Bee hive - OATH design

thingiverse

I'm astonished that no one has shared a simple OATH beehive yet. This design is specifically tailored for the Australian stingless native bee, but it may also be suitable for other small species. The 'super' section of the hive serves two purposes: storing honey and allowing you to collect it. Although this part is technically optional, it's an essential feature for any serious beekeeper. The included zip file contains a design without pins or dowels for location, providing users with flexibility when printing their hives. Designed with 3D printing in mind, the dowels have built-in tolerances that minimize overhangs and ensure smooth prints. The only exception is the circular entry hole, which may require some extra care during the printing process. The dimensions of this design fall within the 220 x 220mm range, making it suitable for printers like the Ender 3 or similar machines. While the pins help keep the hive stable, users should exercise caution when dealing with strong winds that might blow the top off the hive, especially during its initial stages. A simple solution is to secure the hive with rope or tape. A minor edit was made to enable a removable lower brood plate, making it easier for users to print this part. To ensure a smooth fit, I recommend printing the lower brood plate at 98% size to account for any tolerances during assembly. When it comes to printing the entire hive, a good starting point is around 80% size. However, please note that this design may appear roomy in the hive setup. A suggested approach is to start with just the lower box and gradually add the top boxes as the bees grow and expand their colony.