HexGuard – Modular Lawn Patch Shield System

HexGuard v1.1.1 – Modular Lawn Patch Shield System

Protect reseeded or damaged lawn patches from robotic mowers, pets, and foot traffic using a modular shield that’s strong, expandable, and easy to remove when the job is done.

HexGuard features a sloped, elevated profile that lets mowers glide over while shielding fragile grass underneath. Its open hex pattern supports healthy regrowth by allowing air, water, and sunlight to reach the soil.

With multiple panel types and locking options, HexGuard adapts to almost any patch size — from small lawn fixes to large restoration zones.

✅ Key Features:

• Shields and protects recovering grass areas
• Ramp-shaped design is mower-safe and trip-safe
• Open hex pattern allows airflow, light, and water
• Modular system: extend and expand as needed
• Optimized for PETG (weather-resistant and strong)
• Packs neatly in a filament box when disassembled (Expanded version may require more than one)

🧩 Modular Components:

• Arc Panel – Main curved shielding component
• Extension Panel – Expands footprint in one direction
• Middle Panel – Allows symmetrical expansion in all directions
• TopCap (Pegged) – Anchors and locks panels in place
• TopCap – For optional peg-free sections in larger modular layouts
• Ground Screw – Holds the panels to the ground
• BottomLock – Inserts from beneath to stabilize any TopCap
• Connector Clip – Joins panels securely at the seams
• Allen Key – 3D printable tool: use one end to tighten screws and the other to lift HexGuard out of the ground after use

🛠 How to Use:

1. Prepare the lawn and apply grass seed
2. Assemble panels and clips as needed
3. Use TopCap (Pegged) + Ground Screw to anchor the layout
4. Use TopCap + BottomLock where no peg is wanted
5. BottomLocks can be added beneath any TopCap for extra stability
6. Use one end of the Allen Key to tighten screws and the other to lift HexGuard out of the ground after use

🧱 Build Examples:

Standard Version – Small Patch

• 4 × Arc Panels
• 1 × TopCap (Pegged)
• 1 × Ground Screw
• 4 × Connector Clips

Extended Version – Elongated Patch

• 4 × Arc Panels
• 2 × Extension Panels
• 2 × TopCaps or TopCaps (Pegged)
• 2 × Ground Screws
• 6 × Connector Clips

Expanded Version – Large Patch

• 4 × Arc Panels
• 4 × Extension Panels
• 1 × Middle Panel
• 4 × TopCaps or TopCaps (Pegged)
• 4 × Ground Screws
• 8 × Connector Clips

💡 Tip: For easiest clip placement, let panels rest slightly over a table edge.

⚠️ Print Notes:

Some light stringing may occur in early layers — easily removed with a heat gun or torch.
If you find settings that improve the print, feel free to share them!

🆕 Changes Since v1.0.0:

• 🔧 Rebuilt all infill parts – Now prebuilt with hex patterns (Thanks to @philomatic for the feedback)
• 🔧 Widened Connector Clip – For better fit and strength (Also based on @philomatic’s feedback)
• 🔧 Various print profile optimizations

❤️ Support Development

If HexGuard helped your lawn, post a make or leave a like! Your feedback helps refine the design and future updates — more accessories and layout variants are already in the works.