What is the primary function of general notes on a print?

The primary function of general notes on a print is to provide important supplementary information that affects the entire design or part, including specifications such as surface finishes and testing requirements. These notes encapsulate critical details that may not be explicitly shown in the drawings but are essential for ensuring that the intended functionality and quality of the part are met.

General notes help convey specific requirements that apply universally to the components depicted in the print, guiding the machinists, fabricators, or inspectors in the manufacturing process. For instance, surface finish specifications could dictate the required texture or smoothness of a part, while testing requirements could establish how the component should be assessed for quality assurance.

The other options focus on specific aspects that, while important, are not the primary function of general notes. For example, outlining material requirements, specifying colors and branding, and describing assembly instructions are more suited for detailed sections of the print or individual notes rather than a broad general notes section.