Alexei Volkov
Mann Lake's Rite-Cell is a plastic frame used in beekeeping. It is described as being sturdier than other plastic frames, such as Pierco and Plasticell. Beekeepers can buy assembled frames with waxed Rite-Cell foundation, which are made with durable, food-grade plastic.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Thickness | Rite-Cell is the thickest |
| Weight | Rite-Cell is heavier than Dadant's Plasticell |
| Flexibility | Plasticell is more flexible than Rite-Cell |
| Durability | Food-grade plastic holds up to many extracting seasons |
| Ease of Installation | Snaps easily into a groove top bar and bottom frame bar |
| Wax Moth Damage | Impervious to damage from wax moths |
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What You'll Learn
- Mann Lake Ltd. sells Rite-Cell frames made from food-grade plastic
- Rite-Cell is a thick, heavy plastic that is sturdier than competitors
- Pierco is a cheaper alternative to Rite-Cell, but may require additional wax
- Some beekeepers prefer foundationless comb over plastic frames
- Plastic frames are susceptible to damage from sunlight and high temperatures
Mann Lake Ltd. sells Rite-Cell frames made from food-grade plastic
The Rite-Cell frames from Mann Lake Ltd. are known for their sturdiness and thickness. They are glued and stapled, ensuring a secure and top-quality product. The frames feature a waxed Rite-Cell foundation, which can be purchased with a maximum wax coating. This coating allows bees to draw the comb faster, giving them more time for honey production.
One advantage of Mann Lake's Rite-Cell frames over competitors is their durability. The food-grade plastic is designed to last multiple extracting seasons. Additionally, the textured cell interior is impervious to damage from wax moths, thanks to its sharper cell edges that enable quick acceptance.
The Rite-Cell frames are also easy to install, snapping easily into a groove top bar and bottom frame bar. Mann Lake Ltd. offers free shipping for orders over $100, making it a cost-effective option for beekeepers. The company provides a range of frame sizes and dimensions at various price points, catering to different needs and budgets.
Overall, Mann Lake Ltd.'s Rite-Cell frames made from food-grade plastic offer a durable, easy-to-use, and cost-effective solution for beekeepers. With their sturdy construction, maximum wax coating, and imperviousness to wax moth damage, these frames are a popular choice among those managing apiary growth and honey production.
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Rite-Cell is a thick, heavy plastic that is sturdier than competitors
Rite-Cell is a thick, heavy-duty plastic that offers a sturdier alternative to competitor products. It is a premium product that is thicker and stouter than its main competitors, Pierco and Plasticell. While Pierco is the cheapest option, particularly for bulk purchases, and Plasticell is flexible and lightweight, Rite-Cell stands out for its durability. Rite-Cell's sheets are longer and stronger, ensuring they remain in the frame during extraction.
Rite-Cell is available from Mann Lake Ltd, which claims to be the "Best & Biggest Beekeeping Supplier". The company's plastic products are made in the USA and are food-grade, meaning they can be used season after season. Mann Lake Ltd offers a range of Rite-Cell frames, including 6 1/4" and 9 1/8" options, which are assembled and ready to install.
The thicker, sturdier nature of Rite-Cell makes it more challenging to work with than its competitors. For example, one user notes that it can be hard on the thumbs when popping it into frames. Additionally, some beekeepers have observed that bees are less inclined to use Rite-Cell unless they have a super heavy flow and need more storage space. However, others have found that their bees readily take to the frames when they are clean and freshly waxed.
Rite-Cell's waxed foundation is also available in a Max Wax version, which features a maximum wax coating. This allows bees to draw the comb faster, giving them more time to produce honey. The wax used on the foundation and frames is sourced from beekeepers in the US. Overall, Rite-Cell's thicker and sturdier design makes it a durable option for beekeepers, despite the potential challenges of its more robust construction.
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Pierco is a cheaper alternative to Rite-Cell, but may require additional wax
When it comes to beekeeping, there are several options available for hive frames and foundations. Two popular choices are Rite-Cell and Pierco, with some beekeepers also preferring Dadant's Plasticell and Acorn. While all these options have their pros and cons, Pierco stands out as a cost-effective alternative to Rite-Cell, despite requiring additional wax to be added.
Rite-Cell, offered by Mann Lake, is known for its sturdiness and thickness. It is heavier than Dadant's Plasticell, which may be seen as a positive or negative depending on the beekeeper's preferences. Some appreciate the sturdiness of Rite-Cell, while others find it a bit too thick and challenging to work with. Additionally, Rite-Cell can be more expensive, especially when compared to Pierco for bulk purchases.
