Rietsche GmbH - Beeswax Foundation Machines

RIETSCHE Fully Automatic Beeswax Foundation Machine (VA)

2012-03-22T20:34:33+01:00

A completely new generation of machines was designed in 2013, improving the excellent features of the existing machines, combined with up to date manufacturing techniques for better precision and quality.

+ Completely new design with numerous technical improvements.

+ Nearly all parts are manufactured of stainless steel AISI 304.

+ Highest safety ! All movable parts are protected to exclude the risk of injury.

+ The drive of the drop table for stacking the sheets is carried out by a stepper motor and can be adjusted according the thickness of the sheets. Up to 20 kg of sheets can be stacked without any manual intervention.

+ The drive of the transport rollers can be adjusted easily by a simple hand wheel according the speed of the wax band.

+ Ergonomic operating by a switch box near the rollers and a rotatable control panel at the drop table.

+ High output per hour, up to 60 kg/h, depending on the size of the machine and the sheets.

+ New sizes starting with a roller length of 40 cm for the smaller demand, as well as 61 cm and 80 cm for highest output.

+ The included new triple-walled wax melting tank with a large capacity of ~135 kg of liquid wax is completely made of stainless steel with 50 mm thick heat protection for fast heating and lower power consumption.

+ We are convinced of our quality `Made in Germany´ and grant you therefore a guarantee of 5 years for all mechanical parts* and 2 years for all electrical parts*. ( * excluded are damages caused by wrong operating or usual wear and tear)

+ You have the security of a 30-year availability guarantee of spare parts !

Description:

This machine allows the production of foundation sheets in a single operation by casting. The liquid beeswax is fed to the machine by an electrically heated and heat-insulated three-walled tank (included in the price) with a content of ~135 kg liquid wax and an electrically heated self-leveling inlet-tank. Between the water-cooled rollers, the wax solidifies into a broad wax band which is cut on the integrated cutting machine in width and length. Depending on the machine size from one to three or more wax-lanes can be cut. The setting of the width is performed by moving the round knives, the length of the sheets can be adjusted at a digital display. The production speed is infinitely variable.
After cutting, the sheets are stacked on the drop table. The electric drive of the drop table with a stepper motor allows precise adjustment of the drop of the table according the thickness of the sheets so that up to 20 kg of sheets can be stacked on the table without manual intervention, and can be removed without interrupting the operation.
The adjustment and control of all parameters such as length and temperatures is carried out at a rotatable operating panel near the drop table.
The standard cell size of the rollers is 5.4 mm, corresponding to a cell count of approximately 800 cells/dm2. However, it is possible to produce all cell sizes from 4.8 mm up to 5.6 mm at extra cost.
The advantages of the production of foundations by the casting process are its ease of operation by one person. Because the wax is not compressed by the casting process, the cast foundations will be expanded faster by the bees than rolled foundations. The cast sheets are more stable than rolled sheets at higher temperatures in the beehive and do not wave. At low temperatures, however, cast sheets are not as elastic as rolled sheets.
In order to offer you the optimum size of the machine, please let us know the sizes and weight of the sheets you want to produce. To put the machine into operation, compressed air and cooling water is required. If you do not have such, we can offer you the appropriate equipment.

Machine sizes available:

Type

VA400

VA610

VA800

Rollers size (maximum possible comb width = rollers width of VA less 8 cm (for edge drop on the right and on the left side and safety distance against wax overflow)

400 x Ø 170 mm

610 x Ø 170 mm

800 x Ø 170 mm

Output per hour approx. (depends on many factors - for example on the produced comb size)

approx. 15-20 kg

approx. 30-45 kg

approx. 40-60 kg

Dimensions (length x width x hight) (hight incl. 170 l tank)

3,65 x 1 x 2,5 m

3,65 x 1,1 x 2,5 m

3,65 x 1,25 x 2,5 m

Net weight

405 kg

440 kg

475 kg

Accessory:

To facilitate the work with the Fully Automatic Machine and make it more productive, we can offer you a suitable range of relevant equipment and products.

Wax melting- and sterilization tanks
For efficient operation, we recommend in addition to the melting tank attached to the machine, one or more additional tanks to melt and / or sterilize the beeswax. All tanks are made entirely of stainless steel and are 3-walled with generously sized, 50 mm thick heat isolation. This will help to achieve a rapid melting process with reduced power consumption and lower heat losses. For transferring heat from the electric heater, water is used in the melting tank, this allows an operating temperature up to 90°C. For sterilization tanks thermo oil is used as a heat carrier. This allows an operating temperature up to 130°C to sterilize the wax. For maximum safety even in the event of failure of a thermostat, all thermo-oil tanks are equipped with a double safety thermostat. Available sizes: 170 liters, 300 liters, 500 liters (separate brochure available).

