Carbon steering wheel trim
Tesla Model 3 - Y

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Do you want to know the ins and outs of Model Sport's carbon production operation? The role of a composite material in the automotive industry? A carbon part: what is its explanation?

Here we will see these main points in three parts:
• Go back to the beginnings of the creation of carbon
• What makes Model Sport an experienced brand to work in the field
• The range of carbon tuning elements for your Tesla

When you complete this page, no detail will escape you.

What is a composite material like?

To put it simply, you just have to understand that what is called composite material describes two materials that have merged with each other, without ever becoming homogeneous.

This combination will give you a single element that will benefit from greater mechanical provisions than if the components are used alone.

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

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

What the accustomed mortals call "carbon" is actually determined by "a composite of carbon fiber", you should know that in the field of lamination, it is this term that is used.

200 gram 3K twill carbon fabric:

The 3K carbon twill, one of the most widespread in the automotive field and many other uses are devoted to it, let's see what is special about it. Each way of weaving carbon has a specific name, that of twill is one of them.

Consider what twill weave is in the image just above. Twill is the most widely used of weavings and for good reason, one of them is its maneuverability allowing it to adapt appreciably in a mold with pronounced shapes and curvatures.

To get used to them, we won't go into more detail about the 3/1, 2/2, 4/4 interlacing type to simplify this explanation as much as possible.

The 3K sign evokes 3000 strands of carbon for a weft. Please note an image that will give you an idea of ​​the thickness of a strand of carbon: it describes about 1/20th of that of a human hair. 1K, 3K, 6K and 12K are the most used categories in the automotive, motorcycle, aviation or other types of carbon used in large industries.

3K is the most popular in the Tesla world. As for the weight stated when selling a carbon sheet, if it is mentioned "200gr/m²", this explains the weight that 1m² of this sheet weighs before it is confused with a resin. Remember: 3K twill weighing 200 grams per square meter is widely used in the Tesla community. Not for its mechanical provisions; but rather for its aesthetic aspect.

Let's talk about forged carbon:

A name that may seem abusive for an appearance that is very different from the standards, however, this molding technique is nothing new. To roughly explain how it is produced: you have to cut each carbon frame into small pieces and then spread them evenly over the entire mold.

We now have to put the resin and tighten the positive and negative master of the mold until they are under compression. The temperature of the mold is also increased during this phase. Why use this production method? Quite simply to allow more carbon to be compacted for less resin.

All the excess resin is ejected during the pressurization phase. So you get a stiffer and lighter part. Lamborghini is the pioneer in the use of forged carbon in the automotive field. However, it should be noted that forged carbon has been used in the production of warheads since the 1980s.

A material worth explaining: Texalium

Often confused with carbon, Texalium is a material in its own right that deserves its place in this definition. It is actually a glass fabric loaded with aluminum and then tinted to the desired color to give it a different configuration.

You should know, however, that its mechanical properties are less than those of a usual glass fabric. And its application is purely aesthetic.

Be aware that 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.

How to physically recognize carbon?

For this part, we're just going to give you a glimpse of what you can make with carbon fiber. We develop quotes on request if you ever have a specific project in mind.

Is carbon resistant?

It is legitimate to wonder if the resistance of the material is up to the task, but compared to what? It is very interesting to wonder if the famous carbon is more resistant than another material?

At equal volume, a carbon part will be more durable and much lighter than an aluminum alloy, for example. However, this term “resistant” sums up a fact that is not to be spread. Aluminum is more malleable than carbon, but it can also be more impact efficient. This is one of the aspects of carbon that allows us to produce elements as thin as the inserts.

Take the example of the dashboard cover insert, which is ultra-thin, but this part of more than 1.40 meters can be produced in just two layers of carbon fabric, with a thickness not exceeding not 0.5 mm and sent throughout France without complication.

The reason for the cost of purchasing the carbon fabric?

To understand its final price, you must first understand its production: A single carbon fiber already requires a fairly remarkable amount of method. It takes a very heavy production operation in terms of energy consumption to make the carbon fiber: we start from a particular synthetic fiber, called poly acrylonitrile, which will have to be put under oxidation and then carbonized in a specific way. to get the carbon fiber.

In this era where more and more environmentally responsible industries are waging war on chemicals, we must take note of the fact that more and more organizations are looking for solutions to continue making carbon fiber , respected for its lightness, while having an eco-responsible manufacturing process.

There is an exponential growth in demand for the application of bio-based materials to remove the vast majority of chemicals and also cut the price in half. The material required to weave 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, that's what you have to remember. In terms of price, to give you an order of magnitude, the square meter of 3K twill carbon fabric in 200gr/m² is worth around €30. It is also necessary to consider the price of the resin used and the number of tablecloths to be laid. Finally, the intervention of a competent laminator is essential. This in order to carry out the operations in good conditions.

