Surveyed Control Points

Control points are surveyed points with known coordinates that align with the coordinate system of the CAD file. These points guide the FieldPrinter in accurately printing objects.

Placement and visibility:

• Mark at least 3 non-collinear control points with crosshairs across the layout area on horizontal surfaces, every 100-150 feet — preferably all at the same Z-elevation.
• The finer the crosshair, the better for consistent printing accuracy.
• For every station, the laser tracker must have clear visibility to at least 3 control points.
• Ideally, have at least 5 control points every 150-foot radius for redundancy.

Alternative methods of setting control include surveyed control on walls and columns, and surveyed grid offsets. For more information, see the Dusty blog post Understanding Control in Construction Layout: Methods, Pros, and Cons, and the Help Center articles Control Point Creation Requirements for Surveyors and How to Select Control Points for Better Stationing Accuracy.

File Preparation

The FieldPrinter prints from a layout file. Without a properly prepared file published to the Dusty Portal, the robot has nothing to print — so file preparation is a core requirement for operating the FieldPrinter, alongside site and equipment readiness. Complete the steps below before mobilizing on site.

Use a supported AutoCAD version:

• Prepare your layout file in a supported version of AutoCAD. The Dusty AutoCAD Plugin is compatible with AutoCAD and AutoCAD Architecture versions 2021–2026

Set up a Dusty Portal account:

• Ensure everyone preparing or publishing files has an active Dusty Portal account.
• The Portal is where prepared files are uploaded, organized by project, and made available to the FieldPrinter for printing.

Complete the VDC training series in Dusty Academy:

• Before preparing files, complete the VDC training series in Dusty Academy.
• This series covers how to structure and prepare a CAD file for accurate layout, including how control points in the file align with surveyed control on site.

Install the Dusty AutoCAD Plugin:

• Install the Dusty AutoCAD Plugin to publish your prepared file from AutoCAD to the Portal.
• Close AutoCAD completely, then run the installer as administrator.
• For installation troubleshooting, see AutoCAD Plugin Failed Installation. If you can sign in but the file will not upload, see Unable to Connect to the Dusty Portal in the AutoCAD Plugin (After Successful Sign-In).

Site Preparation

Cleanliness and safety:

• Ensure the printing area is broom-swept and free of equipment and material.
• Install edge protection around trenches, slab edges, slab openings, column diamonds, and other potential fall hazards.

Site conditions:

• The site must be free of standing water.
• Printing is prohibited during active rain. If it's too wet to snap a chalk line, it's too wet to use Dusty.

Power supply:

• In addition to the batteries included in the FieldPrinter set, keep site power available as a backup for each floor.

• We advise using a wall power supply or an EcoFlow to power the tracker as the first-choice option.

Site Coordination with Other Project Teams

Communication: 

• Notify other trades of the FieldPrinter's deployment schedule to minimize disruptions. 
• Heavy foot traffic or active construction labor in the print area can significantly reduce productivity.

Optimal timing: 

• For the most productive and complete print job, print before risers are installed, or wait until temporary shoring is removed.

Equipment Delivery, Storage, and Power

• Delivery: The FieldPrinter is delivered to the address provided 1–5 business days before deployment.
• Storage: Store the FieldPrinter set in a secure, sheltered location, such as a trailer office or jobsite box.
• Power: The customer must provide power to charge the batteries.

FieldPrinter Operation

Access and equipment: 

• Ensure all operators have access to the Dusty Portal, and that all batteries are fully charged before printing.

Training and certification:

• Have at least one and up to five people available full-time for 1–2 days of on-site training.
• Complete the Dusty Academy courses, and ensure operators receive on-site training and pass the certification test.