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Starter Strip For Beehive Frames
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Colour · printed in PLA
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About this model
<h4>Introduction</h4><p>Like any foundation, starter strips encouraging the bees to draw straight comb. However, starter strips feature a few advantages over regular foundations. Unlike plastic foundation, much of the comb can still be cut for harvesting, without the cost or hassle of wax foundation. The open part of the frame remains free for bees to build different sized cells, allowing them to address the hives needs (e.g. large cells for drones, small cells for workers). Starter strips also use less plastic, saving both filament and print time. The only disadvantage is the bees are a little more likely to draw crooked comb.</p><p>As I don't keep bees myself, I designed this model in partnership with a local beekeeper. She uses a more natural approach with her apiary, so I designed the starter strip in the same way. The bottoms of each cell feature the trihedral shape found in natural comb. This also means that cells on each side are offset in the same way as natural comb. Furthermore, the cells match the most common size made by North American honeybees, 5.2 mm.</p><p>While we've done some testing with the model, there might be some room for improvement. Let us know how these work in your hive. In addition to the model files, I've shared 'stp' files for CAD. If you remix the design (ex: making it fit other frame standards), please share it!</p><h4>Printing</h4><p>Requires a brim but not supports.</p><p>(Optional) Use 1 perimeter on the comb to reduce stringing,…
Description by the designer on Printables.
How it works
- You pick the model; we fetch the designer’s file and print it in our UK workshop.
- Every piece is hand-finished and quality-checked before it ships, like everything in our shop.
- Printed in PLA, a plant-based material. More about our material.
This design was created and shared by an independent designer and remains their property. Every model offered for printing here has a licence that permits commercial printing. The original model page and licence are linked above.
