Fischertechnik Recycle Symbol (Green Theme)

Intro: Fischertechnik Recycle Symbol (Green Theme)

How to create a model of the recycling symbol using fischertechnik elements!

I play with different educational manipulatives for a living. (Visit www.weirdrichard.com). Over the years I have built different holiday themed models using all sorts of toys. To celebrate the earth, this instructable will describe how to create a model of the recycling symbol using fischertechnik elements! Building the symbol might get youngsters thinking about a greener way of life!

The universal recycling symbol is a well-recognized image used to designate recyclable materials. It is usually composed of three chasing arrows that form an unending loop. I am modelling a recycling symbol used by Taiwan. This symbol uses negative space to create arrows pointing outward.

Wikipedia's entry on recycling symbols:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Recycling_symbol

Note: The CAD looking images were generated by LDraw/MLCAD and a fischertechnik elements library.

STEP 1: Gather Your Parts

You will need to gather your elements. The fischertechnik elements are available from a range of kits available from ebay, Craig's List, or fischertechnik retailers.

Elements can be purchased individually from www.fischertechnik.com.

The List:

4 Angular Block 60 Degrees
8 Angular Block 30 degrees
2 Spring Cams
22 Building Block 30s

STEP 2: Upper and Lower Sides

Begin the upper and lower sides of the symbol by creating two stacks of five Building Block 30s connected end-to-end. Note the orientation of the blocks.

STEP 3: Right and Left Sides

Construct the left and right sides of the symbol by creating two stacks of four Building Block 30s. Add a Spring Cam into the end slot of both stacks. Note the orientation of the blocks.

STEP 4: Make the Arrows

Create an "arrow" by sliding two Angular Block 30 degrees on each side of a Building Block 30. Add an Angular Block 60 Degrees to the end slot of the Building Block 30.(You may have to momentarily adjust one of the Angular Block 30 degrees in order to slide the Angular Block 60 Degrees into the slot).

Make three more arrows using these same parts.

STEP 5: Add the Arrows

Center an arrow assembly on each of the four sides.

STEP 6: Put It All Together!

Slide the two side assemblies into the upper and lower assembly.

STEP 7: Behold the Ft Universal Recycling Symbol!

Congratulations! You have made a variation of the universal recycling symbol!

Your model should look look like this:

Comments

[basscadetz]

this reminds me of a swastika. maybe the new symbol for "recycle nazi"??

[iheartmatchmag]

I'm glad I'm not the only one who saw that!

[Derin]

Actually,the swastika was used in Anatolian rugs to protect themselves from a nonexistent thing called the evil eye.The Germans flipped it around and gave it a different meaning.Now everyone associates swastikas with Nazis.
Cross and swastika motifs

[Matt4_16]

Thats so true

[ftking_83702]

*sigh*

[Matt4_16]

mabye if you added some color (probably not red though)

[chardster]

It looks like a swastika in disguize...

[ftking_83702]

Please see the other comments.

[ftking_83702]

No. This model (and the recycle symbol itself) has no connection to the infamous swastika. No reference to "nazi" is implied. This is a touchy issue. fischertechnik is made in Germany.

[basscadetz]

i think people need to not be so "touchy" and lighten up. really.

[ftking_83702]

No problem. I understand that your comment was made in jest.

[PKM]

I don't see the swastika bit, really, but I do see a totally awesome negative-space four-pointed white arrow coming out from the middle. It's like the subliminal arrow in the FedEx logo.