Beehive component using printable foundation STL with AMS-compatible 3D printing

The Hex Hives Story

Our mission: empower beginners and experts with sustainable hive design.

Team showcasing entry-level 3D printed hive designed for accessible beekeeping

About

Our Team

Initially founded as a father and son project, our team has grown to consist of passionate apiary aficionados and pioneers aiming to simplify beekeeping for everyone. Our collective boasts seasoned bee keepers, design connoisseurs, and 3D printing professionals.

Get In Touch

We saw 3D printing as a way to combat the bee crisis—using new technology to help support nature and its habitats.

Hex Hives is revolutionizing apiculture with its innovative design that caters to beekeepers of all skill levels. Our hive is not only affordable, it's easy to use. The unique hexagonal shape, which can be entirely 3D printed, imitates the natural habitat of bees and promotes their well-being. Because of our design, you can now enjoy a hassle-free, easy to replicate, convenient experience while ensuring the safety and health of your bees.

3D printed hive components used as printable apiary equipment for modern beekeeping

Hex Hives Early Prototype

Our Kickstarter Beginning

From a crowdfunded idea to a global beekeeping community.

Hex Hives began on Kickstarter, where a community of makers, beekeepers, and eco-enthusiasts came together to support the world’s first fully 3D printable modular hive. The campaign gave backers early access to designs, free revisions, and exclusive rewards.

More than funding a project, supporters helped shape a movement. Their backing laid the foundation for Hex Hives to become a sustainable and accessible way for anyone to start beekeeping.

Check Our Campaign

Beekeeper evaluating the benefits of a 3D printed hive versus a wooden hive

The Evolution of Hex Hives

From early prototypes to today’s Mega version, Hex Hives has grown through testing, feedback, and thousands of passionate beekeepers.

Hex Hives has never stood still. What started as a simple 3D printed hive has evolved into a fully modular system shaped by the input of our community. Every update reflects real-world testing and the feedback of thousands of users across the globe.

Modular bee colony management using printable beehive accessories in action

Beekeeper handling 3D printed hive components for colony inspection and maintenance

Hex Hives Early Prototype

Print-at-home bee hive system with stackable modular design in three sizes

Fully modular 3D printable hive for bees, featuring Hex Hives STL files for sustainable beekeeping

Hex Hives Version 2 Prototype

Current Hex Hives Mega

Larger Capacity

Over 3.5× the size of earlier designs; volume comparable to a Langstroth hive.

Larger Capacity

Over 3.5× the size of earlier designs; volume comparable to a Langstroth hive.

Larger Capacity

Over 3.5× the size of earlier designs; volume comparable to a Langstroth hive.

Sectional Printing System

Hive body divided into sections so it can be printed on medium-sized beds while still achieving full size.

Sectional Printing System

Hive body divided into sections so it can be printed on medium-sized beds while still achieving full size.

Sectional Printing System

Hive body divided into sections so it can be printed on medium-sized beds while still achieving full size.

Angled Roof

Exclusive to the Mega, designed for better rain runoff and durability outdoors.

Angled Roof

Exclusive to the Mega, designed for better rain runoff and durability outdoors.

Angled Roof

Exclusive to the Mega, designed for better rain runoff and durability outdoors.

Optimized Insulation

Thick walls with cubic infill that insulate better than wood, especially effective at scale.

Optimized Insulation

Thick walls with cubic infill that insulate better than wood, especially effective at scale.

Optimized Insulation

Thick walls with cubic infill that insulate better than wood, especially effective at scale.

In Partnership With

Is Beekeeping for Me?

Beekeeping is a delightful and fulfilling endeavor. It offers a unique lens to witness the intricate web that nature weaves and deepens your appreciation for nature's rhythms and cycles. Engaging in this practice also allows you to positively impact your surroundings.

Delving into the world of bees reveals captivating insights into their world. Subtle behaviors, such as their modes of interaction, their architectural prowess in honeycomb creation, and the seasonal bloom patterns become more pronounced. Moreover, the added bonus of harvesting your own honey offers a shared sweetness with loved ones and the community.

Hex Hives Mega – STLs modular 3D printed beehives in two sizes

Hex Hives Early Prototype

Ready to Start Beekeeping?

Get your own affordable, 3D printed modular hive today and experience how easy and rewarding sustainable beekeeping can be—whether you're just starting out or leveling up your apiary.

Explore Hive Bundles

Ready to Start Beekeeping?

Get your own affordable, 3D printed modular hive today and experience how easy and rewarding sustainable beekeeping can be—whether you're just starting out or leveling up your apiary.

Explore Hive Bundles

Ready to Start Beekeeping?

Get your own affordable, 3D printed modular hive today and experience how easy and rewarding sustainable beekeeping can be—whether you're just starting out or leveling up your apiary.

Explore Hive Bundles

Ready to Start Beekeeping?

Get your own affordable, 3D printed modular hive today and experience how easy and rewarding sustainable beekeeping can be—whether you're just starting out or leveling up your apiary.

Explore Hive Bundles

Are Hex Hives Plastic?

3D printing is a phenomenal innovation. It opens the door to novel engineering solutions, like the ability to print insulation directly into the walls of Hex Hives. Moreover, it provides a broad spectrum of printable materials to select from, ranging from everyday PLA to robust stainless steel.

If you're leaning towards plastics, consider USDA-approved, food-safe PETG. Not only is PETG known for its impressive durability and resistance to UV rays, but it's also a top choice for lasting quality. To further enhance longevity, we suggest painting the exterior of your Hex Hives (regardless of material). Remember, Hex Hives were never intended to be disposable. With proper care and maintenance, they should last a long time.

Additionally, there are eco-friendly, non-oilen filaments available that offer impressive heat resistance and decompose in just 90 days when buried and composted.

Modular bee colony management enabled by printable hive accessories and components

Hex Hives Version 2 Prototype

When it comes to 3D printing, the power of choice is in your hands. Do your homework and opt for what's best for you and your situation.

Are Hex Hives Plastic?

Additionally, there are eco-friendly, non-oilen filaments available that offer impressive heat resistance and decompose in just 90 days when buried and composted.

Hex Hives Version 2 Prototype

When it comes to 3D printing, the power of choice is in your hands. Do your homework and opt for what's best for you and your situation.

Are Hex Hives Plastic?

Additionally, there are eco-friendly, non-oilen filaments available that offer impressive heat resistance and decompose in just 90 days when buried and composted.

Hex Hives Version 2 Prototype

When it comes to 3D printing, the power of choice is in your hands. Do your homework and opt for what's best for you and your situation.

Save 20% on Eco-Friendly Filament

Build greener, longer-lasting hives with eco-friendly nonoilen filament. Compostable in 90 days and now 20 percent off with code HEXHIVES20.

Claim Your 20% Discount

Nonoilen eco-friendly filament and PETG food-safe spool for sustainable hive printing

Filament options including PETG and nonoilen for 3D printing beekeeping components