You can download the 3D printable Canopy tools to make your own Vacuum formed canopies.
I chose to stop making and selling canopies due to the busyness of life, as it was getting a bit too much, and I was struggling to deliver to people in good time. I did approach model canopy vac forming companies in the UK, but they weren’t interested due to lack of space for storing over 50 tools.
I will honour existing orders. Some canopies are currently available from Sarik Hobbies.
To make a ‘Jetworks method’ Vacuum Canopy tool
- Print the 3D print tool using a 5 layer wall.
- If it is in two parts, sand the mating surfaces and glue together using CA gel. Clamp together and hold with masking tape.
- cut a hole in the base of the tool/s. up to 1mm away from the edge.
- Make a cradle to support the tool upside down, positioned with the base horizontal.
- Mix up Plaster of Paris, and pour into the 3D printed shell.
- use a stirrer to ensure that the plaster of Paris goes into all the crevices to avoid air holes – (which will cause the 3D print to collapse in a vac former)
- Tap the tool, so that the air bubbles will rise to the surface.
- While it is setting, scrape a steel edge across it to remove excess and leave a flat base.
- Let is set 24hrs
- If you are making a two part tool, and if there is a gap between the two. use Car body filler to fill the gap.
- Hand sand the vacuum form tool, starting with 80 grit, working to 400 grit. ensure that you get into the edges. Ensure that there are no ridge layers left by the filament.
- Use wet and dry paper, with water to work the plastic until you get down to 800 grit.
- Buff and polish the tool using damp kitchen roll to bring up a polish.
