--- title: Keystone KeyGuard slug: materials/keystone-keyguard description: Explore the essential guide for using Keystone KeyGuard resin with Carbon printers, including preparation, printing tips, and support methods. docTags: createdAt: 2024-07-18T19:27:04.040Z --- # Overview **Keystone KeyGuard™ **by Keystone Industries® is a biocompatible photopolymer resin for the fabrication of custom-made athletic mouth guards. Keystone KeyGuard™ is available in black, white, purple and green. ![](https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/Education/Materials/dental/Keyprint-KeyGuard/keyguard-4-colors-2000x500.jpg) This course will cover digital prep of your splints and night guards to properly prepare them for printing. :::hint{type="info"} This resin is not currently compatible with the [AO Polishing Cassette](docId\:iFFh3q8-WLk-LIqr87bd5). ::: ## Resource Links ::::LinkArray :::LinkArrayItem{headerType="IMAGE" headerImage="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/uXbZOKjJTGpPhjapQ8fvM-IOQIJkNnkbUAw9Q-ap1FV-20241115-235121.jpg"} **[About the Material](https://www.carbon3d.com/materials/keyguard)** ::: :::LinkArrayItem{headerType="IMAGE" headerImage="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3CesIL2dYMCHPZvRjp8S0/cJAKqDDnRUAeJAXNRThMm-20251016-221334.png"} **[Manufacturer Instructions for Use ](https://keyprint.keystoneindustries.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/4915193_IFU_KeyGuard.pdf)** ::: :::LinkArrayItem{headerType="IMAGE" headerImage="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3CesIL2dYMCHPZvRjp8S0/1r3fpdvMUMFVZGfey2Tjn-20251016-221405.jpg"} **[Safety Data Sheet](https://keyprint.keystoneindustries.com/keyguard/)** ::: :::: ## Protocol This downloadable handout provides important usage information, including instructions about storage and post-processing. Print it out and bring it into the lab! ::File{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/presign/uXbZOKjJTGpPhjapQ8fvM-VwQqIufdgWSyZl6tqU6e_-20241126-020538.pdf" label="Keyguard Mouthguard Protocol v01.01.pdf"} ## Dental Post-Processing Grids ::::VerticalSplit{layout="right"} :::VerticalSplitItem One of our most popular downloads! This table provides washing and curing instructions for all supported dental resins. Print it and use it in the lab as a quick reference. ::: :::VerticalSplitItem ![Images of dental post-processing grids](https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/Education/Materials/materials_overview/3-dental-grids-stacked01-drop-shadows.png) ::: :::: ::::VerticalSplit{layout="left"} :::VerticalSplitItem **English** ::: :::VerticalSplitItem ::File{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/presign/3CesIL2dYMCHPZvRjp8S0/vQ2WsRger2d-CoLrn-m5f_dental-post-processing-grids-v0501.pdf" label="Dental-Post-Processing-Grids_v0501.pdf"} ::: :::: ::::VerticalSplit{layout="left"} :::VerticalSplitItem **German/Deutsch** ::: :::VerticalSplitItem ::File{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/presign/uXbZOKjJTGpPhjapQ8fvM-seBSLAiWUzNDRI1GCLlop-20241125-214312.pdf" label="ZAHNÄRZTLICHES NACHBEARBEITUNGSGITTER v03.71 DE Deutsch.pdf"} ::: :::: ::::VerticalSplit{layout="left"} :::VerticalSplitItem **Spanish/Español** ::: :::VerticalSplitItem ::File{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/presign/uXbZOKjJTGpPhjapQ8fvM-2i0UhzOfuA4aYJFusL1v2-20241203-180542.pdf" label="Rejilla de Posprocesamiento Dental v03.71 ES Espanol Spanish.pdf"} ::: :::: # Design Recommendations - **Carbon does not make mouth guard design recommendations.** - Users should follow design guidance provided in the **manufacturer instructions for use (IFU).** ::::LinkArray :::LinkArrayItem{headerType="IMAGE" headerImage="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3CesIL2dYMCHPZvRjp8S0/cJAKqDDnRUAeJAXNRThMm-20251016-221334.png"} **[Manufacturer Instructions for Use ](https://keyprint.keystoneindustries.