Carbon interior mirror insert
Tesla Model 3 - Y

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What is the strength of Model Sport's carbon? What does a composite material mean? A carbon part: what is its interpretation?

Let's develop these ideas around three main axes:
• Return to the premises of the creation of carbon
• Model Sport, the brand with an exclusive sense of detail
• The most popular products in the field

You will be able to get a carbon element with confidence.

Determination of a composite material:

This type of realization is a good way to obtain an object with high mechanical properties while using two components that cannot be linked together, but which can be associated.

Carbon or Texalium, what can you find for your electric?

Truth be told, there's a wide catalog of carbon genres and lots of ways to work with them.

The term "carbon" is not complete; since it is in truth "carbon fiber composite". This denomination is more accurate.

3K twill carbon fabric in 200gr:

Let's start with the most familiar of carbon fiber composites, 3K carbon in twill mesh. In other words, what is called "twill" is a name given to a certain way of weaving carbon.

The figure above is just there to give you an example of this. One of the reasons for the extensive use of twill is undoubtedly its workability: it is able to take the shape of almost any architecture.

To simplify as much as possible, we will not detail the type of interlacing in 3/1, 2/2 and 4/4. The 3K sign evokes 3000 strands of carbon for a weft. Information that will give you a more or less precise image of what the diameter of a strand of carbon suggests: 1/20th the thickness of a human hair, so be aware of the importance of adding these. There are therefore different designations, the most common are 1K, 3K, 6K, 12K.

For Tesla vehicles, specifically conceded 3K. The term “200 gr/m²” suggests that 1 m² of carbon sheet, before treatments, weighs 200 grams. We can say that the most familiar of all carbon suits for your Tesla is twill in 3K and 200gr/m². It is the most widespread of all and therefore the cheapest that there is.

Forged carbon:

The name forged is reminiscent of other denominations, but you should know that forged carbon is not unusual and that it owes its name to a unique molding technique.

To explain to you roughly how it is produced: you have to cut each carbon frame into small pieces and then spread them evenly over the entire mold.

Then, the positive and negative molds are put under specific temperature and compression conditions once the resin is added. The process used for the production of forged carbon thus gives a big advantage on rigidity and lightness, because the density of carbon obtained per square centimeter compared to the resin is higher.

Lamborghini is the pioneer in the automotive world to have used the latter. Note all the same that its appearance and use has been present since the 80s concerning the production of missile heads.

Texalium, the unknown:

Texalium is an entirely different material, generally mistaken for carbon by amateurs. To roughly define what Texalium is: we can assimilate it to glass fabric which is loaded with aluminum and then dyed, either in the mass with resin, or with the finishing varnish with a color of your choice.

Its mechanical properties are below the usual glass fabric (itself below the carbon fabric) and its use is purely for aesthetics. Much better known in the United States, he is just beginning to make himself known in France.

Learn to distinguish real carbon

For this part, we will briefly give you examples of what is possible to manufacture with carbon fiber.

Note that if you are interested in one of these versions, Model Sport remains open to customization and can therefore provide you with a quote.

Can carbon be subjected to high loads?

This question deserves a proper answer once and for all. It is very eminent to ask whether the famous carbon is more resistant than another material?

To give you an idea: an aluminum alloy that has a physical volume equal to a carbon part will be less resistant than the latter, all stresses combined.

However, this term "resistant" sums up a fact that is not to be spread. Indeed, a carbon part is very resistant to bending and torsion. But less solid during an impact. It is for this reason that we find such fine parts for the Tesla brand. The Model 3 or Y dashboard insert is a good example.

However, it should be noted that this part of more than 1.40 m can be produced using only 2 layers of carbon. It can then be sent throughout France without complication.

How to explain the price of carbon?

What is interesting to explain in order to understand the price of carbon, it is necessary to go back to the operation of elaboration of it. Let's already see how the development of a single carbon frame takes place.

The method that prevails over the others is composed in this way: a specific synthetic fiber, a polyacrylonitrile, will be oxidized and then calcined to finally deliver what is called carbon fiber. It takes a lot of energy to achieve such a chemical mutation.

Be aware that this race for ecology gives rise to many projects to continue to use carbon fiber for its lightness, while guaranteeing chemical-free production. The application of bio-sourced materials is in tune with the times and even more and more essential to meet certain environmental criteria put in place.

The goal: the elimination of chemicals, but also a division of the price. The essential material for weaving the carbon fibers is also more than substantial, in terms of investment and space. A carbon fiber is 20 times smaller than a human hair, this is what we need to raise awareness.

In terms of price, to give you an order of magnitude, the square meter of 200gr/m² twill 3K carbon fabric is worth around €30. Added to this are the number of layers and the price of the resin, which is not comparable in quality and price. Finally, a competent laminator must be used to lay the product. Moreover, the operation must be carried out under special conditions.

The carbon components of Tesla Model Sport

Mastering the stages of production is important to know the finished product, which is why we are discussing this subject.

You have to turn to François SPITALS, the creator of the Model Sport brand, to find the necessary experience for the development of carbon parts.

A Tesla dressed in carbon fabric or its laminated version?

