Overview
The Dusty Field Printer allows operators to manually select which print head the robot prints from. This is especially useful when printing close to walls, edges, or obstacles, where extending the print head as far as possible from the robot body helps achieve maximum reach and cleaner line placement.
Print Head Side Options
Within the FieldPrinter menu, the default selected option is Automatic. The available printhead options are:
- Automatic (Default): The robot automatically selects the print head based on travel direction and geometry
- Left: Prints from the left-side print head
- Right: Prints from the right-side print head
- Far Left: Prints from the print head that extends furthest to the left
- Far Right: Prints from the print head that extends furthest to the right
Far Left and Far Right provide the maximum reach and are generally used when printing close to walls, obstacles, or slab edges.
How to Manually Select the Print Head Side
- Open the Dusty App
- Select FieldPrinter from the left-hand menu
- Locate Print Position
- Confirm Automatic is selected by default, or choose:
- Left
- Right
- Far Left
- Far Right
- Verify the selection before printing
Positioning the Robot for Best Results
- Position the robot so the selected print head side faces the edge or obstacle
- Ensure the print position in the app aligns with the robot’s direction of travel
- Drive the robot parallel to the edge or obstacle being printed
Example Use Case
Printing close to a wall or slab edge
- Select Far Left or Far Right, depending on which side faces the wall
- Position the robot so the selected side is closest to the wall
- Print while traveling parallel to the wall
- This allows linework to be placed as close to the edge as possible without the robot body interfering.
Best Practices
- Leave Automatic selected for general printing to best use the print cartridges.
- Use Far Left / Far Right only when additional reach is needed
- Perform a short test print after changing print head sides
- Re-evaluate the selected side if the robot changes direction
Important Notes
- Manual print head selection overrides automatic behavior
- Incorrect selection may result in offset printing or reduced clearance
- Always verify the selected option before starting a print