]<

Example (30% Glass-Filled PC): MOLDED-IN MATERIAL MARKING PER ISO 11469: >PC-GF30<

Example (Polypropylene): MOLDED-IN MATERIAL MARKING PER ISO 11469: >PP<

2. Traceability Callout (Date Code & Cavity)

Template: MOLDED-IN DATE CODE WHEEL AND CAVITY NUMBER ID. RAISED 0.3mm MAX.

Example (Laser): LASER ETCH SERIAL NUMBER AND DATE CODE YYYY-MM-DD HERE.

3. Full Production Block Callout

Template:

PERMANENT MOLDED-IN MARKING, DEPRESSED 0.4mm: LINE 1: PART NUMBER & REVISION (e.g., 123456-01 Rev B) LINE 2: MATERIAL ID PER ISO 11469 (e.g., >ABS<) LINE 3: SUPPLIER CAGE CODE / ORIGIN (e.g., MADE IN USA)

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