Abstract: A frame for a plate heat exchanger includes a head and a follower, a plurality of rib assemblies, and a plurality of tie bar assemblies. Each of the head and the follower includes a plurality of interlocking rib cutouts. Each rib assembly includes a pair of ribs. Each rib includes a first grip disposed at a first end of the rib, a second grip disposed at a second end of the rib, a first cradle disposed at the first end of the rib, and a second cradle disposed at the second end of the rib. Both the first cradle and the second cradle include a cradle bearing surface. Each tie bar assembly includes a tie bar, a nut, and a tie bar bearing surface to bear upon the cradle bearing surface.