Carbon Performance spoiler
Tesla Model Y

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Model Sport, the company that promotes a logic of manufacturing carbon parts, but which one? What does a composite material mean? A carbon part: what is its interpretation?

Here we will see these fundamentals in three parts:
• Go back to the beginnings of the creation of carbon
• The unique qualities of the carbon used at Model Sport
• The reference carbon components for your flagship Tesla

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

Composite material: what does it mean?

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

What to choose between the different types of carbon or Texalium for your electric sound?

What we can say is that many carbon or Texalium parts exist and that there are many ways to present it in your vehicle.

The term "carbon" is not complete; since it is really "carbon fiber composite", it is important to know in the world of lamination this is the name that is used.

200 gram 3K twill carbon membrane:

Let's start with the most familiar of carbon fiber composites, 3K carbon in twill mesh. Twill is a name that designates the internal structure of the intermeshes of the carbon wefts.

Appreciate what the twill weave is in the image just above. There are many ways to weave carbon, twill is very popular for its ability to adapt to the shapes of molds with a strong curve.

To simplify as much as possible, we will not detail the type of interlacing in 3/1, 2/2 and 4/4. The abbreviation "3K" evokes that 3000 carbon filaments are part of a single frame. Please note an illustration that will give you an idea of ​​the thickness of a carbon filament: it describes about 1/20th of that of a human hair.

1K, 3K, 6K and 12K are the most used varieties in the automotive, motorcycle, aviation or other types of carbon used in large industries. The 3K is the most popular in the Tesla world.

200gr/m² means that the carbon fabric, before its combination with the resin, weighs 200 grams for a sheet of 1 meter x 1 meter. The combination of carbon characteristics that you come across the most is the twill weave in 3K and 200gr/m², not for its mechanical properties, but more for its aesthetics and its widespread use in many industries, which makes it inexpensive .

Forged Carbon:

We may think that this name of "forged carbon" is commercial or overused, however, its production operation requires equipment and implementation techniques that are already a few years old and above all, which really make it more efficient.

To give you a simplistic characterization, so-called "forged carbon" refers to a unique production process: carbon fiber is cut into small pieces and then dispersed evenly in a mold.

Once the resin has been added, the mold is compressed (with a positive and negative master) and then heated to high temperature. This production process makes it possible to increase the density of carbon fiber per square centimeter compared to resin and thus gives a stiffer and lighter part.

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

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.

It is actually a glass fabric loaded with aluminum and then tinted to the desired color to give it a different look. The aesthetics are fully favored to the detriment of its performance, because it is below the glass fabric in terms of mechanical performance.

Be aware that Texalium is a material that has existed for years, but is little used in France. It is also much more widespread and on the Atlantic side.

Carbon: what does it look like?

We are going to provide you with some insights into using carbon fiber. We make quotes on request if you ever have a specific project in mind.

Is carbon resistant?

Regularly questioned, this is a request that deserves a little more in-depth development. It is the relationship with other materials that must first be established.

As a guide, 1 kg of carbon is stronger than 1 kg of aluminum alloy. It is important to come back to the term “resistant”, because it means everything and nothing. Because an aluminum part will perhaps behave better during impact, which will depend on the weaving used for the carbon in comparison.

Carbon inserts are possible for the simple and unique reason of their tolerance to torsion and bending. The Model 3 or Y dashboard insert is a good representative of this.

However, it should be noted that this object of more than 1.40 m can be produced using only 2 layers of carbon. It can then be sent without worry to France or other border countries.

The reason for the cost of purchasing the carbon fabric?

What is important to explain in order to understand the price of carbon, we must go back to the operation of carrying it out. The technique of shaping a carbon weft is already complicated enough.

The method that prevours 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. The awareness of more and more industries of carbon fiber production gives rise to certain projects, entirely directed with the aim of developing it using the least possible chemical products.

The use of bio-sourced materials is gradually emerging to eliminate chemicals on the one hand and halve the price on the other.

Then, weaving carbon fiber requires a lot of material. Remember that a fiber is 1/20 the thickness of a human hair. 30 euros per square meter is the average price, at the time of writing, that you can find a 200gr/m² 3K twill carbon sheet.

You must also consider the price of the resin used and the number of tablecloths to be laid. Finally, the support of a qualified laminator is necessary. This in order to carry out the operations in good conditions.

The carbon of Model Sport and its unique layouts

A part that we have the chance to master, because we scrupulously analyze all the stages of development.

In the field of the production of carbon parts, the creator of the company Model Sport, François SPITALS, implements all his knowledge in the field of design and creation of automobile bodywork to provide the best in terms of finishing.

A carbon cloth or a slatted version?