The carbon components of Tesla Model Sport

A part that we are lucky to master, because we scrupulously analyze all the stages of production. One of the foundations that will assure you of successful results in any area is “who are you listening to?” "Listen only to people who have the results you want to have."

You must therefore turn to the creator of the company Model Sport, designer and body builder, to find the know-how necessary for the development of carbon components for your Tesla.

Fabric or pieces of carbon for Tesla?

The carbon fabric used is deliberately focused on its aesthetic appearance before its mechanical provisions. We regularly talk about twisting and bending endurance, however, on a Tesla, these abilities will be forgotten. These are elements aimed at reflecting the sportiness of the American brand.

For the entire Tesla range, the constraints generated on the components, even a body kit, will be largely absorbed, even on a so-called "low-end" carbon. 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.

For all the carbon parts of your Tesla, Model Sport is also based on this type of carbon which is very widespread and so practical on a multitude of points.
Very often, the HR is however combined with the HM, for "High Modulus", which will be much lighter, but much more brittle. It is for this argument that it is combined. The parallel we can draw is forged carbon, which has superior mechanical function, but is used for its different aesthetics.

Does the resin used play a role in the quality of the finished part?

Here we enter the most interesting area of ​​this description: resin. 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. It is this resin that is used for the production of exhaust cartridges for motorcycles, for example. Regarding the development of carbon parts subject to potential loads, the Epoxy resin will provide the entire composite material with greater resistance.

The anti-UV resin is still a step above: no yellowing in the long term. It is for this argument that we use this product type. 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 a specificity that will be felt a multitude of years after installation, but if the anti-UV treatment is not present, beware of yellowing of the parts. It will be perfect during installation, but beware of periods of heat wave, otherwise, you will notice in a few years a yellowish and opaque appearance.

It should also be understood that the price of the resin used will be directly related to its application, its quality and its resistance over time. To give you an order of magnitude, here are approximately the prices you can find on the French market:
• The kilo of Polyester resin is worth between 8 and 10€
• The kilo of Epoxy resin is worth between 50 and €60
• 1kg of anti-UV Epoxy resin = €55 to €65

The final varnish applied to the carbon parts

This is of course the final phase of a customization project. In a concern for ultimate quality, we had produced at the very beginning parts without finishing varnish, which required an uncompromising quality of realization from the first try.

The ambition of the Tesla brand being to reduce pollution and waste, it was a counter-productive idea to get so much waste. We then considered a solution to "standardize" the finishing operations: the use of a superior quality varnish.

The application of the matte varnish is carried out with care, as well as the polishing of the parts with a glossy finish to guarantee a perfect appearance.

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 for this reason that you will be asked for information about the year and month of production of your Tesla before shipment.

Model S and X interior

Tesla component development is much more popular on the Model 3, however your Model S and X can also receive interior upgrades.

Inserts such as for the dashboard, the central console or even 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. The latter will have a relatively precise focus, which many other accessories will be able to benefit from in the future.

Model S and X bodywork

The electric saloon, so recognized in the industry, first receives the Performance spoiler.As with all Model Sport spoilers, the internal structure as well as the entire bonding surface are ground in advance.

Although the dissimilarities made on the parts mentioned cannot be seen once the spoiler is in place, it will certainly have the advantage of possessing the lightness provided by carbon. We are also working on the Plaid version as of this writing. The carbon finish is so versatile and in demand as elements such as the mirrors or even the grille.

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.

The Model 3 and Y: perfect bases for carbon manufacturing

The advent of carbon in the Tesla world has certainly appeared since the launch of the Model 3.

Let's take a look at the similarities with the Model Y, which shares a lot of carbon accessories.

Model 3 and Y interior

Carbon inserts are almost standard equipment for the Tesla community. Producing such a thin element in large quantities while maintaining a similar quality is a technical feat. Each insert must be able to be installed without giving an "addition" effect.

It is on this assumption that the quality of an insert must be judged. 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.

Replacement elements such as the carbon dashboard combined with the door trim will give your vehicle a real finish in the chosen material. For the most demanding of you who like beautiful parts with meticulous manual work, the carbon dashboard and door trim will satisfy you.

The body parts of a Model Y or 3

The bodywork of the Model Y or 3 is not to be outdone with a good number of possible carbon-based tune-ups.

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. In addition, you can order more main developments such as the swapping of the real carbon bonnet. Not only will this allow for weight loss, but will give the car an unusual style.