What's the most economical way to add a part number to a 3D part I'm going to send out to be milled from aluminum?

[kevanromero]

I would like to know if there is a certain kind of text I should add to the surface of my part. Do I cut the text into the part? Do I have to specify how the text should be cut? I'm just looking for a simple, cost-effective solution that the manufacturer will easily understand what my intent is. Thank you!

[g-andresen]

Hi,

1. select a single line font (shx)

2.  When cutting, you only need to clarify with the CNC man which tool will be used to create the text.

günther

[tonySWCR2 · Accepted solution]

Depends what you mean by "most economical"

I often ask suppliers to "Part Mark" in the drawing and add nothing to the 3D data, this will usually then be done with a laser mark or sometimes a stamp, usually faster/cheaper than machining it into the part. For smaller or parts where there is no suitable face for marking,  I ask for them to be tagged or placed in a part marked bag. This way you save time on the design and on manufacturing in most cases. 

The best thing to do would be ask the supplier what would be their preferred method and go with that.  

I usually only add 3D text to the 3D model that are on show, I care about how they look.