Carbon steering wheel
Tesla Model S

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Want to know what makes Model Sport carbon unique? What is a composite material? The true meaning of a carbon element?

Here we will see these main points in three parts:
• Go back to the advent of the creation of carbon
• What makes Model Sport an experienced brand to work in the field
• Anything you can customize

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

Composite material: what is its meaning?

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

Typically you can take reinforced concrete as an example.

Which variety of carbon or Texalium for your Tesla?

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

This is the real name "carbon fiber composite" that should be used, even if in most cases it is called "the carbon", it should be noted that in the field of 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.

In truth, the term "twill" is an attribution that serves to qualify the mesh of the carbon fabric. The figure above is just there to give you an example of this. There are still several ways to weave carbon, twill is very popular for its ability to match the shapes of molds with pronounced curves.

To simplify as much as possible, we will not detail the type of interlacing in 3/1, 2/2 and 4/4. The sign annotated "3K" determines the total number of filaments that make up a single carbon frame, in total unit: 3000 strands. Information that will give you a more or less precise image of what the diameter of a strand of carbon describes: 1/20th the thickness of a human hair, so be aware of the importance of adding these.

1K, 3K, 6K and 12K are the most widely used varieties in the automotive, motorcycle, aviation or other types of carbon used in large industries. The Tesla community is particularly accustomed to discerning 3K. As for the weight stated when selling a carbon sheet, if it is called "200gr/m²", this explains the weight that 1m² of this sheet weighs before it is confused with a resin.

We can safely 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 that there is.

Forged carbon:

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

Then, the positive and negative molds are put under specific temperature and compression conditions once the resin is added. This molding technique is the most sophisticated for obtaining a part that is stiffer and lighter than any other type of carbon: all the excess resin is evacuated when pressurized, so you can increase the carbon/resin ratio in favor of the carbon.

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.

The Texalium: a foreigner who occupies a major place

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

An entirely decorative use for this finish, because its mechanical properties are lower compared to simple glass fabric (which itself is below carbon).

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.

How to physically distinguish carbon?

With carbon fiber, what exactly is it possible to manufacture?

Note that if you are interested in one of these versions, Model Sport remains open to customization and can therefore provide you with a quote.

What is the endurance of carbon?

Regularly questioned, this is a request that deserves a little more in-depth development. The real question will be whether carbon is more durable than another material.

To give you an idea: an aluminum alloy that has a physical volume equal to a carbon part will be less durable than the latter, all constraints combined. However, this term “resistant” sums up a fact that is not to be spread.

Because an aluminum part will perhaps behave better during impact, which will depend on the weaving used for the carbon in comparison. This is one of the aspects of carbon that allows us to develop components as thin as inserts. For the 3 or Y model, the dashboard cover insert is a very good look at it.

Only two plies of carbon fabric are used to develop a 1.40m long piece, which will be sent without any problem to France or other neighboring 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.

A single carbon fiber already requires quite a remarkable amount of method. The most used is from a synthetic fiber, polyacrylonitrile, which will be oxidized and carbonized to give us the famous carbon fiber.

This is a totally chemical and very energy-intensive transformation. Be aware that this race for ecology gives rise to many projects to continue to use carbon fiber for its lightness, while guaranteeing production without chemicals. There is an exponential growth in demand for the use of bio-based materials to remove the vast majority of chemicals and also cut the price in half.

Then, weaving carbon fiber requires a lot of material. Keep in mind that compared to a human hair, a carbon fiber is 20 times thinner. 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 layers to be applied. Finally, a competent laminator must be used to lay the product. Moreover, the operation must be carried out under specific conditions.

Tesla Model Sport carbon features

We follow and prioritize all the stages of development of our carbon components, so let's get to the most important part. It takes knowledge of the actual shaping of an element to be able to guarantee a satisfactory result.

It is for this reason 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 chips?

The surprising mechanical properties of carbon are deliberately forgotten for its visual configuration in the world of aesthetic improvements to our vehicles.

No stress, most of the time, will be put on the components installed on your Tesla. Automotive sportiness is the main purpose of these carbon components. 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.

To date, there are multiple categorizations of carbon stiffness. But the most used being the "HR" or High Resistance for flexibility and versatility. To design and manufacture in series the carbon elements of Model Sport, it is indeed the HR that will be discussed.

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.

Which resin for carbon fiber?

Now, let's show the centerpiece of carbon components: the resin.

For any piece that is intended for the general public and that requires mass production, polyester will be prioritized with the application 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.

The main benefit of epoxy resin is the resistance to forces it brings compared to polyester. It is a good omen to specify that on this point, we make the difference: the use of an anti-UV epoxy resin is a clarity for Model Sport, it prevents yellowing of the parts over time.

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. And this detail really makes all the nuance, because without this treatment, you will have a carbon part that will yellow over time.

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. It should also be understood that the resin used will have a price directly related to its application, its quality and its durability. At this stage, it is interesting to observe the selling price of such a product in France:
• 8 to 10€ for the kilogram of Polyester resin
• 1kg of Epoxy resin = 50 to 60 €
• 1kg of anti-UV Epoxy resin = 55 to 65€

What does the topcoat match on a carbon part?

The finishing varnish is the last touch necessary for the production of carbon parts. In the past, no paint was applied to the carbon components 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. This construction process gives an unacceptable scrap rate given the image that the Tesla brand wants to convey: reducing pollution and carbon waste.

Applying a premium topcoat seemed like a no-brainer. It is for this argument that the high quality varnish has imposed itself in our production method to "standardize" the process. 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.

Model S and X: their carbon evolution

There are many differences between the interiors of the Model S and X. However, it is true that many of the components are virtually identical.

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

Although less widespread than our valiant Model 3, the Model S and X also have the right to some improvements and elements in real carbon.

Replacement carbon components or even inserts that will simply cover the main trim components.

The carbon steering wheel is also one of the modifiable parts that will give a different dimension to your life on board your Tesla. For the latter, we offer a very precise on-demand customization service that will give you total control when placing your order.

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.

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

We are also currently studying on the Plaid version at the time of this writing. 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.

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

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

Tesla's two best-selling electric vehicles have a lot in common.

Model 3 and Y interior

The Tesla family of owners 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.

It is on this assumption that the quality of an insert must be judged. It is for this argument that it took us numerous trials to finally succeed in producing extremely thin inserts covering a dashboard, a door trim, a central console or even an armrest while giving feels like part of the original finish.

An adjusted cut and gluing as close as possible to the components with a perfect finish, this is the recipe for a successful carbon insert for Model 3 or Y. Carbon replacement parts, however, are making more and more careful owners happy. 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 Model Y or 3 bodywork is not to be outdone with a good number of possible carbon-based customizations.

In a gloss or matte finish, with 3K twill or forged carbon, you can transform your entire Tesla. 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 stick directly to the edge of the trunk.

You can also choose more accentuated upgrades like the real carbon front cover, an absolutely stunning piece that will effectively give you some weight loss, while still keeping it fully functional in use.