When it comes to beekeeping, having the right equipment can make all the difference. At BS Honey Bees Ltd, we take pride in offering beekeepers top-quality solutions, and our 2 in 1 Poly Nucs are no exception. These versatile hives are designed to provide a comfortable home for your bees, and they play a crucial role in supporting the health and productivity of your colonies.
Our 2 in 1 Poly Nucs are crafted from High-Density Expanded Polystyrene (EPS), a material that offers outstanding insulation properties, durability, and a longer lifespan compared to traditional wooden hives. What's more, these nucs are proudly manufactured right here in the UK, ensuring the highest quality standards and supporting local craftsmanship.
Let's take a closer look at the intricate process that goes into producing these remarkable Poly Nucs:
1. EPS: The Foundation
The journey begins with the selection of high-quality EPS. This material boasts a density of 120 grams per litre, making it the perfect choice for beekeeping equipment. EPS is prized for its excellent insulation properties, offering protection against temperature fluctuations, moisture, and pests. This is a crucial feature to help your bees thrive, especially in the ever-changing UK climate.
2. Moulding Magic: The EPS Transformation
The heart of Poly Nuc production lies in the fascinating moulding process. In this complex process of injection steam moulding high-density EPS, the raw micro-beads are pre-expanded to about 40 times their original size using a small quantity of pentane as a blowing agent.
The process involves the heating of the beads using a flow of steam. This causes the blowing agent to boil, creating a honeycomb of closed cells within the material. As the material cools, the pentane liquefies, forming a partial vacuum inside the bead. The beads are then returned to a holding silo for 10–12 weeks for high-density moulding. During this time, the pressure differential equalizes, giving a stabilised granule, a process known as ageing.
In the final stage of moulding, the pre-expanded and stabilised beads are injected into specialised moulds. These moulds are fitted into a press equipped with the ability to introduce steam from behind each half of the tool. Small, slotted vents within the mould facilitate the introduction of steam, causing the final expansion of the beads. They coalesce to form a solid, shaped moulding.
This moulding process results in EPS being composed of a remarkable 98 percent air in its final form. The moulded objects are then ejected as the tool opens onto a conveyor belt, concluding one cycle of the manufacturing process. While this method is fairly efficient and fast, it's not without its challenges. Nevertheless, it is the method chosen by most beehive manufacturers for its effectiveness and reliability.
4. Quality Control
During the quality control stage, each Poly Nuc component is carefully inspected. Any components with severe imperfections are set aside for our bee farming use within our own operation. This commitment to quality ensures that only the best components make it into the final product.
5. Full Nuc Assembly
The fully moulded and inspected components are shipped to our Gloucester location from the factory. It's here that our dedicated team adds the finishing touches to create the final 2 in 1 Poly Nucs, including dividers, perspex, plug & entrance discs. This meticulous process guarantees that every aspect of the nuc meets our high-quality standards.
In addition to the construction process, the Poly Nucs offer incredible insulation for your bee colonies. With their excellent temperature-regulating capabilities, they help maintain a stable and comfortable environment for your bees throughout the year.
With BS Honey Bees Ltd, you're not just purchasing equipment; you're investing in the health and productivity of your bee colonies. Our 2 in 1 Poly Nucs are meticulously crafted to support the beekeeping community and make beekeeping more accessible and successful.
So, whether you're a seasoned beekeeper or just starting your beekeeping journey, our 2 in 1 Poly Nucs are the ideal choice for the well-being of your bees and the convenience of beekeeping. Support your bees with the very best - order your 2 in 1 Poly Nucs today!
Remember, at BS Honey Bees Ltd, we are committed to offering quality beekeeping solutions and supporting our customers. Our Poly Nucs are just one example of how we strive to make beekeeping an even more rewarding experience.
Join us in the pursuit of excellence in beekeeping and provide your bees with the very best. Order your 2 in 1 Poly Nucs today to experience the difference for yourself.
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