Flow Frames are an innovative beekeeping tool designed to simplify honey extraction while minimizing disruption to bees. These plastic frames feature partially pre-formed honeycomb cells that bees finish with wax, fill with honey, and cap. A unique mechanism allows beekeepers to split the cells vertically using a key, enabling honey to flow out through a trough and tube system directly into jars—eliminating the need for traditional extraction methods that require opening the hive and removing frames.
Key Points Explained:
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Design and Structure of Flow Frames
- Made from food-grade plastic with partially formed hexagonal cells that mimic natural honeycomb.
- Bees complete the cells by adding wax, ensuring compatibility with their natural building instincts.
- The frames integrate seamlessly into standard Langstroth hives, requiring no special modifications.
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Honey Production Process
- Bees fill the completed cells with honey and cap them as they would in traditional comb.
- The design maintains hive hygiene by preventing contamination during extraction.
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Honey Extraction Mechanism
- A key tool is inserted to split cells vertically, breaking the wax cappings.
- Gravity causes honey to flow downward into a sealed trough, then through a tube into collection jars.
- No spinning or crushing is needed, preserving comb integrity for reuse.
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Benefits Over Traditional Methods
- Minimal disturbance: Bees remain calm as the hive isn’t opened during extraction.
- Time efficiency: Extraction takes minutes versus hours with manual methods.
- Comb preservation: Frames can be reused multiple times, reducing labor and material costs.
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Considerations for Beekeepers
- Initial cost is higher than wooden frames, but long-term savings offset this.
- Requires monitoring to ensure bees accept the plastic cells (some colonies may need adaptation time).
- Best suited for mild climates; cold temperatures can hinder honey flow.
Flow Frames exemplify how thoughtful engineering can harmonize with natural processes, offering beekeepers a sustainable way to harvest honey while prioritizing bee welfare. Their adoption reflects a shift toward low-impact practices that benefit both pollinators and producers.
Summary Table:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Design | Food-grade plastic with pre-formed hexagonal cells; bees finish with wax. |
| Extraction Method | Key splits cells vertically, allowing honey to flow via gravity into jars. |
| Benefits | Minimal hive disturbance, reusable comb, faster than traditional extraction. |
| Considerations | Higher initial cost; may require adaptation time for bees. |
Upgrade your beekeeping operation with Flow Frames—contact HONESTBEE today for wholesale inquiries!