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

These components quite simply mark the increased sportiness of any vehicle from the American firm. The constraints will be largely cashed on the Model S, 3, X or Y equipped with a body kit, even if it uses low-end carbon (be aware that it is difficult to develop so-called "poor" carbon). quality ").

However, there are several varieties that will make it possible to characterize the rigidity of carbon, the most common being HR (high resistance) because it is the most flexible and versatile. It is specifically this type of carbon, HR, which is used by Model Sport for the development of all its parts. It differs from HM (High Modulus) which will certainly be lighter, but also much more brittle, so much so that it must almost always be associated with HR.

The parallel we can draw is forged carbon, which has a superior mechanical function, but is used for its different aesthetics.

Which resin for carbon fiber?

This is THE biggest difference that Model Sport carbon parts can boast of making, an epoxy resin making the difference. For any piece that is intended for the general public and that requires mass production, polyester will be prioritized with the use of fiberglass.

You should know that for carbon parts that will be very exposed to heat, polyester will also be used for its high resistance to high temperatures. To give you an image, polyester is used for the manufacture of motorcycle carbon cartridges. Epoxy resin will significantly increase the endurance of parts subjected to residual loads.

We consciously use, after many tests, Epoxy resin, and not just any resin: it has an anti-UV treatment that will prevent it from tarnishing or yellowing over time. In addition to having a more transparent general appearance, the anti-UV Epoxy resin will not be affected by the effects of the sun.

This is the strongest point of this type of resin: the parts will not yellow in a few years. Not mentioning this point is a lack of knowledge: if the treatment is not present, beware of too hot summers which will give the carbon parts a duller appearance.

Several parameters are taken into account when buying a resin, this is what will partly determine its initial price: its ease of application, its hold over the long term and its quality of realization .

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

What does the topcoat match on a carbon part?

It must be said that it is the operation that closes the project. Initially, we produced carbon parts without using paint to guarantee long life, however this singularity forced us to develop perfect parts the first time, with no possibility of catching up.

Which leads to a very high and counterproductive scrap rate taking into account that the spirit of the Tesla brand is to mitigate pollution, so this waste was nonsense.

We then considered a solution to "standardize" the finishing work: the use of a superior quality varnish. Once the gloss varnish has been applied, it will be carefully buffed to give it a polished surface. The mat, which does not benefit from any possible recovery thanks to polishing, is carried out by a professional painter in one go.

The carbon fabric on the Tesla Model S and X

Even though there are many commonalities between the two models, there are still some notable differences based on production date.

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

Model S and X interior

Real carbon customization is also possible for Models S and X even if they are less numerous than Model 3.

The dashboard, the cup holder area or even the center console can receive a trim that differentiates it from the original.

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 all the characteristics that the latter will have to possess.

Model S and X: bodywork components

The electric sedan par excellence first receives the Performance spoiler. To guarantee an uncompromising result, the Model Sport version of the Performance spoiler will have a different bonding surface and internal structure.

Lighter, but also more adapted to the curvature of the trunk. This difference will not be seen once the Spoiler is installed. The Plaid version is also in development at the time of writing this paragraph.

Carbon adapts to all supports. Although it is very often used in the particular field of the automobile only for its appearance, it will find its place on elements such as the grille or the hulls of mirrors, with a slight loss of weight in passing.

Generally in a glossy or matte finish, carbon will be in most cases 3K twill, however if you want a creation based on Texalium or forged carbon, send us a request directly by phone or email , so we can provide you with a personalized quote for your Model S or X.

On the Tesla Model 3 or Y, what type of carbon elaboration?

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

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

Model 3 and Y: their interiors and accessories

We can't talk about Model 3 and Y without mentioning the carbon inserts, which have become part of the Tesla culture. The feat of the inserts and of succeeding in mass production of an element that must scrupulously respect a given thickness in order to avoid the "addition" effect.

This is where we find the exceptional layout of the inserts. It is after many trials, errors and corrections that we have succeeded in producing inserts that meet your expectations. The keys to a quality insert lie in precise cutting and precision gluing.

But you can just as easily opt for a real carbon replacement element, which will be positioned directly in place of the changed part. The carbon replacement components will give an entirely different dimension to the interior of your Tesla, for meticulous people, you will obtain a finish that meets your expectations.

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. You can totally makeover your Tesla using 3K twill or forged carbon. This concerns the matte or glossy finish.

The most requested carbon part is undoubtedly the Spoiler Performance in its matt version. An element that has become a standard over time, the Spoiler will stick to the edge of the trunk to give your Tesla its sporty side.

In addition, you can order more major upgrades such as changing the bonnet to real carbon. Not only will this allow for weight loss, but will give the car a standout style.