Base frame with stairs for the 170 liter wax melting tank

Easy to assemble, dismountable base frame with stairs and railings on both sides for the wax melting tank behind the machine. It is made entirely of hot zinc dipped steel, is installed in 15 minutes and allows safe filling of the tank.

Cooling units in various sizes

If you do not have sufficient cooling water (depending on machine size 400-1000 liters/h with max. 18°C), you need a cooling unit. The size depends on the machine size and the maximum ambient temperatures. We are pleased to offer you the appropriate industrial cooling equipment with a long life time.

Wax pump

If you do no longer wish to fill the tanks by hand, we can provide a wax pump with heated and insulated stainless steel piping. So that you can pump liquid wax from a melting or sterilizing tank to the 180 liter wax melting tank at the machine.

Release agent concentrate

To prevent the wax sticking to the rollers, a release agent must be added in small quantities to the water which cools the rollers. Our release agent concentrate is economical to use and biodegradable. Available can sizes: 5 or 10 ltr..

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RIETSCHE Fully Automatic Beeswax Foundation machine (VA Mini)

2020-01-06T22:47:37+01:00

VA Mini - built up (contrary to the photo: delivery with plastic container under the machine)

VA Mini - folded up (contrary to the photo: delivery with plastic container under the machine)

Standard version: with rigid storage table
Special version: with electric lifting table

The "Mini" fully automatic foundation machine was newly developed by us, the inventor of this machine type with more than 130 years of technical experience, in order to meet the demand for a space-saving machine for smaller wax quantities. Ideal for beekeepers' associations, beekeepers' cooperatives and large beekeepers.

After work, the machine can be folded up and moved on rollers in a few simple steps in order to take up as little space as possible. If the machine is needed, it can be set up quickly.
Dimensions: width: 0,69-1,3 m, length folded up: 1,6 m, length assembled: 2,1 m, height (incl. 70 l inlet tank): 1,96 m.
A special version 25 cm lower by a smaller, 40 l inlet tank is possible without surcharge!

All we had to do was reach into our modular system and develop a few new parts.
You get the same quality as with our proven machines for large quantities of wax.
In order to reduce the price, however, we have omitted equipment features that were not absolutely necessary.

Nevertheless, you will receive a fully-fledged machine with the following features:

+ Hourly output depending on comb width up to 18 kg per hour with "Dadant" dimension (correspondingly less for narrower comb widths).
+ Roller width/length 400 mm, e.g. for a line with the dimensions Deutsch- Normal, Zander or Dadant.
+ Standard cell size 5,4 mm (+/- 0,05 mm). Any other cell size is available at extra cost. Should the rollers be damaged, they can be repaired at a reasonable price. No new purchase necessary!
+ Wax melting tank with 70 litres capacity (without residual wax quantity) and 3 KW heating capacity, 3-walled with thermal insulation for low power consumption. No danger due to hot surface as with 2-walled tanks.
+ Electronically adjustable speed for variable working speed.
+ The transport roller can be adjusted separately mechanically for correct tension. This prevents the wax band from tearing or sagging!
+ Electronic length adjustment of the length of the sheets with a tolerance of +/- 1 mm.
+ Rigid storage table for approx. 15-20 sheets.
+ An electrically operated lifting table is available as an optional extra. This allows up to 7 kg of sheets to be stacked.
+ Plastic release agent tank with heat exchanger for cooling the machine with connection to cold water. If no cold water connection is available, we offer a cooling unit with approx. 3 KW cooling capacity as accessory at extra costs.
+ The machine is almost completely made of stainless steel. Therefore no rusty iron parts and no corroded aluminum parts. The machine looks like new even after twenty years!
+ Very important: High safety and no risk of injury! Of course, the machine fulfills all safety requirements according to CE standard.

We are convinced of our quality "Made in Germany" and therefore offer a 5-year guarantee on all mechanical parts and a 2-year guarantee on all electrical parts (except for damage caused by incorrect operation or natural wear and tear). Furthermore a 30-year spare part guarantee.

Interested? Ask for a non-binding offer!

RIETSCHE Semiautomatic Beeswax Foundation Rolling Machine (HA)

2012-03-22T20:35:15+01:00

This picture shows a HA480 (engraved rollers are positioned vertically). At the HA610 the engraved rollers are positioned side by side (horizontally).

