Race
carbon steering wheel Tesla Model 3 - Y

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Want to know what makes Model Sport carbon special? What is a composite material? The usefulness of a carbon part in the different industries?

Three points are mandatory to explain the product:
• the true meaning of what is called a carbon element
• The contrasting vision of the Model Sport brand in the production of its carbon parts • The most popular products in the field

At the end of this article, you will be able to get a real carbon element knowingly.

What is a composite material

By designation, what is called composite material represents the assembly of two components together, which does not mix, but which produces an object more resistant to shocks/impact/torsion/flexions than if they are used independently l each other.

Typically you can use reinforced concrete as an example.

What are the types of carbon or Texalium for your Tesla?

Truth be told, there's a lot of carbon and a lot of ways to work with it.

This is the true term "carbon fiber composite" that should be used, although in most cases it is referred to as "the carbon", it should be realized that in the field stratification, it is this term that is used.

200 gram 3K twill carbon fabric:

3K carbon in twill weave is undoubtedly the most common of its variety, let's start with this one. Each way of weaving carbon has a specific name, that of twill is one of them.

To give you an idea, the figure just above illustrates how each carbon weft and weave, with each other. There are still different methods for weaving carbon, twill is very popular for its ability to adapt to the shapes of molds with a strong curve. That said, we will not detail the type of interlacing in 3/1, 2/2 and 4/4.

The 3K sign evokes 3000 carbon filaments for a weft. 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. To use the most well-known names and varieties on the market, there is 1K, 3K, 6K or 12K.

For Tesla vehicles, 3K is particularly considered. 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. For the Tesla community, the 3K twill in 200gr/m² is the most appreciated for its aesthetic configuration considered much better than its comrades, but in no way for its mechanical resistance properties.

Let's talk about forged carbon:

Note that this is a molding process that is in no way new, but that this qualification has a name that suits it.

The "forged carbon" method is actually very simple and ingenious: the carbon fiber is cut into small pieces and then placed in the mould. It is now necessary to put the resin and tighten the positive and negative master of the mold until they are under compression.

The mold temperature is also increased during this phase. The process used for the production of forged carbon thus gives a big benefit 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.

Now let's highlight the most unusual of all, which is Texalium

Texalium is a completely different material, generally mistaken for carbon by amateurs. It is in order to acquire the desired appearance that this material is in truth fiberglass loaded with aluminum, the resin or the varnish will then be nuanced to give it a specific color.

Aesthetics is fully favored to the detriment of its effectiveness, because it is below the glass fabric in terms of mechanical performance. We have to wait longer for other countries to see a novelty arrive here, Texalium is no exception to the rule, because it has been used in the United States for a few years, while it is only just being evaluated in France.

What does carbon look like visually?

We are going to present you various pieces made from this famous fiber. Question customization, know that Model Sport is at your service.

Just contact her to get a quote.

How tough is carbon?

Constantly questioned, this is a request that deserves a little more in-depth development. In reality, it is more accurate to wonder about the possible comparisons with other materials.

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 should not be generalized.

Because an aluminum part will perhaps behave better during impact, which will depend on the weaving used for the carbon in comparison. It is for this reason that for Tesla automobiles it is so common to produce ultra-thin carbon inserts that stick to existing parts without the inconvenience of breakage.

The Model 3 or Y dashboard insert is a good example. Only two layers of carbon fabric are used to make a 1.40m long piece, which will be sent without worry to France or other border countries.

The reason for the cost of buying the carbon cloth?

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

The most used is from a synthetic fiber, polyacrylonitrile, which will be oxidized and carbonized to give us the famous carbon fiber. It is a totally chemical and very energy-intensive transformation. As you can imagine, the production of carbon fiber involves a number of chemicals that are not really good for the environment.

It is for this reason that many institutions are creating projects to continue the production of carbon fiber in the future, while drastically reducing the use of non-natural products. The use 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 carbon production operation also requires expensive and bulky specialized equipment, not to mention its weaving. Remember that a fiber is 1/20 the thickness of a human hair.

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. Do not forget that we must add to this the cost of the resin, which we will see can have totally variable prices depending on its quality, and also that very often, if not all the time, a carbon part is produced. in a multitude of sheets. Finally, a qualified laminator must be used to install the product. Moreover, the operation must be carried out under specific conditions.

The carbon dissimilarities of Tesla Model Sport

We follow and accompany all the stages of development of our carbon components, so let's move on to the most important part.