The carbon fabric used is deliberately focused on its aesthetic configuration before its mechanical provisions. No stress, most of the time, will be subject to the components installed on your Tesla. These are elements intended to reflect the sportiness of the American brand.

Any type of carbon, even one that will be categorized as low-end, will be able to withstand the constraints imposed on it. However, there are many varieties that will define the rigidity of carbon, the most common being HR (high resistance) because it is the most flexible and versatile.

It is exclusively this type of carbon, HR, which is used by Model Sport for the production of all its parts. There is also HM carbon, which is literally referred to as “High Modulus”. It is intended for fabrications that require extreme lightness, without any force being involved.

And if a constraint must be applied to it, it will be systematically combined with the HR. The reference that we can provide concerns forged carbon: it is regularly used for its appearance, however its primary purpose is unconventional resistance.

Choosing the right resin with the right carbon

Right now, let's develop the centerpiece of carbon components: the resin.

Mass production of some carbon parts is usually produced with polyester resin. It is inexpensive and withstands high heat fairly well. To give you an illustration, polyester is used for the production of carbon motorcycle cartridges.

The elements subjected to loads or forces are in priority used with Epoxy, because it brings a greater resistance of the composite material. We deliberately use, after many tests, Epoxy resin, and not just any resin: it has an anti-UV treatment that will allow it not to tarnish or yellow over time.

The sun's rays will therefore have little or no effect on your interior or bodywork elements and the general appearance will be more translucent.
This is a specificity that will only be felt several years after installation, but if the anti-UV treatment is not present, beware of yellowing of the parts.

In order to know the price of the resin, we must consider three aspects: the application, the quality as well as the ability to keep its appearance and its composition over time.

To give you an order of magnitude, here are approximately the prices you can find on the French market:
• 8 to 10€ for the kilogram of Polyester resin
• 1kg of Epoxy resin = 50 to 60 €
• The kilo of anti-UV Epoxy resin is worth between 55 to 65€

What is the finish coat on a carbon part?

The finishing varnish is the last essential touch in the production of carbon parts.

Initially, we produced carbon parts without using paint to guarantee long life, however this singularity forced us to manufacture perfect parts the first time, with no possibility of catching up. This construction process gives an unacceptable scrap rate given the image that the Tesla brand wants to convey: reducing pollution and carbon waste.

To remedy this, we always use high quality varnishes in order to "standardize" the finish of the carbon fiber components. The glossy varnish is finely polished before dispatch and the matte varnish applied delicately to have a uniform appearance over the entire piece.

What kind of carbon fabric do we find on the Tesla Model S and X

There are many differences between the interiors of the Model S and X. However, it is true that many elements are practically identical.

It is with this in mind that it is essential for us to call you, after ordering, to find out the year and month of manufacture of your vehicle.

Model S and X interior

Although less widespread than our valiant Model 3, the Model S and X also have the right to some evolutions and real carbon components.

Inserts such as for the dashboard, the central console or the part of the cup holder. The predominant point, the steering wheel, can also benefit from a fine-tuning with leather or Alcantara trim, depending on your choice.

You thus have total control, during your order, on any characteristic of the latter.

Model S and X: body parts

As for the Model S, the first element sought is the Performance-type Spoiler. Always keen to make a difference, the matt Performance spoiler will benefit the Model Sport version from a rectified bonding surface and a lighter internal structure.

Once the spoiler is in place, no difference is visible. At this very moment, the latest version of the Plaid spoilers is also being designed to also receive a series production.

Smaller elements such as the mirror caps or the grille can benefit from their full carbon finishes. If you ever want a personalized creation based on Texalium or forged carbon, you can contact us by phone or email to find out more about your project on your Model S or X.

Carbon manufacturing on Model 3 and Y

The Model 3 marked the advent of carbon in the Tesla world: it is the most modified electric vehicle today.

Tesla's two best-selling nuclear cars share a lot of similarities.

Model 3 and Y interior

We can't talk about Model 3 and Y without talking about carbon inserts, which have become part of the Tesla culture. Producing such a thin element in large quantities while maintaining a similar quality is a technological feat.

Each insert must be able to be applied without giving an "addition" effect. It is on this assumption that the quality of an insert must be judged. The door, dashboard and other central console trims required a good number of different tests in order to find the right technique and the right mold to develop these inserts of incomparable quality.

An adjusted cut and gluing as close as possible to the elements with a perfect finish, this is the recipe for a successful carbon insert for Model 3 or Y. For the most demanding owners, the replacement carbon elements also have a strong appreciation with the Tesla community. The fine production of these carbon components will give you real carbon works of art in your vehicle.

Model 3 and Y bodywork

Here too, with regard to the Model 3 and Y, the body modifications with carbon elements are certainly well provided. In a gloss or matte finish, with 3K twill or forged carbon, you can transform your entire Tesla.

The most requested carbon part is undoubtedly the Performance spoiler in its matt version. This will take up its final position on the edge of the trunk and will extend the lines of your Tesla.

You can also choose more daring developments such as the real carbon front cover, an absolutely magnificent piece that will really save you weight, while keeping its use fully functional.