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/4915193_IFU_KeyGuard.pdf)** ::: :::: # General Orientation & Support Information ## Hide the Platform Use **Toggle platform** (or press **B**) to hide the platform before orienting parts. This will make it easier to see overhangs and place supports. ![](https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/v1741970064/Education/Materials/dental/__General_Use/toggle-platform02.gif) ## Use Patch and Fence tools to create supports ::::VerticalSplit{layout="middle"} :::VerticalSplitItem ### Patch tool - The [Patch tool](docId\:VUbpoAitbLM11aM9-qJ1p) speeds up support creation by automatically supporting an area with just a few clicks. It is useful for supporting **larger areas** of overhang that would take longer to support manually. - It is often useful to support your parts with this tool **before **manually adding supports. ::Image[]{src="https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/v1741914725/Education/Materials/dental/__General_Use/standard-support-menu-patch.png" size="50" width="208" height="73" position="flex-start" showCaption="false"} ::: :::VerticalSplitItem ![](https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/v1741915319/Education/Materials/dental/__General_Use/standard-patch-denture.png) ::: :::: ::::VerticalSplit{layout="middle"} :::VerticalSplitItem ### Fence tool - [Fence supports](docId\:VUbpoAitbLM11aM9-qJ1p) are manually placed by the user and are best suited on **linear overhangs **or smaller areas. - Fences provide stability while leaving smaller nubs than the default Bars option. ::Image[]{src="https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/v1741914724/Education/Materials/dental/__General_Use/standard-support-menu-fence.png" size="50" width="214" height="77" position="flex-start" showCaption="false"} ::: :::VerticalSplitItem ![](https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/v1741914737/Education/Materials/dental/__General_Use/standard-fence-partial01.png) ::: :::: :::hint{type="info"} Review [Supports](docId\:VUbpoAitbLM11aM9-qJ1p) in [Printer UI](docId\:oId4ZNZtZYeltTPVJ984a) course for more information. ::: # Orienting Keyprint KeyGuard resin offers flexibility when orienting and supporting digital models. **Carbon encourages experimentation within the provided guidelines to determine what works best for your lab.** :::hint{type="info"} **The following information applies to all colors.** ::: ## Orient the mouth guard ::::VerticalSplit{layout="middle"} :::VerticalSplitItem 1\. Click on **Orient** or **Shift + O** in the top bar in the printer interface. 2\. In the lower right corner of the bottom bar, turn on **Overhang Detection** or **V key** and set to **40 degrees. **Areas that need support will appear **red.** ::: :::VerticalSplitItem ![](https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/Education/Materials/dental/__General_Use/Orient-toggle-platform-numbered01.png) ::: :::: ::::VerticalSplit{layout="middle"} :::VerticalSplitItem 3\. Orient the mouth guard so it is **about parallel to the platform.** 4\. Rotate the model at least **75 degrees** from horizontal with the **anterior facing the platform. ** **90 degrees (perpendicular to the platform) is the recommended orientation. ** ::: :::VerticalSplitItem ![](https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/Education/Materials/dental/Keyprint-KeyGuard/keyguard_rotation_02.gif) ::: :::: :::hint{type="danger"} **Surfaces that have overhangs will require supports. Supported surfaces will require finishing to ensure proper seating.** ::: # Supporting ## Enter Support mode ::::VerticalSplit{layout="middle"} :::VerticalSplitItem 1. Click **Support** in the dark gray bar at the top of screen. 2. Under **Position**, select **Above Platform** to lift parts off the platform. 3. Click the **Manual tab** and make sure **Patch **is selected. ::: :::VerticalSplitItem ![](https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/Education/Materials/dental/Keyprint-KeyGuard/Support-menu-01.png) ::: :::: ## Add supports ::embed[]{url="https://vimeo.com/1033670052?dnt=1"} 1. Under the **Patch **tab, adjust the **Overhang **to between **40 and 60 degrees. ** 1. Select a value to ensure that the patch covers the **red overhangs on the anterior surface.