In the field of the manufacture 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.

Fabric or carbon chips for Tesla?

The surprising mechanical properties of carbon are deliberately forgotten for its visual appearance in the world of cosmetic modifications to our vehicles. To name just a few benefits of carbon: its endurance to torsion, bending and its lightness.

However, these features are often overlooked in the Tesla world. Automotive sportiness is the main purpose of these carbon components. It should be understood that even in the case of body kit for Model S, 3, X or Y or any other automobile aiming to run on the circuit, the opposites generated on the latter will be supported by the lowest carbon range (so that there are some determined as low-end).

However, there are different 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.

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 several points. 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. Likewise for forged carbon, it will be used to prioritize the final appearance.

What is the best resin to use?

Here we enter the most interesting area of ​​this description: resin. The polyester type resin is usually used for mass lamination on fiberglass parts. This is also prioritized on carbon parts which require high heat resistance.

To give you an illustration, polyester is used for the production of motorcycle carbon cartridges. Epoxy resin will significantly increase the strength of parts subjected to residual loads. We voluntarily use, after numerous 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. 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 particularity that will be felt for a multitude of years after installation, but if the anti-UV treatment is not present, beware of yellowing of the parts. The appearance can be perfect when installing the piece, but be careful as soon as summer arrives in force, it will gradually tarnish and become opaque.

As a result, three parameters enter into the calculation of the price of the resin: its application, its quality and its longevity. Although the price may vary depending on the manufacturers and retailers, it is interesting to make a comparison on French territory between these multiple resins:
• The kilo of Polyester resin is worth between 8 and 10€
• 50 €60 for a kilogram of Epoxy resin
• €55 to €65 for a kilogram of special anti-UV Epoxy resin

A coat of paint to attest to a perfect finish

It goes without saying that the finish is the icing on the cake. To guarantee an almost infinite hold over time, at the very beginning we manufactured carbon components without any finishing paint.

The problem was that production was needed with no possibility of catching up and therefore a high rate of “waste”. The ambition of the Tesla brand being to reduce pollution and waste, it was a counterproductive idea to get so much waste.

We therefore use superior quality varnishes to "standardize" the finish of our carbon parts. The application of the matte varnish is carried out meticulously, as well as the polishing of the parts with a glossy finish to guarantee a perfect appearance.

What kind of carbon stuff we find 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.

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

Tesla Model S or X, tuning up its interior

Real carbon customization is also possible for the Model S and X even if there are fewer of them than the Model 3.

The real carbon will be used to modify the dashboard, the areas around the center console or even other elements to come in the future. A forged carbon or 3K twill can enrich a sports steering wheel, but also leather or Alcantara trim will complete the personalization of this one.

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

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

As for the Model S, the first element considered is the performance-type Spoiler. As with all Model Sport spoilers, the internal structure as well as the entire bonding surface are reworked upstream.

This change is subtle, so much so that it won't be visible once the spoiler is installed, however these details make all the difference. We are also currently 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 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 advent of carbon in the Tesla world has really appeared since the launch of the Model 3.

Many of the parts are similar to the Model Y (except the one in Berlin), it is important to look at what you can find in these two electrified icons.

Model 3 and Y interior

The Tesla community gets a certain culture of its own, carbon inserts are part of it. Producing such a thin element in large quantities while maintaining a similar quality is a technological feat. Each insert must be able to be installed without giving an "addition" effect.

This is where we find the exceptional capacity of the inserts. It is for this argument that it took us many attempts to finally succeed in making inserts of extreme finesse to cover a dashboard, a door trim, a central console or an armrest while giving feels like part of the original finish.

The carbon inserts must have a bond very close to the original elements to guarantee an uncompromising covering, but also a perfect cut so that no part can be seen.

Carbon replacement parts, however, are making more and more careful owners happy. The fine production of these carbon components will give you real carbon works of art in your vehicle.

The body components of a Model Y or 3

As with the interior, the exterior of the Model 3 and Y has a large number of possible modifications. Here too, in a 3K twill or forged version, you will have the choice between the matte or shiny finish.

As for the Model 3 and Y, the performance spoiler in its matte version is relatively coveted. To stick directly on the trunk (or trunk for the Model Y), it has become a standard of Tesla differentiation.

A more radical development could be the change of the front bonnet to a carbon version. Two benefits: weight loss and style out of the ordinary.