Carbon door trim
Tesla Model 3 - Y

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Want to know what makes Model Sport carbon special? What is a composite material? A carbon part: what is its interpretation?

We will focus our analysis around three paragraphs:

• The true meaning of what is called a carbon element
• The different vision of the Model Sport brand in the realization of its carbon parts
• Everything you can customize

The product will no longer have any secrets for you as soon as you have read this paragraph.

What is a composite material?

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

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

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

What the accustomed of mortals calls "carbon" is actually called "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 membrane:

Let's start our development with the most popular of all: 3K carbon twill. Twill is a name that defines the composition of the inter-mesh of the carbon wefts. You can see what the twill looks like in the image just above (in gloss finish).

There are two reasons why twill is very noticeable: firstly its ability to adapt to the molds with a strong curve, secondly its aesthetic configuration giving the impression of a diagonal weave. There are still more accentuated details such as the 3/1, 2/2 and 4/4 crisscrossing, but this is not a technical development, but more of a brief explanation.

The 3K sign means 3000 carbon filaments for one weft. As a rough guide, a strand of carbon is only 1/20th the thickness of a hair.

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. In the Tesla world, 3K is systematically the one used. As for the weight stated when selling a carbon sheet, if it is indicated "200gr/m²", this establishes the weight that 1m² of this sheet weighs before it is confused with a resin.

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 that there is.

Let's talk about forged carbon:

Let us mention that this is a molding operation that is in no way new, but that this qualification has a name that suits it.

To produce it, you must first cut the carbon into small strips and spread it more or less evenly in the mold. Once the resin has been added, the mold is pressurized (with a positive and negative master) then heated to high temperature.

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, however, that its appearance and use has been present since the 1980s for the production of missile warheads.

A material worth explaining: Texalium

Often confused with carbon, Texalium is a material in its own right that deserves its place in this explanation.

It is in order to acquire the desired appearance that this material is actually fiberglass loaded with aluminum, whose resin or varnish will then be tinted 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.
Much better known in the United States, it is just beginning to make itself known in France.

Visually, how do you appreciate the appearance of real carbon?

We are going to provide you with some examples of the use of carbon fiber.

Question customization, know that Model Sport is at your service. Just contact her for a quote.

Is carbon resistant?

It is legitimate to wonder if the endurance of the material is up to the task, but compared to what? The real question will be whether carbon is stronger than another material?

At equal volume, a carbon part will be more durable and much lighter than an aluminum alloy, for example. It is important to come back to the term “resistant”, because it means everything and nothing.

Aluminum is more malleable than carbon, but it can also be more impact efficient. Carbon inserts are achievable for the simple and unique reason of their tolerance to torsion and bending.

The Model 3 or Y dashboard insert is a good example. However, it should be noted that this part of more than 1.40 m can be produced using only 2 layers of carbon. We can then send it throughout France without problems.

How to explain the price of carbon?

One of the determining parameters to explain the price of carbon fabric, we must look at the manufacture of it. The operation of developing a single carbon fiber is already quite complex.

To roughly define the steps for making a single carbon fiber, you have to start your work with a synthetic fiber called polyacrylonitrile, which will be oxidized and then logically carbonized to give us this inimitable carbon fiber.

In a time when more and more environmentally conscious industries are waging war on chemicals, it should be noted that organizations are looking for solutions to continue to manufacture carbon fiber, respected for its lightness, all while having an eco-responsible production logic.

To eradicate chemical products and to reduce prices, sometimes even by two, the use of biosourced materials is increasingly encouraged.

The tools needed to produce the raw material of carbon are substantial, as are the tools for weaving it.

Remember that a fiber is 1/20 the thickness of a human hair.

For information, the square meter of the carbon fabric is acquired at the price of 30 euros. This applies in particular to the 200 g/m² twill 3K carbon. It is also necessary to consider the price of the resin used and the number of layers to be applied. Finally, the intervention of a competent laminator is essential. This in order to carry out the operations in good conditions.

The unique qualities of carbon from Model Sport

We follow all the production steps of our carbon components, so let's get to the main part.

One of the principles that will ensure you achieve positive results in any area is “who do you listen 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 expertise needed to develop the carbon components for your Tesla.

