This model was created by Lee Bussy and with his permission is being shared here. https://www.***********.com/lbussy/designs.

The Mini-Mating Nuc is a great design and I have personally tested multiple variations of nuc designs to include exterior testing, cost efficiency, and acceptability of bees. Lee's design is by far the most economical and practical for use that I have tested. I will share those thoughts for those who are hobbyist or moving into the larger scale space.

K1SE with Unicorn .04 nozzle

- 557g Hyper-PLA filament used per full Mini Mating Nuc without spout

- No Supports needed, though you may see some stringing in a small portion of overhang at entrance

- 3 to 4 walls (major change in strength when converting to 4 walls at 15% infill versus 2 walls at 15%. Sacrificing about 8 grams in hive body, 1.2 grams in frames and dial, and 3.5 grams in cover)

-15% infill (tested @ 15%, 18%, 20%, 25% & 30% without much change in strength when using triangles for infill pattern)

- Triangles for strength (accepted my full weight at 210lbs)

- Recommend ensuring level bed and clean surface prior to cover and box printing

- Lee shared that some have reported leaking in syrup chamber (I saw leaking with 2 walls and none with 3 and 4 walls)

For assembly for dial. I recommend M3 4x5 Heat Insert on Nuc Body and M3 8mm Hex Socket Cap in SS

I used an exterior grade white primer/paint and 1 coat of UV coating (Thermal regulation was improved by roughly 26 degrees in full sunlight @ 97 degrees for 7 hrs, UV index of 8, 81% humidity @1911 ft elevation). Just an estimate, but given the use of exterior coating and others who have tested PLA in direct sunlight over multi year period, I would expect with appropriate handling, I could get 6-8 years out of each Nuc. I am currently running at Creality K1SE for all testing and was able to get time down to two full mating Nucs every 24hrs. The current cost of Styrene mating Nucs are 24-29$ each and even in bulk are 17$. Im saving 64% cost at 100 Nucs ($681 printed in PLA vs $1900-2300 per 100 commercial). I have tested in ABS, ASA, PLA, and PETG. PLA is the most cost efficient, easiest to print, and has less down time on printer compared to the other 3 filament types. I am currently purchasing 10kg packs of White or Yellow Hyper PLA which has allowed for cost per full print to be roughly $5.18 each which include energy cost for my region. ABS and ASA becomes cost inefficient due to down time, warping, or others factors to include increased cost, making it less desirable. PETG is similar in cost, print quality, and is a bit more heat resistant compared to PLA, however, noticed more discoloration with PETG compared to PLA in full sun exposure without an exterior grade UV coating. This model without the top feeder, will hold 2 cups of syrup.

When printing in standard PLA and PETG, time is increased and material weight is different:

Nuc-Box: 11hr56min (Standard 352.97 grams) vs 8hr34min (Hyper 355.84 grams) +/- 2 grams

Lid: 3hr5min (Standard 107.27 grams) vs 1hr53min (Hyper 108.14 grams) +/- 1 gram

Frames and Dial: 3hr51min (Standard 94.64 grams) vs 3hr4min (Hyper 95.41 grams) +/- 1 gram

Mini-Mating Nuc

0.2mm layer, 3 walls, 15% infill

0.2mm layer, 2 walls, 15% infill