Pierco, on the other hand, offers a good balance between thickness and flexibility. It is neither as thick as Rite-Cell nor as flexible as Plasticell. Pierco is known for being more economical, especially when purchasing several thousand units. The bright yellow Pierco frames are also preferred by bees, who draw them out faster than other foundations. However, some beekeepers have noted that Pierco frames may require additional wax to be added, as the bees seem to prefer a more generous amount of wax.
The decision between Rite-Cell and Pierco ultimately depends on the beekeeper's priorities and budget. While Rite-Cell offers sturdiness and is a trusted option, Pierco provides a cost-effective alternative, even if it may require a bit more work with the wax. It's worth noting that some beekeepers prefer to use unwaxed foundations, as they are cheaper and weigh less for shipping, allowing for more control over the wax used. Additionally, factors like frame size, colour, and ease of installation also play a role in the decision-making process.
In conclusion, Pierco is a cheaper alternative to Rite-Cell, but the trade-off is that Pierco may require additional wax to be added to meet the bees' preferences. Beekeepers need to weigh their priorities and make informed decisions based on their specific needs and budgets.
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Some beekeepers prefer foundationless comb over plastic frames
While some beekeepers prefer using plastic frames, others opt for foundationless comb frames. Mann Lake's Rite Cell, for example, is a popular plastic frame option known for its sturdiness and thickness. However, some beekeepers prefer foundationless comb frames for several reasons.
Foundationless beekeeping allows bees to build their comb from the top of the frame downwards, giving them the freedom to choose their preferred cell size and type. This approach aligns with the natural behaviour of bees and can help reduce mite infestations by allowing for the presence of drone comb in the hive. Foundationless frames are also preferred by beekeepers who value a more natural and harmonious experience with their colony.
One advantage of foundationless frames is that they enable bees to revert to their preferred smaller cell sizes over a few generations, which can be beneficial for the colony's health. Additionally, foundationless beekeeping can reduce the risk of contaminated wax, as traditional plastic foundations are often coated with weak-smelling wax that may contain pesticides.
However, foundationless beekeeping also has its challenges. One of the main issues is the potential for cross-comb, where bees draw comb across multiple adjacent frames, making hive inspections more difficult and reducing space for the bees. Foundationless frames may also require more time and maintenance from beekeepers, as bees need to spend more time foraging for nectar and pollen to produce the necessary wax content.
Ultimately, the decision between using plastic frames or foundationless comb frames depends on the beekeeper's preferences and priorities. While plastic frames offer convenience and sturdiness, foundationless comb frames provide a more natural approach that some beekeepers find rewarding, despite the additional time and maintenance involved.
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Plastic frames are susceptible to damage from sunlight and high temperatures
Plastic is a highly durable material that is used in a wide range of applications, including food containers and beehive frames. While plastic is generally robust, it is susceptible to damage from certain environmental factors, such as sunlight and high temperatures.
Sunlight can cause various types of damage to plastic materials. The three main types of sunlight-induced damage are temperature effects, UV radiation effects, and colour changes. When exposed to sunlight, plastic materials absorb heat energy from the sun's rays, leading to expansion and contraction. Over time, this can result in warping and cracking, weakening the structure of the plastic and making it vulnerable to further temperature fluctuations.
UV radiation from sunlight can also break down the molecules in plastic, causing discolouration and a reduction in the material's strength and durability. This process can be accelerated by high temperatures, which can cause thermal degradation of the plastic. Additionally, sunlight exposure can cause plastic to become brittle and deformed, further compromising its structural integrity.
To protect plastic from the damaging effects of sunlight and high temperatures, several measures can be taken. One approach is to cover the plastic with materials such as canvas, tarpaulin, or UV-resistant fabric. Applying sunscreen to the plastic can also help absorb and reflect UV rays, reducing discolouration and maintaining the material's strength.
Rite-Cell plastic frames, commonly used in beekeeping, are known for their thickness and sturdiness. While they may be more resistant to physical damage compared to other plastic frames, they are still susceptible to sunlight and temperature-related damage over time. Beekeepers using Rite-Cell or other plastic frames should take precautions to shield them from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures to prolong their lifespan.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Rite-Cell plastic frames are made with food-grade plastic.
Rite-Cell plastic frames can be purchased from Mann Lake Ltd.
Yes, Mann Lake Ltd. offers black and natural colour options for their Rite-Cell plastic frames.
Rite-Cell plastic frames are durable, easy to install, and impervious to damage from wax moths. They also have a maximum wax coating, which allows bees to draw the comb faster and make more honey.
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