A completely new generation of machines was designed, improving the excellent features of the existing machines, combined with up to date manufacturing techniques for better precision and quality.

+ Completely new design with numerous technical improvements.

+ Nearly all parts are manufactured of stainless steel AISI 304.

+ Highest safety ! All movable parts are protected to exclude the risk of injury.

+ The drive of the drop table for stacking the sheets is carried out by a stepper motor and can be adjusted according the thickness of the sheets. Up to 15 kg of sheets can be stacked without any manual intervention.

+ The drive of the transport rollers can be adjusted easily by a simple hand wheel according the speed of the wax band.

+ Ergonomic operating by a switch box near the rollers and a rotatable control panel at the drop table.

+ High output per hour, up to 120 kg/h, depending on the size of the machine and the sheets.

+ You have the security of a 30-year availability guarantee of spare parts !

+ Of course the machine corresponds to the European CE standard.

Description:

The Semiautomatic Beeswax Foundation Rolling Machine is used for transforming the wax bands produced on the Wax Band Machine into foundation sheets and for cutting them to size by means of the attached cutting machine. The desired width is adjusted by moving the round knives as required, while the length is adjusted at a digital display. The foundation sheets are stacked on a drop table from which they can be removed for packing.

The rolled foundation sheets remain elastic even at low temperatures and, if required, may be rolled to very thin thicknesses. Regular cell pattern is 5,4 mm according approx. 800 cells per dm² (square decimeter) on both sides. Special cell patterns ranging from 4,8 mm -6,5 mm are available against extra charge.

The rolled combs are elastic and do not break. But at higher temperatures they can become wavy inside the beehive.

Complete system for the production of rolled sheets:

Wax band machine (BM) + Wax melting tank + Semiautomatic machine (HA)

First you produce a smooth wax band with the wax band machine. This wax band is subsequently embossed with the semi-automatic machine and cut to the desired Length and width by the integrated cutting machine. 2 persons are required for operating the machines and packing.

Please note: You can`t use the entire roller length for production. To help you find the perfect machine size just let us know the size/s of the sheets you want to produce

Machine sizes available:

Type

HA480

HA610

Rollers size

480 x Ø 85 mm

610 x Ø 140 mm

Output per hour

~ 60-100 kg

~ 70-120 kg

Dimensions

2,8 x 1,4 x 1,51 m

2,95 x 1,5 x 1,51 m

Net weight

320 kg

390 kg

Intermediate sizes on request.

RIETSCHE Wax band machine (BM)

2012-03-22T20:35:43+01:00

This machine produces smooth endless wax bands from liquid beeswax. Depending on the size of the machine, the bands are from 360 to 550 mm wide and have a thickness of approx. 2.0 to 5.0 mm. The machine size should be choosen to produce a wax band that is about 2 to 3 cm more narrow than the cylinder length of the foundation sheet rolling machine and about 2 to 3 cm wider than two times or three times the width of the foundations to be produced. The wax band is wound up on removable reels. Once the reels have a weight of approx. 20 to 30 kg, they can be removed without interrupting the machine and replaced with empty reels. Alternatively the machine can directly feed the rolling machine without interruption. The machines are supplied without melting tank. If needed, melting tanks with a capacity of 170-500 liters can be supplied. The machine requires cooling water for operation. If you do not have such, we can offer you a suitable industrial cooling unit.

Complete system for the production of rolled sheets:

Wax band machine (BM) + Wax melting tank + Semi-automatic machine (HA)

Please note: You can`t use the entire roller length for production. To help you find the perfect machine size just let us know the size/s of the sheets you want to produce

Available machine sizes:

Type

BM360

BM450

BM550

Drum width

360 mm

450 mm

550 mm

Output per hour

~ 80 kg

~ 100 kg

~ 120 kg

Dimensions (without wax melting tank)

1,6 x 0,9 x 1,4 m

1,6 x 1 x 1,4 m

1,6 x 1,1 x 1,4 m

Net weight

~ 400 kg

~ 450 kg

~ 500 kg

Intermediate sizes on request.

RIETSCHE Beeswax Foundation Rolling Machine (KWM)

2012-03-22T20:36:16+01:00

System 3: For the production of rolled combs with smaller wax quantities

The rolled combs are more elastic and do not break. But when the weather is warm they can become wavy inside the beehive.