For Tesla, what to take between fabric or carbon chips?

The carbon fabric used is deliberately focused on its aesthetic appearance before its mechanical properties.
Most of the time, no stress will be placed on the components installed on your Tesla. These components 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 (to be aware, that it is difficult to produce so-called carbon “poor qualities”).

In fact, the most used variety, even the most standard, is the HR, for "high resistance", which is very appreciated for its versatility and its flexible disposition. The latter is the one used by the Model Sport company for the production of all its carbon components.

There is also HM carbon, which is literally determined by "High Modulus". It is intended for fabrications that require extreme lightness, without any force being involved. And if a constraint must be applied to it, it will be systematically combined with the HR. The reference we can provide concerns forged carbon: it is commonly used for its appearance, however its primary purpose is unconventional resistance.

Choosing the right resin with the right carbon

Now let's talk about the key element of carbon parts: the resin. The polyester type resin is generally used for mass lamination on fiberglass parts.

This is also prioritized on carbon parts which require high heat resistance. You will find it in the operation of developing motorcycle exhaust cartridges.

The elements subjected to loads or forces are in priority used with Epoxy, because this one brings a greater endurance of the composite material. The various tests have established that one resin stands out among many others: anti-UV epoxy resin.

It does not tarnish over time and preserves the true look of carbon.
Apart from its more translucent configuration, the anti-UV Epoxy resin will resist solar attacks. 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. It must also be understood that the resin used will have a price directly related to its application, its quality and its durability. Let's talk about the selling price of this famous resin in France:

• €8 to €10 for a kilogram of Polyester resin
• €50 to €60 for a kilogram of Epoxy resin
• €55 to €65 for a kilogram of anti-UV Epoxy resin

What is the finish coat on a carbon part?

It must be said that this is the operation that closes the project.

In the past, carbon components weren't painted at all. The reason is that this ensured the longevity of the components. On the other hand, it was necessary to achieve the realization from the first shot.

Tesla's nerve center is to help reduce pollution, so the high scrap rate of this production method was ultimately a problem.

To obtain a more "standard" result in the production of our carbon elements, we have therefore started to use a higher quality varnish. The matte varnish gives a more luxurious finish, however, it requires extreme skill in its application in order to acquire the desired result. Will the shiny finish be polished with a polisher to guarantee a mirror effect of the surface of the parts.

The kind of carbon on the Tesla S and X automobiles

At first glance, both vehicles have all of their interior components similar.

However, a certain number of parts remain individual depending on the year of registration.

It is for this argument that you will be asked for information on the year and month of production of your Tesla before shipment.

Model S and X interior

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

The dashboard, the cup holder area or even the center console can receive a trim that differentiates it from the original. The carbon steering wheel is also one of the reworkable parts that will give a different dimension to your life on board your Tesla.

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

Exterior parts of Model S and X

The most considered body element on the Model S is undoubtedly 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. Once the spoiler is installed, no difference is visible.

We are also currently analyzing the Plaid version as of this writing. The carbon finish is so versatile and in demand as components such as the mirrors or even the grille.

If you ever want a personalized creation based on Texalium or forged carbon, you can contact us by phone or email to find out more about your project on 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.

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

What's inside the Model 3 and Y

We can't talk about Model 3 and Y without talking about carbon inserts, which have become part of the Tesla culture.

It is an exercise in strength to be able to develop in series carbon elements that can cover a part while giving the impression that there is no addition. It is on this assumption that the quality of an insert must be judged.

It is after many trials, errors and corrections that we now produce inserts that meet your expectations. The keys to a quality insert lie in precise cutting and precision gluing.

But you can just as well opt for a real carbon replacement element, which will be positioned directly in place of the changed part.
For purists who like beautiful parts with meticulous manual work, the replacement carbon dashboard and door trim will satisfy you.

Model 3 and Y: their body components

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

Here too, in a 3K twill or forged version, you will have the choice between a matte or shiny finish. Regarding the Model 3 and Y, the performance spoiler in its matte version is relatively coveted.

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 major modifications such as the exchange of the bonnet in real carbon. Not only will this allow for weight loss, but will give the car a timeless style.