** 2. In the **Primary Support Type** dropdown menu, select **Bar **or **Fence. **Bars tend to provide a stronger connection to the platform. Fences are easier to remove and require less finishing than other support types. 3. Enter a **Spacing **value between **2 and 4 mm.** 4. Make sure the **Boundary Fence** checkbox is selected. 5. **Margin **value should be **0 mm.** 6. Click **Generate All **to create the supports. ## ## Example of well-supported mouth guard ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/l3qPiIkNKH_ws5f331N8f-yvZLpAqkyu6dYnGJRToPU-20240918-170322.gif) # Nesting ![](https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/t_auto_quality_format/v1741997726/Education/Materials/dental/__General_Use/top-bar-layout.jpg) ::::VerticalSplit{layout="right"} :::VerticalSplitItem 1. Select the **Layout tab**** (Shift + L)** in the top menu bar. 2. Under **Auto Layout,** select **Gen2.** - Gen2 usually gives the most effecient packing for dental devices. 3. Enter at least **1 mm** in **Padding.** - Models require a minimum of 1 mm of space between them. 4. Leave **Optimize starting rotation** unchecked. - This leaves your parts in their previous orientations. 5. Leave **Allowed rotations** at the default setting. - This gives the software maximum flexibility to fit the most possible parts on the build platform. 6. Press the **Auto Layout** button to arrange your parts. ::: :::VerticalSplitItem ![Screen shot showing button locations](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3CesIL2dYMCHPZvRjp8S0/xAWXuUiH7J2wOdf4bWiJT_gen-2-auto-layout-callouts.png) ::: :::: If necessary, nesting can be changed manually: - Click and drag parts to adjust their position. - Modify Z rotation by using the **Spin **tool or manual rotations under the **Orient tab** **(Shift + O).** - Use the **Part List tab **as needed to more easily select models and focus on them. # Print Preparation ## Print Controls Click **Print Controls** or **Shift + P** in the top menu bar. ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3CesIL2dYMCHPZvRjp8S0/X35L-c75pnQJlbDt3kfVZ_image.png) ## Slicing ::::VerticalSplit{layout="middle"} :::VerticalSplitItem - Slice Thickness should be **Standard (100 µ)**. - **Reducing the slice thickness by choosing the Fine (50 µ) or Super-fine (25 µ) settings will increase print time and may reduce part quality and accuracy.** ::: :::VerticalSplitItem ![](https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/Education/Materials/dental/Keyprint-KeyGuard/slice-thickness-100um.png) ::: :::: ## Project Analysis 1. Select the **Project Analysis** tab. 2. Click **Start Analysis** and wait for the processing to complete. - Note the required resin volume and print time. 3. Click **Add to Queue.** ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3CesIL2dYMCHPZvRjp8S0/bWFfgfVxLwCTzFiBiyHnB_image.png) # Manufacturer Instructions for Use ::::LinkArray :::LinkArrayItem{headerType="IMAGE" headerImage="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3CesIL2dYMCHPZvRjp8S0/cJAKqDDnRUAeJAXNRThMm-20251016-221334.png"} **[Manufacturer Instructions for Use ](https://keyprint.keystoneindustries.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/4915193_IFU_KeyGuard.pdf)** ::: :::: # Questions & Support **For questions about the resin properties, printing, washing or curing your parts, please contact the Keystone support team:** - Submit support ticket: customerservice\@keystoneind.com For questions about your **Carbon printer** or **Carbon software settings** used for this resin, please [contact Carbon](https://learn.carbon3d.com/carbon-support): - Email: [support@carbon3d.com](mailto\:support@carbon3d.com) - Phone: - **U.S. and Canada** 1-650-285-6307 option 2 - **Germany** +49 6102 5790849 - **UK **+44 (0) 2082 647484 - Printer UI: On the dashboard, select the **Prints** tab. **Select one of the printed projects.** Click **Request Help** in the lower right corner. ::Image[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3CesIL2dYMCHPZvRjp8S0/YY6yCChSIB8SevmBwY76W_request-help-01.png" size="70" width="6541" height="3371" position="flex-start" alt="Location of button in the printer software" showCaption="false"}