Ink Types:
Dusty Robotics offers water-based and solvent-based inks. Each ink type performs better in particular environmental conditions and surface types:
| Ink Type | Characteristics | Recommended Surfaces | Ink Color | Lightfastness |
| Water-Based | Ideal for dry environments. Not ideal for below-freezing temperatures or moist surfaces. | Concrete Wood Steel | Black | It can last at least 2 months in direct sunlight on most surfaces and even longer indoors. |
| Red/Blue | It can last up to 2 months in direct sunlight on most surfaces and even longer indoors. | |||
| Solvent-Based | Ideal for low temperatures, slightly moist concrete and all kinds of surfaces from metals to concrete. Not ideal for high-temperature environments. | Concrete Wood Steel PVC Glass | Black | It can last at least 1 month* in direct sunlight on most surfaces and much longer indoors. |
Ink Permanence and Erasability Methods:
⚠️Important: Clear coat spray is recommended in high-traffic areas or in areas susceptible to rain. Clear coat reduces ink erasability and can cause permanence.
⚠️Important: Due to a high variation in surface types and surface applicants, Dusty cannot guarantee the permanence or erasability of our inks. Running your own small test on your specific surface or material is advised.
Recommended Operating Temperatures
| Item | Operating | Storage | Comments |
| Water-Based Ink Cartridges | 30°F - 90°F -1°C - 32°C | 14°F - 130°F -10°C - 54°C | Cold temperatures can thicken the ink, preventing proper heating and printing, while warmer temperatures can thin it, leading to unreliable or messy printing and potential damage to the printhead. |
| Solvent-Based Ink Cartridges | 25°F - 95°F -4°C - 35°C | -4°F - 95°F -20°C - 35°C | High temperatures can cause the ink to dry too quickly, leading to clogs in the print head. Low temperatures can increase the ink's viscosity, causing poor flow and potentially impacting the normal output of the print head. |
Recommendations for Maintaining Optimal Operating Temperature:
- Overheating: To prevent overheating, keep the equipment in a shaded area. During FieldPrinter operation, solvent-based ink cartridges can be stored in a cool box, but avoid direct contact with ice to prevent damage.
- Ink Storage: Store ink cartridges in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight, ideally within a temperature range of 35°F to 85°F.
- Acclimatization: If cartridges have been stored in a cold environment (below 14°F for water-based inks and below -4°F for solvent-based inks), allow them to reach room temperature (68°F - 72°F) before use.
- Regular Use: Printing regularly helps keep the ink flowing and prevents it from drying out.