Carbon mirror shell
Tesla Model Y

_________

Do you want to know the ins and outs of Model Sport's carbon-building operation? What does a composite material mean? A carbon part: what is its explanation?

Here we will see these fundamentals in three parts:
• the true meaning of what is called a carbon element
• The unique vision of the Model Sport brand in the manufacture of its carbon parts
• What you can find

You will be able to source a carbon component with confidence.

What is a composite material? A composite material is an alliance of two elements which cannot be associated with each other in a harmonious way, but together they give a material with improved mechanical features.

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

Carbon has really abundant variations and above all there are many ways to implement it.

The term "carbon" is not complete; since it is in truth "carbon fiber composite". This attribution is fairer.

3K twill carbon fabric in 200gr:

3K carbon in twill weave is undoubtedly the most common of its variety, let's start with this one. 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. There are still different ways to weave carbon, twill is very noted for its ability to match the shapes of molds with a strong curve.

That said, we will not detail the type of intersection in 3/1, 2/2 and 4/4. Important thing to understand regarding the designation "3K", this defines the number of filaments that make up a single frame, in this case: 3000.

1/20th the thickness of a hair: this is an order of magnitude that will make you aware of the diameter of a single strand of carbon.

So there are different designations, the most common are 1K, 3K, 6K, 12K. For Tesla vehicles, we particularly appreciate 3K. As for the weight stated when selling a carbon sheet, if it is indicated "200gr/m²", this announces the weight that 1m² of this sheet weighs before it is confused with a resin.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 there is.

Let's talk about forged carbon:

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

The "forged carbon" method is actually very simple and ingenious: the carbon fiber is cut into small pieces and then placed in the mould.

To this, the resin is applied for the whole is enclosed (the positive mold and the negative) then put under compression by increasing the temperature of the latter. The method used for the realization 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.

Although the general public has discovered this configuration of carbon since its application by Lamborghini, forged carbon has been used since 1980 in various fields such as the production of missile warheads.

A material worth explaining: Texalium

It is essential to make room for this material so taken for carbon. However, it is necessary to make the distinction of Texalium.

To roughly determine what Texalium is: we can assimilate it to glass fabric which is loaded with aluminum and then nuanced, either in the mass with resin, or with the finishing varnish with a color a choice.

Its mechanical arrangements are below the usual glass fabric (itself below the carbon fabric) and its application is purely for aesthetics. Note that the Texalium has been around for several years and is just managing to take its place in certain customizations in France, but that it is much more widespread and used in the United States.

Carbon: what is it?

For this part, we're just going to give you a glimpse of what you can make with carbon fiber.

We make quotes on request if you ever have a specific project in mind.

Is carbon resistant?

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

At equal volume, a carbon part will be stronger and much lighter than an aluminum alloy, for example. It is important to come back to the term “resistant”, because it means everything and nothing. Even if carbon is less durable to impacts, it has surprising qualities when twisting or bending.

It is one of the aspects of carbon that allows us to produce elements as thin as the inserts. For model 3 or Y, the dashboard cover insert is a very good representative over a length of 1m40 and a thickness not exceeding 0.5mm. While knowing that they are sent throughout France without complication.

Carbon fabric and its purchase price?

To assimilate its final price, you must first understand its production: The technique of shaping a carbon weft is already relatively complicated.

It takes a very heavy production process in terms of energy consumption to make carbon fiber: we start with a specific synthetic fiber, called polyacrylonitrile, which will have to be oxidized and then carbonized with a specific way to obtain carbon fiber.

In this era where more and more environmentally conscious industries are waging war on chemicals, it should be noted that more and more organizations are looking for solutions to continue making carbon fiber , respected for its lightness, all while having an eco-responsible production process.

It is increasingly recommended to eradicate chemical products and to reduce prices, sometimes even by two, to use biosourced materials. Then, the weaving of carbon fiber requires a substantial material.

Keep in mind that compared to a human hair, carbon fiber is 20 times thinner. 30 euros per square meter is the average value, at the time of writing, that you can find a 200gr/m² 3K twill carbon sheet. It is also necessary to consider the price of the resin used and the number of tablecloths to be laid. Then, the know-how of a laminator knowing how to install and put in good conditions the materials in question.

Tesla Model Sport carbon features

A part that we have the chance to master, because we scrupulously analyze all the stages of production. It takes knowledge of the actual shaping of an element to be able to ensure a satisfactory result.

It is for this argument that the creator of the Model Sport brand, designer and bodybuilder, makes every effort to deliver its know-how in the field of carbon components.

For Tesla, what to take between fabric or carbon shavings?

It goes without saying that the carbon fabric is expressly used for its aesthetic configuration rather than its mechanical abilities. We regularly talk about resistance to twisting and bending, however, on a Tesla, these capabilities will be forgotten.

