Mechanical

Automate layout for an end-to-end solution

Fully automated robotic layout

Don’t just connect the dots, build off of comprehensive shop drawings created by the Dusty FieldPrinter, the world’s first fully automated robotic layout printer.

With an end-to-end solution for mechanical layout, the FieldPrinter delivers the trust, clarity, and efficiency you need to do your best work.

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Trust

Spend less time figuring out who is at fault with a single source of truth for layout

Guarantee that your digital model gets laid out with 1/16” accuracy

Instill confidence that what you design is what you build

Clarity

Build off clear and informative installation instructions

Reduce job site conflicts with consistent installation instructions shared by all trades

Eliminate misunderstandings due to sloppy handwriting

Efficiency

Spend less time on layout and more time doing valuable work

Increase layout crew productivity to over 250 points/hr with no knee or back pain

Start installation sooner and eliminate the need for rework

Why mechanical contractors
choose Dusty

With robotic layout based on the coordinated digital model, you know you can trust that the layout will be accurate, the installation instructions will be aligned across all trades, and the installation can start almost immediately.

Mechanical contractors don’t have to spend weeks laying out with a traditional total station when they can use a FieldPrinter to print it in days, with less physical strain. Crystal-clear points and linework eliminate confusion about what to install, ensuring that your job gets done right the first time.

Build trust
in your layout

Print the digital model
with 1/16” accuracy

Drive efficient
timelines

Increase layout crew productivity
to over 250 points/hr

Ensure clarity
during installation

Minimize conflicts and reduce
rework by up to 75%

How to use the Dusty FieldPrinter

Curious about getting started with robotic layout? While it may sound complicated, the Dusty FieldPrinter has simple needs that make it easy to use. To get started, follow these instructions:

01. CAD or CSV files

Dusty works with existing CAD (.dwg) or Trimble (.csv) files

No additional file preparation required for simple point printing

For extra details, we can teach you how to extract this data from your Revit/CAD files

02. Control points

Dusty requires 3 or more control points marked clearly on the floor at known locations

Use the same control points as you would for total station layout

03. Clear floor

Dusty requires a broom-swept floor for the ink to adhere

Because of Dusty’s speed, the floor only needs to be kept clear for a few hours (vs days to weeks for manual layout)

How the FieldPrinter works

Mechanical Layout

Frequently asked questions

What is a total station?

A total station is an electronic instrument that is used in construction for measuring distances and angles for surveying and construction layout. There are two types of total stations in construction: a total station and a robotic total station. However, total stations are considered outdated tools for construction layout. Fully-automated robotic layout is the better solution that completely automates the layout process by printing the digital model directly on the construction site surface.

How is layout done using a total station?

The total station requires manual setup to measure the angles and distances of layout points and manual markings of the layout measurements on the job site surface. This helps remove the need for chalk-line layout methods, while it still requires multiple workers and manual labor.

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The robotic total station can be controlled remotely to calculate and inspect measurements and angles of layout points. However, using a robotic total station still requires the manual markings of the measurements on the job site surface.

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On the other hand, fully-automated robotic layout prints the coordinated model directly on the job site surface, requiring no manual labor. The entire layout process is automated, improving speed, accuracy, and safety.

What are the disadvantages of a total station?

While using a total station is better than a purely manual layout process, total stations still require manual labor to calculate distances and mark the layout measurements on the job site surface. Manual layout introduces risk in a construction project, including:

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▶ Layout errors

▶ Faulty installation

▶ Construction schedule delays

▶ Rework

▶ Worker injuries

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Dusty Robotics FieldPrinter is better for layout than total stations. The FieldPrinter automates the entire layout process, printing the coordinated digital model directly on the job site surface.

How is the Dusty FieldPrinter different from robotic total station layout?

Dusty Robotics automated layout is a brand new way of doing layout. The Dusty FieldPrinter prints the coordinated digital model across all trades directly on the construction site surface. With fully automated layout thanks to the Dusty FieldPrinter, there is no need for manual labor via measurements or markings. Layout is fast, accurate, and reliable for installation. And, automating physically demanding tasks helps improve workplace safety.

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Robotic total station layout only automates part of the layout process, leaving workers to manually mark the measurements provided by the total station. This introduces risk to the project and can result in faulty installation or workplace injuries.

Want to learn more?

Find out how the Dusty Robotics FieldPrint Platform can help you increase quality, collaboration, and speed on your next construction project.