RIETSCHE Bee Comb Foundation Rolling Machines (KWM) are sturdy machines built to withstand the stresses of continuous operation. The machines - when ordered with motor - and their driving motor are mounted on a common base frame. The cylinders are out of steel and have a special alloy jacket in which the cell pattern is engraved. The machines are supplied with a release agent sprinkler to assure, together with the easy-release engraving, perfect separation of the combs. The cylinders turn in ball-bearings. The motor direct drive is by means of an elastic coupling. At machines ordered with motor an infeed plate preceding the rollers assures easy introduction of the smooth wax plates and precludes injury to the operator. Each machine with motor comes with a gripping device. All machines get deliverd with a detailed instructions of use and one liter of release agent FOR FREE.

Bee comb foundation machine (KWM) with motor

Machines ordered with motor (our recommendation for pleasant work):
The motors are normally designed for connection to threephase AC of 230/400 V (+/-10%), 50 Hz. Single-phase motors for 230 V (+/- 10%) AC are available at extra cost.

Bee comb foundation machine (KWM) prepared for motor drive ("spare machine")

Machines ordered prepared for motor drive:
This version is only intendend as spare machine for an existing KWM or HA !

Bee comb foundation machine (KWM) with hand crank

Machines ordered with hand crank for hand drive:
The machines of sizes 270 mm - 360 mm have a single-stage reducer, while the machines of sizes 450 mm - 550 mm come with a three-stage reducer. This equals a reduction ratio of 1:8 so that the machines can still be driven by hand even where the entire length of the rollers is made use of.

Cell sizes:

The machines are normally made for a cell width of 5,4 mm; this equals about 780 to 800 cells per square decimeter (measured on both sides). If so requested, the machines will also be supplied for cells of larger or smaller size (such as, for example, 5,6 mm = 750 cells per sq.dm.; 5,2 mm = 830-850 cells per sq.dm. or 4,8 mm = approx. 1050 cells per sq.dm.). Cells of different depth are also possible against an extra charge of from 20% to 50%.

System 3 (to process smaller quantities of wax): Casting plates + bee comb foundation maschine (KWM)

First apply some release agent inside the casting plates to loosen the wax plates later easily. You can buy this release agent from us (5 l or 10 l cans) (20-30 ml for 10 l of water). Then pour wax sheets with a maximum thickness of about 3-4 mm (or with a thickness of 5-7 mm and roll them later down to about 3-4 mm if you have the opportunity for it). The wax plates can be processed either directly after casting and cooling or after storage and reheating. However, the wax plates should have a temperature of approx. 35°C (heated through) before you let them run through the engraved rollers of the bee comb foundation machine.
The combs get cuts by hand. Required machine operator: 2 persons.

PLEASE NOTE: You can not use the entire roll width for production ! To help you find the perfect machine size for you, simply tell us the dimensions of the combs which you want to produce (length/width x height in cm).

The bee comb foundation machines can be made in the following sizes :

Length of rollers	Diameter of rollers	Approximate net weight
270 mm	85 mm	55 kg
320 mm	85 mm	60 kg
360 mm	85 mm	67 kg
450 mm	85 mm	80 kg
480 mm	85 mm	84 kg
550 mm	85 mm	115 kg

RIETSCHE Wax tanks

2012-03-22T20:37:25+01:00

300 l or 500 l tank for water bath or oil bath (same appearance)

(170 l tank for oil bath: looks as above but only with 1 heating)

170 l Wax melting tank for water bath

Completely made of stainless steel with extra strong 50 mm thick heat isolation for fast heating and less power consumption ! With aluminium cover !

WAX MELTING TANK 3-walled for water bath

70 l for ~ 50 kg liquid wax: 1.960,- € incl. 1 electr. heating 3 KW, outside Ø 518 mm, height 705 mm

170 l for ~ 135 kg wax, incl. 1 electr. heating 4,5 KW, outside Ø 803 mm, height 800 mm

300 l for ~ 270 kg wax, incl. 2 electr. heatings à 3 KW, outside Ø 907 mm, height 935 mm

500 l for ~ 480 kg wax, incl. 2 el. heatings à 3 KW, outside Ø 907 mm, height 1390 mm

WAX MELTING AND STERILIZATION TANK 3-walled for oil bath (dimensions as above)

These tanks get controlled by a security thermostat 20°-150°C (double thermostat with security-switching-off) and by a relay.

70 l for ~ 50 kg liquid wax, incl. thermo-oil and 1 electric heating 2 KW

170 l for ~ 135 kg wax, incl. ~ 90 l thermo-oil and 1 electr. heating 3 KW

300 l for ~ 270 kg wax, incl. ~ 110 l thermo-oil and 2 electr. heatings à 3 KW

500 l for ~ 470 kg wax, incl. ~ 130 l thermo-oil and 2 electr. heatings à 3 KW