New to the Dusty FieldPrinter, or just need a fast answer? This page collects the questions operators ask most, with a short answer and a link to the full article for each. Use your browser's Find (Ctrl+F / Cmd+F) to jump to a keyword.
Questions are grouped by topic: Getting started · Preparing your file · Control points & accuracy · Jobsite & surfaces · Printing & ink · Equipment & power · Connecting & devices · Portal & software · Contracts & logistics
Getting started
What is the Dusty FieldPrinter and what does it do?
The FieldPrinter is an autonomous robot that prints your construction layout — linework, text, and symbols — directly onto the slab from your CAD files, replacing manual chalk-line and tape layout. It works together with a laser tracker (for positioning), a radio, and the Dusty iPad app. For the full picture of how a job runs start to finish, see Getting Started with Dusty: An End-to-End Workflow and the Product Specs. {{REVIEW: There is no standalone "What is the FieldPrinter" overview article in the KB (parallels the gap you filled with "What Is the Dusty Portal?"). This answer synthesizes from Getting Started + Product Specs. Consider commissioning a dedicated overview article and pointing this entry at it.}}
What's the overall Dusty workflow?
At a high level: prep your file (Revit/AutoCAD → Dusty Portal), get it print-ready, set up the equipment and control points on site, then print. Each stage has its own detailed articles. See Getting Started with Dusty: An End-to-End Workflow.
What comes in the box when my FieldPrinter arrives?
Your shipment includes the FieldPrinter, laser tracker, radio, tablet, and supporting equipment. Check everything against the packing list as soon as it arrives so any missing items are caught early. See Receiving Your FieldPrinter: Unboxing and Equipment Checklist.
Is there training available?
Yes. Dusty Academy offers training courses that walk you through file prep, setup, and printing. See What Is Dusty Academy? Training Courses and How to Get Access.
Where can I look up Dusty terms I don't recognize?
The glossary defines the key terms operators run into — control points, stationing, reflector, radio, and more. See the Dusty Glossary.
Preparing your file
What file formats and units does Dusty accept?
Dusty accepts standard CAD layout files and control-point data. The article lists the exact accepted formats and the units they should be in. See What File Formats and Units Does Dusty Accept?.
Control points & accuracy
What are control points and why does Dusty need them?
Control points are surveyed reference points that tell the FieldPrinter exactly where it is on your slab, so it prints your layout in the right place at the right scale. Without good control, the robot can't position itself accurately. See What Are Control Points and Why Dusty Needs Them.
How many control points do I need?
Use 3 or more control points per station (a minimum of 3, and they can't be in a straight line). More than the minimum improves accuracy. For how to choose and place them, see How to Select Control Points for Better Stationing Accuracy.
Jobsite & surfaces
What does my jobsite need before the FieldPrinter can run?
The slab needs to be clear, accessible, and ready for layout, with control points established. The requirements article and the readiness checklist cover exactly what to have in place. See FieldPrinter Operation Requirements.
What surfaces and floor types can the FieldPrinter print on?
The FieldPrinter prints on most common slab surfaces, with some limitations. The article covers which surfaces work well and which cause problems. See What Surfaces and Floor Types Can the FieldPrinter Print On? (Plus Limitations).
Can the FieldPrinter print on slopes?
It prints on slopes up to about 5° — roughly the grade of a standard ADA-compliant ramp. Above that it won't print, though it can safely sit idle on steeper grades. See Operating the FieldPrinter on Slopes.
Printing & ink
How fast does the FieldPrinter print?
Print speed and daily production depend on your layout and site conditions. The article gives production-rate figures and ink coverage per cartridge. See FieldPrinter 2 Print Speed, Production Rate, and Ink Cartridge Coverage.
How many ink cartridges will I need for a job?
It depends on how much linework you're printing. The planning article shows how to estimate cartridge count from your layout. See Planning Ink Consumption: How to Estimate Ink Cartridges for a Job.
What ink should I use?
The right ink depends on your environment and floor type — water-based and solvent-based inks each have their place. The article helps you pick. See What Is the Best Ink to Use for Different Environmental Conditions and Flooring Types.
Can Dusty ink be removed?
Sometimes — it depends on the ink type and surface. The article explains when and how removal is possible, and when it isn't. See How to Erase or Remove Dusty Ink (When Possible).
Equipment & power
What batteries does the FieldPrinter 2 use, and how long do they last?
The battery guide covers which batteries are compatible, expected runtime, and how to charge them. See FieldPrinter 2 Battery Guide: Compatible Batteries, Runtime, and Charging.
How do I power off the FieldPrinter?
Follow the proper shutdown sequence to avoid interrupting a print or damaging equipment. See How to Power Off the FieldPrinter.
What temperatures can the equipment and ink handle?
Dusty equipment and ink have defined operating and storage temperature ranges — both hot and cold limits matter. The article lists them. See Operating and Storage Temperature Ranges for Dusty Equipment and Ink.
Can I turn off obstacle detection?
Obstacle detection is a safety feature, but there are situations where you can adjust it. The article explains how and when. See How do I turn off Obstacle Detection?.
Connecting & devices
Why won't my iPad connect to the FieldPrinter?
Connection problems usually trace to Wi-Fi, the radio, or the app. The troubleshooting article walks through the fixes in order. See iPad Unable to Connect to FieldPrinter.
Which iPads are supported?
What if the jobsite Wi-Fi is locked down or unavailable?
You can connect the FieldPrinter using a phone hotspot in restricted Wi-Fi environments. See Connecting the FieldPrinter Using a Phone Hotspot in Restricted Wi‑Fi Environments.
Portal & software
What is the Dusty Portal?
The Dusty Portal is the web app where you upload files, prepare layouts for printing, and manage your projects and team. See What Is the Dusty Portal?.
How do I update the iPad and robot software?
Keep both the iPad app and the robot on the latest version. The article shows how to check and update. See How to Update to the Latest iPad and Robot Software Version.
Contracts & logistics
How do I return my Dusty equipment?
Follow the return process so everything ships back correctly at the end of your contract. See Returning Your Dusty Equipment.
How do I request a contract extension?
Submit an extension request before your contract ends. See How to Request a Contract Extension.
Still can't find your answer?
Search the full Help Center for your exact symptom or error message, or contact Dusty support.