Matrix for foundation: types and forms for making, how to use

Before the onset of the spring season, bees build honeycombs consisting of hundreds of cells, in which larvae will then be deposited and nectar stored. Beekeepers try to make the work of their wards easier. Frames with wax sheets are placed inside the hive, on the surface of which shallow cells are printed using a foundation matrix. Insects themselves “complete” honeycombs from them and start collecting pollen faster. This increases the he alth and fertility of the bee colony.

What do you need

To increase the honey flow and make the work of the bees easier, frames with foundation are inserted into the hives, where the press squeezed out small hexagons.Winged workers calmly react to such a substitute. They are actively completing cells from it, the “construction” is going much faster. There are many benefits to using foundation:

working bees remain he althy;
there is an opportunity to expand the nest;
increases productivity;
improving offspring;
blocks swarming.

Beekeepers benefit from taking care of their bees by getting more honey.

Varieties

In beekeeping, over the years, the division of foundation by type has become fixed.

Natural

Can be produced by insects or humans from pure beeswax. This is the most common and expensive type. Its absolute advantages include:

no impurities;
no further processing needed;
perfect for the needs of insects;
breakage resistance.

Natural material has its drawbacks, these include:

cannot be used a second time;
difficult to extract honey;
warping when heated.

Artificial (semi-natural)

Made from wax with the addition of impurities, you can either buy it in the store or cook it yourself. It has the following features:

natural color, smell, consistency;
high quality;
strength - can be used for 4-5 years;
more affordable price than genuine;
does not deform under the influence of temperature.

From the shortcomings can be identified:

harder to build up;
less elastic, breaks more easily;
when out of shape, cannot be aligned.

Plastic (polyurethane)

Produced from modern synthetic materials, it is a ready-made form with elongated cells.

Pros of plastic honeycombs include:

longevity - more than 10, sometimes up to 20 years;
no extension needed;
does not deform;
additional pest protection.

Cons include:

need to wax the surface before installation to ensure natural environment;
need to be processed periodically;
not repairable if broken.

Plastic foundation is not very common among domestic beekeepers, as there is no reliable information about how polyurethane affects the laying of new larvae.

How to use

There are several methods used to make foundation:

pressing;
rollers;
casting;
matrix.

The latter consists of two plates, on the surface of which there are special shapes that form honeycomb cells. A sheet of wax is placed between the plates and rolled out inside. The silicone matrix is a very convenient, simple and practical device for making foundation.

Caution! Wax melting should not be left unattended. It can be a fire hazard when hot.

Estimated cost

The foundation is usually sold in packs of 1 or 5 kg. Kilogram packs cost 620 rubles, the price of five-kilogram packs ranges from 2,900 to 3,100 rubles. Buying wax sheets every year is not very profitable. Experienced beekeepers purchase equipment for their production.

Approximate cost of devices:

Silicone matrix "Dadan", "Ruta"15.900

Name	Price (in rubles)
Bees Wax Mold Silicone Matrix	2.695
Bees Wax Embossing D Matrix Machine	39.500
Machine - matrix Bees Wax Embossing R ("Rue")	37.400
Rolls	17.990

You can reduce the cost by several times by making the matrix yourself.

Modern beekeeping cannot be imagined without the use of foundation. It increases honey collection, improves the he alth of families. Using a matrix, it will not be difficult to make it at home.