How do I place an order?

Please email your enquiry to vortex_vacforms@hotmail.com

How can I make a payment?

Currently, our preferred method of payment is PayPal.Please contact us for further details.

Do you have components available for purchase?

Unfortunately, due to space limitations, I have kept very few of my father's patterns. It is therefore highly unlikely I will have what you want, but I am happy to check.

Do you offer a pattern making service?

Unfortunately, I do not have the time that my father had to offer this service. Please see our advice page on how to make your own pattern. All patterns will be returned after mouldings are taken.

What happened to Steve?

My father decided to retire after nearly 40years of service to the hobby in October 2026. I have taken over the reins, but I am unable to offer the complete service that my father did so well for so long.

Enhance your model aircraft

With quality vacuum formed R/C aircraft components

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Contact Us

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Who We Are

At Vortex Vacforms UK, we provide a bespoke vacuum forming service for radio control model aircraft enthusiasts. We specialise in producing high-quality canopies and components that help finish your models to the standard they deserve.

Following my father's retirement after more than 40 years of dedicated service to the modelling community, I proudly took over the business to continue supporting fellow enthusiasts. As a modeller myself, I understand the importance of quality parts and reliable availability. In fact, I couldn't imagine being part of this hobby without access to clear, accurately formed canopies for my own projects.

Our commitment remains the same as it has always been: delivering high-quality vacuum-formed products and excellent service to modellers throughout the UK.

How we can help

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Pattern Making Advice

Although we no longer offer a pattern-making service, we can advise on the best methods for prototyping patterns to help you achieve the best results.

As we no longer have the facilities to store patterns, all patterns will be returned to you upon completion.

UK only service

Due to various factors, we are currently only able to offer shipping within the UK.

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Versatile Material Options

Through many years of experience, we have found that 1mm PETG is the best material for producing clear canopies. It offers excellent optical clarity, while its UV-resistant properties help prevent yellowing over time.

We also stock white HIPS, which is ideal for use in a variety of other components.

Machine Limitations

Due to the capacity limits of our vacuum-forming equipment, the maximum overall dimensions are:

L420 × W270 × H120 mm.

*For projects exceeding our machine capacity, we have a contact with access to a vacuum forming machine featuring a 600 × 600 mm forming bed and can provide an introduction if required.

Pricing

Although we operate only one vacuum-forming machine, we have developed a method of reducing material wastage for smaller components. This can help lower the overall cost to you, the customer. As every project is different, any savings will be assessed and calculated on a case-by-case basis.

Material costs can vary considerably between orders, but we always strive to keep our pricing as competitive as possible without compromising on quality.

Shipping patterns backwards and forwards can become expensive, particularly if they are heavy. To help reduce costs, we are happy to offer customers the option of visiting our workshop by prior arrangement and having their mouldings produced while they wait.

If postage is required, shipping costs will also be calculated on a case-by-case basis.