Third Comb - 3D Printable Comb for Langstroth Frames

thingiverse

Third Comb is a 3D printable honeycomb designed specifically for installation into Langstroth frames with grooved tops and bottoms, perfectly fitting Mann Lake's groove top and bottom frames. To complete each frame, three printed combs will be required. In the spring of 2018, I plan to test these combs in my apiary, assuming that their acceptance rate will match HoneySuperCell frames and other plastic foundations when bees have no alternative options. A light coating of beeswax on the comb's surface should further increase acceptance rates. When printing honeycomb structures, it is essential to use plastics generally considered safe for food consumption. For brood combs, standard PLA and PET are likely suitable for your bees, while combs intended for storing honey for human consumption should be printed from plastics specifically marketed as food-grade. ABS plastic must not be used to print combs for bee hives due to its toxicity. PLA may not be the best choice for warmer climates, as temperatures that melt beeswax can also cause PLA combs to break down and fail. PET is a more suitable option in such areas.