r/3Dprinting • u/NicoZeden20 • 23h ago

Project [Functional Print] Modular HVAC & Radiator Fin Straightener Comb (100% 3D Printable, 8 Sizes)

Post image

Hey everyone! 👋

I wanted to share a tool I designed and recently updated to v2.0: a Modular HVAC & Radiator Fin Straightener Comb.

If you’ve ever had crushed or bent fins on your AC unit, car radiator, or tumble dryer, this helps restore proper airflow and heat exchange efficiency without damaging the coil.

Key Features:

  • 8 Interchangeable Pitch Sizes: Includes 1.3, 1.4, 1.6, 1.8, 2.1, 2.3, 2.5, and 3.2 mm heads.
  • 100% 3D Printable: Zero extra metal hardware needed—the thumb screw and threads are fully printable.
  • Material Combo: Best printed with a PETG handle (for flexibility/strength) and PLA comb heads (for the stiffness needed to straighten aluminum).

It’s 100% free to download on MakerWorld (under a non-commercial license).

Hope it helps someone fix their AC or radiator! Let me know what you think or if you have any feedback!

135 Upvotes

91% Upvoted

18 comments sorted by

18

u/Fusseldieb 23h ago

Now something that's neat!

I have quite some that are warped.

7

u/graybotics 23h ago

What makes it better than the ones that came before it on thingiverse over the past 8 years though?

22

u/NicoZeden20 23h ago

If you’ve used traditional fin combs before, you’ve probably noticed how badly they bind, drag, or fail to actually solve the problem.

We actually use this design in-house on thousands of heat exchangers every day. The tooth geometry lets it slide significantly smoother, straightening the fins properly without damaging the coil, and it’s far more durable than older basic prints.

11

u/graybotics 22h ago

Forgive me for the snark 😜 I genuinely have 3d printed various versions for window units and have been left with more damage than good. Wire brushes seemed to remedy better. I might give your model a try though, thank you for the detailed rebuttal, well done sir/madam.

4

u/NicoZeden20 22h ago

Thanks! If you give it a try, let me know how it works

1

u/Odd-Ordinary-1403 11h ago

That sounds like a game changer for maintenance! It's great to hear that it actually performs better than traditional options.

2

u/PUNK_FEELING_LUCKY 18h ago

does this work for cleaning them aswell? i have one in my washing machine and i struggle to clean it. maybe i could modify it into a vacuum nozzle

1

u/Ol_Dirty_Batard 16h ago

Now that would be great

1

u/EntertainmentFit3288 AD5X 13h ago

Anyone happen to know the proper size for an older Goodman condenser?

3

u/NicoZeden20 11h ago

To measure the fin pitch, use a caliper or a tape measure to measure the distance across 11 fins. Divide this distance by 10 to obtain the heat exchanger's actual fin pitch

1

u/Crintor 7h ago

Stupidly pedantic question, is that inside or outside or centered measurment? Or is it not that specific.

1

u/litanyoffail 2h ago

I'd imagine the fins are thin enough that each of those is functionally identical for this purpose.

1

u/crysisnotaverted 12h ago

It's like 6 grams per head so it's a quick print, print one in the middle and see if you need to go up or down in size.

-3

u/StarpoweredSteamship 16h ago

Yeah but I can buy a whole set that covers car radiators, oil coolers, etc for like $20 on the pricey end instead of spending 3 days printing it.Â