The hexagonal shape of the comb’s cells allows the thin walls of the comb ​ — one eightieth of an inch [1⁄3 mm] thick — ​ to support 30 times their weight.
Kuna kärjekannud on kuusnurkse kujuga, suudavad vaid kolmandiku millimeetri paksused seinad toetada kolmkümmend korda raskemaid kärjekanne.