Overview

High winds can cause Dusty FieldPrinter ink to disperse, fade, or drift from its intended print path.
This results in fuzzy edges, broken text, or faint lines, especially when using water-based ink.
While Dusty’s solvent-based ink is more resilient, any sustained wind over 20 mph can begin affecting print accuracy and adhesion.

⚠️ If winds exceed 25 mph, suspend all printing. Strong gusts can also interfere with tracker line-of-sight and robot navigation accuracy.

Cause

Wind impacts print quality and accuracy through two main effects:

Ink Atomization & Drift

• High-velocity air currents deflect sprayed ink droplets before they reach the surface, causing uneven or fuzzy linework.
• Water-based inks, which dry slower, are more affected than solvent-based types.

Environmental Instability

• Gusts and vibration can cause the Laser tracker or tripod to shift slightly, reducing alignment accuracy.
• Strong crosswinds can also disturb the laser’s path between the tracker and robot, resulting in minor positional drift.

Resolution

Follow these steps to maintain high-quality linework and prevent ink drift:

1. Assess the Wind Speed

💡 Field-tested threshold: Begin protective measures around 15 mph sustained wind.

2. Optimize Equipment and Environment

Take these steps to minimize wind interference and maintain ink precision:

• Switch to solvent-based ink in moderate or high wind. It dries faster and adheres better under gusty conditions.
• Align printing direction with the wind to reduce crosswind overspray.
• Create temporary wind barriers using jobsite materials such as plywood, gang boxes, or pallets. Focus on shielding the immediate print zone.
• Avoid elevated or fully exposed slabs, where gust velocity is typically higher.
• Re-verify stationing after strong gusts using the Verify Stationing tool in the Print tab.
• Secure the FieldPrinter’s wind guards:
  🔧 Wrap the provided black Gorilla Tape tightly around the corners of the wind guards.
  This reduces open gaps where air can pass through, minimizing wind draft and turbulence around the print stalls.
  Apply tape firmly but avoid covering lower ventilation slots or blocking sensors.

3. Protect Ink and Surfaces

• Keep cartridges between 35°F and 85°F to maintain optimal viscosity.
• If long-term marking is required, apply a light clear coat to shield ink from abrasion (note: this reduces erasability).
• Ensure the surface is clean, dry, and free of debris before printing — dust and grit increase ink scatter.

Best Practices

1. Plan prints during low-wind periods — early mornings are typically calmer.
2. Default to solvent-based ink on outdoor or partially open sites.
3. Orient layout lines with the prevailing wind direction.
4. Use short print runs and complete full line paths before stopping.
5. Use wind guards and tape proactively — don’t wait until overspray appears.
6. Verify tracker stationing often when wind conditions fluctuate.
7. Store spare ink cartridges in shaded, temperature-stable conditions.