Carbon rear view mirror shell Tesla Model S

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What is the strength of Model Sport's carbon? Composite material: its definition? The usefulness of a carbon part in multiple industries?

We can deal with the subject by focusing on a multitude of parts:
• It is eminent to look once and for all at what carbon really is
• The unique properties of the carbon used at Model Sport
• Everything you can customize

By completing your reading, you will be able to obtain a real carbon element knowingly.

What is a composite material like?

To put it simply, you simply have to assimilate that what is called composite material evokes two materials that have synthesized with each other, without ever becoming homogeneous.

This association will bring you a single element which will have greater mechanical provisions than if the components are used alone.

What type of carbon or Texalium for your Tesla?

In fact, there is a large catalog of carbon grades and many ways to work with them. This is the true term "carbon fiber composite" to be used, although in most cases it is referred to as "the carbon".

This denomination is more correct.

3K twill carbon fabric in 200gr:

Let's start our development with the most popular of all: 3K carbon twill. 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.

One of the arguments for the intensive use of twill is undoubtedly its maneuverability: it is able to take the shape of almost any structure.

However, we will not clarify the type of 3/1, 2/2 and 4/4 interlacing for the sake of understanding. The sign annotated “3K” designates the total number of strands which constitutes a single carbon weft, in total unit: 3000 strands. 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 designate and name the most common types of carbon used in the various fields of industry, we must mention 1K, 3K, 6K and 12K.

The Tesla community is particularly accustomed to discerning 3K. 200gr/m² means that the carbon fabric, before its conjugation with the resin, weighs 200 grams for a sheet of 1 meter x 1 meter. We can state that the most common 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:

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

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. Once the resin has been added, the mold is put under compression (with a positive and negative master) then heated to high temperature.

This production process increases the density of carbon fiber per square centimeter compared to resin and thus gives a stiffer and lighter part.

You have to go back to the 1980s to discover the first uses of forged carbon in the warhead manufacturing industry, however this manufacturing logic was noticed only from its use by the Lamborghini brand .

Texalium: an unusual that occupies an essential place

Very often it is likened to carbon, but that has nothing to do with it. The Texalium is totally different in substance and form.

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. Its mechanical arrangements are below the usual glass fabric (itself below the carbon fabric) and its use is purely for aesthetics.

You should know that Texalium has been around for many years and is just beginning to take its place in some customizations in France, but that it is much more widespread and used in the United States.

How to physically discern carbon?

For this part, we will simply give you examples of what can be made with carbon fiber.

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

What is the resistance of carbon?

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

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.

This is why we find such fine parts for the Tesla brand. The Model 3 or Y dashboard insert is a good example of this with a length of 1m40 and a thickness not exceeding 0.5mm. While knowing that they are routed throughout the French country or others who are neighbors.

The reason for the cost of buying the carbon cloth?

What is essential to explain in order to assimilate the price of carbon, it is necessary to return to the operation of elaboration of this one. Preceding the development of a single carbon fiber is already quite complex.

To roughly define the stages of development of a single carbon fiber, you have to start your work with a synthetic fiber of the sweet name of polyacrylonitrile, this one will be put under oxidation then then logically carbonized to offer us this inimitable carbon fiber.

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. It is increasingly aroused to eradicate chemical products and to reduce prices, sometimes even by two, to use biosourced materials.

The equipment needed to weave the carbon fibers is also more than substantial, in terms of investment and space. The carbon strand remains an absolutely fantastic creation, if we keep in mind that it describes only 1/20th the thickness of a human hair.

For information, the square meter of carbon fabric is purchased for 30 euros. This applies in particular to the 200 g/m² twill 3K carbon. Added to this are the number of tablecloths and the price of the resin, which is not equivalent in quality and price. Then, the know-how of a laminator knowing how to install and put in good conditions the materials in question.

What distinguishes Carbon for Tesla from Model Sport

Mastering the stages of production is important to know the finished product, which is why we are discussing this subject. It takes knowledge of the actual shaping of an element to be able to ensure a satisfactory result.

It is for this reason that the creator of the Model Sport brand, designer and body builder, makes every effort to deliver his know-how in the field of carbon components.

A Tesla dressed in carbon weave or its laminated version?

The carbon fabric used is deliberately focused on its aesthetic appearance before its mechanical provisions. No stress, most of the time, will be subject to the components installed on your Tesla.

Components are expressly manufactured to enhance aesthetics and highlight the aggressiveness of the brand. 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 manufacture carbon known as "bad qualities ").

Moreover, the most used category, even the most standard, is the HR, for "high resistance", which is very noted for its versatility and its competence of flexibility. 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 reason that it is combined. Likewise for forged carbon, it will be used to prioritize the final appearance.

What is the best resin to use?

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

For carbon parts that are subjected to high heat, polyester resin (the most common and the cheapest of all) will be given priority, as for the production of carbon parts in large series. In the motorcycle industry, polyester resin is used in combination with carbon to manufacture exhaust cartridges.

The first benefit of epoxy resin is the resistance to forces it brings compared to polyester. Numerous tests have confirmed 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.

The aggressions of UV rays emitted by the sun will therefore have no effect on your carbon parts, what is more, the appearance is more transparent. 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.

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€

A coat of paint to guarantee an optimal finish

It goes without saying that the finish is the icing on the cake. In the past, no paint was applied to the carbon parts at all. The reason is that this ensured the longevity of the components.

On the other hand, you had to get it right the first time. The ambition of the Tesla brand being to minimize pollution and waste, it was a counterproductive idea to get so much scrap.

We then identified a solution to "standardize" the finishing work: the use of a superior quality varnish. Once the gloss varnish is applied, it will be meticulously 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 type of carbon on the Tesla S and X automobiles

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

Tesla Model S or X, personalizing its interior

The Model S and X have been forgotten by props since the launch of the Model 3, however these also benefit from a range of improvements provided.

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

The latter will have a fairly 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 most sought-after body element on the Model S is undoubtedly the Performance 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.

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. At the time of writing, the Plaid version of the new Model S is also being developed.

Smaller components such as the mirror caps or the grille can benefit from their full carbon finishes. Model Sport remains flexible and will respond to your request in case you want to achieve finishes other than 3K twill carbon.

Carbon fiber on the Tesla 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 have a lot in common.

Model 3 and Y interior

We can't talk about Model 3 and Y without mentioning the carbon inserts, which have become part of the Tesla culture.
A successful carbon insert must partly be finely cut so as not to develop an "addition" effect.

This is why it is so difficult to mass-produce it. This is where we find the exceptional ability of the inserts. Getting the Model Sport inserts to fit perfectly into the interior of the Model Y or 3 took a lot of trial and error to find the winning recipe.

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. But you can just as well opt for a real carbon replacement element, which will be positioned directly in place of the changed part.

Replacement carbon elements will give a totally unique dimension to the interior of your Tesla, for meticulous people, you will get a finish that meets your expectations.

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. A good way to transform the external visual aspect, with a composition in 3K twill or forged, and matte or glossy finish.

The Performance spoiler is a must in the series of carbon parts for Model 3. The same goes for the Model Y. Having become almost a standard in the Tesla world, it will be fixed directly on the edge of the trunk.

You can also choose more advanced modifications like the real carbon front cover, an absolutely beautiful piece that will really save you weight, while keeping its use fully functional.