Overview

Dusty FieldPrinter can print layout lines at a wide range of thicknesses depending on the needs of the trade and the level of visibility required in the field. This flexibility allows teams to communicate different types of information clearly on the slab.

Dusty supports printing lines from 1/128 inch up to 1/2 inch thick. Line thickness can be defined during file preparation or adjusted directly in the Dusty App on the iPad in the field.

For reference, the image included with this article shows several commonly used line thicknesses printed side-by-side.

Available Line Thickness Range

Dusty can print layout lines in a range of thicknesses to support different use cases.

• 1/128 inch lines used for very fine detail or reference markings on polished concrete.
• 1/64 inch lines for precise layout where minimal visual weight is desired
• 1/32 inch lines commonly used on fine surface finishes where a high level of accuracy is required
• 1/16 inch lines default line width for all projects
• 1/8 inch lines for trade layout markings where visibility is more important than 1/16" accuracy
• 1/4 inch lines for highly visible boundaries or major layout elements
• 1/2 inch lines for maximum visibility in high-traffic areas

The appropriate thickness depends on how prominent the marking needs to be and how much information is being printed in the same area.

How Line Thickness Is Set

Line thickness can be defined in two places depending on the workflow.

During File Preparation

When preparing a file for printing, the line thickness can be assigned in the source CAD or BIM file before exporting to the Dusty Portal. This allows VDC teams to standardize line styles across the project.

In the Field Using the Dusty App

Operators can also modify line styles directly on the iPad using the Dusty App. This allows teams to:

• Increase visibility for specific areas
• Adjust line styles based on jobsite conditions
• Customize prints without re-exporting the file

This flexibility allows the layout team to adapt quickly to real jobsite needs.

Best Practices

• Default to 1/16" line thickness.
• Use thinner lines for dense information so text and multiple layout elements remain readable.
• Use thicker lines for key boundaries such as walls, equipment zones, or major reference geometry.
• Standardize line styles across trades during file preparation to avoid confusion on the jobsite.

Operational Considerations

• Thick line overheating warnings When printing with very thick lines such as 1/4 inch or 1/2 inch, the Dusty App will display warnings on the iPad indicating that extended printing of thick lines can cause the ink cartridges to overheat.
• This warning is a bigger issue when using solvent-based ink, since these cartridges are at more risk of overheating with long thick lines.
• Recommended practice When printing long runs of thick lines, consider breaking the layout into smaller sections or allowing brief pauses so the cartridge can cool.
• Very thin line visibility Lines thinner than 1/32 inch may appear faint or difficult to see on some slab surfaces, especially on rough concrete or dirty jobsite floors.