Automotive sportiness is the main purpose of these carbon components. 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 determine the stiffness of carbon, the most common being HR (high resistance) because it is the most flexible and versatile. To design and manufacture in series the carbon elements of Model Sport, it is indeed the HR that will be discussed.

It differs from HM (High Modulus) which will certainly be lighter, but also much more brittle, so much so that it almost always has to be combined with HR. Forged carbon indicates this application primarily for appearance than for its properties, however, it has many different characteristics.

What is the best resin to use?

Here we enter a most eminent domain of this description: the resin. The mass production of certain carbon elements is generally produced with polyester resin.

It is inexpensive and resists high heat quite well. To give you an image, polyester is used for the production of carbon cartridges for motorcycles. Regarding the production of carbon parts subjected to potential loads, the Epoxy resin will provide the whole composite material with greater endurance.

Numerous tests have established that one resin stands out among many others: anti-UV epoxy resin. It does not tarnish over time and preserves the true appearance of carbon. Apart from its more translucent appearance, the anti-UV Epoxy resin will resist solar attacks.

The yellowing of the resin is a risk not to be taken lightly if you want to keep your vehicle for a multitude of years. You will not notice anything abnormal during the purchase for sure, it is after a multitude of summers that you will begin to observe an opaque and tarnished appearance of your carbon.

The behavior over time is a determining factor in determining the price of a resin, as is its quality of production and its field of application.

Although the price may vary depending on the manufacturers and retailers, it is interesting to make a comparison on French territory between these different resins:
• 8 to 10€ for the kilogram of Polyester resin
• 1kg of Epoxy resin = 50 to 60€
• 55 to 65€ for the kilogram of anti-UV Epoxy resin

What is the topcoat on a carbon part?

Varnish is the end point of a carbon part. In the past, no paint was applied to the carbon parts at all. The reason is that this ensured the longevity of the elements.

On the other hand, you had to succeed in the crafting on the first try. The nerve center of Tesla is to promote the reduction of pollution, so the high scrap rate of this production technique was ultimately a problem. Applying a premium topcoat seemed like a no-brainer.

It is for this reason that the high quality varnish has imposed itself in our production process to "standardize" the process. The glossy varnish is finely polished before shipping and the matt varnish applied delicately to have a uniform appearance over the entire piece.

Model S and X: their carbon preparation

Even though there are many customary points between the two models, there are still some notable differences depending on the production date.

In most cases, we therefore call the owner, after ordering, to find out more information about the vehicle.

Tesla Model S or X, personalizing its interior

A real carbon tuning is also possible for the Model S and X even if they are less numerous than the Model 3.

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 customization with leather or Alcantara trim, depending on your choice.

The latter will have a relatively precise focus, which many other accessories will be able to benefit from in the future.

Let's move on to the Model S and X bodywork

The performance spoiler for the Model S is the most sought after for the latter.

Always keen to make a difference, the matt Performance spoiler will benefit for the Model Sport version from a reworked bonding surface and a lighter internal structure.

Although the dissimilarities made on the parts mentioned are not visible once the spoiler is in place, it will have the benefit of effectively possessing the lightness provided by carbon.

We are also currently working on the Plaid version as of this writing. The grille or the mirror shells are also parts that will receive their carbon finish. Model Sport remains flexible and will respond to your request in case you want to achieve finishes other than 3K twill carbon.

Carbon elaborations on Model 3 and Y

The most modified electric vehicle of all time is undoubtedly the Tesla Model 3, which receives an incredible number of carbon-based modifications.

Share a lot of similarities with the Model Y, let's see what else you can find on them.

Model 3 and Y interior

Part of the Tesla community is undoubtedly familiar with carbon inserts for Model 3 or Y. It is an exercise in strength to be able to mass-produce carbon components that can cover a part while giving the impression that there is no addition.

This is where we find the surprising capacity of the inserts. The door, dashboard and other central console trims required a number of different tests to find the right method and the right mold to make these inserts of incomparable quality.

What defines the precision of an insert lies in the meticulousness of its cutting, as well as in the overall shape taking into account an ultra-thin double-sided in order to pose as close as possible to the elements.

For the most demanding owners, the replacement carbon elements also have a strong appreciation with the Tesla community.
The carbon dashboard and door trim are works of art that will give a totally different feel to the interior of your Tesla.

Model 3 and Y bodywork

As with the interior, the exterior elements of the Model 3 and Y have the right to an abundance of carbon parts produced in series or custom-made. Here too, in a 3K twill or forged version, you will have the choice between the matte or shiny finish.

As far as the Model 3 and Y are concerned, the performance spoiler in its matte version is quite busy. To be fixed directly on the trunk (or trunk for the Model Y), it has become a standard for Tesla personalization.

In addition, you can order larger upgrades like the real carbon bonnet swap. Not only will this allow for weight loss, but will give the car a unique style.