Full carbon dashboard
Tesla Model 3 - Y

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Want to know what makes Model Sport carbon special? Composite material: its characterization? Really, what is a carbon part?

Three points are needed to explain the product:

• It is eminent to look once and for all at what carbon really is
• The divergent vision of the Model Sport brand in the production of its carbon parts
• The most popular products in the field

You will be able to purchase a carbon component with confidence.

Definition of a composite material:

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

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

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

There are different types of carbon and above all multiple ways to present it and place it in its final location.

The term "carbon" is not perfect; since it is really "carbon fiber composite", this name is much more correct in the world of lamination.

3K twill in 200gr, the function of carbon fabric:

3K carbon in twill weave is undoubtedly the most common of its variety, let's start with this one. In other words, what is called "twill" is a name given to a certain way of weaving carbon. You can see what the twill describes in the image just above.

There is an argument why twill is very noticeable: firstly its ability to adapt to molds with pronounced curves, secondly its aesthetic configuration giving the impression of a diagonal weave.

To abbreviate 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 shapes a single carbon frame, in total unit: 3000 filaments.

To give you a fairly precise order of magnitude, the thickness of a strand of carbon is 1/20 of that of a hair. To use the most common names and categories on the market, there is 1K, 3K, 6K or 12K.

The Tesla community is particularly accustomed to observing 3K. 200gr/m² evokes that the carbon fabric, before its association with the resin, weighs 200 grams for a tablecloth of 1 meter x 1 meter. The combination of carbon characteristics that you come across the most is the twill weave in 3K and 200gr/m², not for its mechanical properties, but more for its aesthetics and its widespread application in many industries, which makes it inexpensive .

Forged carbon, let's see what this name means:

A qualification that may seem abusive for an aspect very different from the standards, however, this molding method is nothing new. To make it, you must first cut the carbon into small strips and arrange it more or less uniformly in the mould.

Now we 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. The process used for the production of forged carbon thus gives a big advantage 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.

A material worth explaining: Texalium

Texalium is a completely different material, generally mistaken for carbon by amateurs. It is actually a glass fabric loaded with aluminum and then shaded to the desired color to give it a different appearance.

A totally decorative use for this finish, because its mechanical provisions are less compared to simple glass fabric (which itself is below carbon). Know that Texalium is a material that has existed for years, but is little used in France. It's actually much more common on the other side of the Atlantic.

Carbon: what is it?

For this part, we are just going to give you glimpses of what is possible to produce with carbon fiber.

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

Can carbon be subjected to high loads?

It is legitimate to wonder if the endurance of the material is up to the task, but compared to what? In truth, 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 is not to be spread. Aluminum is more malleable than carbon, but it can also be more impact efficient.

This is why we find such fine parts for the Tesla brand. Let's take the example of the dashboard cover insert, which is ultra-thin, but this part of more than 1 meter 40 can be produced in just two layers of carbon fabric, with a thickness not exceeding 0, 5 mm and sent without concern in France or other border countries.

Why is carbon fiber so expensive?

Let's go back to the production of the carbon fabric to assimilate the price of it. The process of manufacturing 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, it will be put under oxidation and then logically carbonized to offer us this inimitable carbon fiber. .

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 tools necessary for the production of the raw material of carbon are substantial, as are for its weaving.

A carbon fiber is 20 times smaller than a human hair, that's what we need to raise awareness. 30 euros per square meter is the average value, at the time of writing, that you can find a 200gr/m² 3K twill carbon sheet. You also have to take into account the price of the resin used and the number of tablecloths to be laid. Finally, the fees of an experienced laminator are to be considered.

What differentiates carbon for Tesla from Model Sport

A part that we are lucky to master, because we scrupulously analyze all the manufacturing steps.

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 pieces of carbon for Tesla?

It goes without saying that the carbon fabric is expressly used for its aesthetic appearance rather than its mechanical skills. We regularly talk about resistance to twisting and bending, however, on a Tesla, these capabilities will be forgotten.

These elements simply mark the increased sportiness of any vehicle from the American firm. It should be understood that even in the case of a body kit for Model S, 3, X or Y or any other automobile aimed at racing on the circuit, the opposites generated on the latter will be supported by the lowest carbon range (so that there are some designated as low-end).

To date, there are multiple categorizations of carbon stiffness. But the most used being the "HR" or High Resistance for flexibility and versatility. 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. 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. Likewise for forged carbon, it will be used to prioritize the final appearance.

What is the best resin to use?

This is THE biggest difference that Model Sport carbon parts can boast of making, an epoxy resin making the difference. For carbon parts that are subjected to high heat, polyester resin (the most common and the cheapest of all) will be prioritized, as for the production of carbon parts in large series.

To give you an illustration, polyester is used to make motorcycle carbon cartridges. Epoxy resin will considerably increase the endurance of parts subjected to residual loads. Various tests have shown that one resin stands out among many others: anti-UV epoxy resin.

It does not tarnish over time and maintains the true look of carbon. Apart from its more translucent configuration, the anti-UV Epoxy resin will resist solar attacks. And this detail really makes all the difference, 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. Several parameters are taken into account when buying a resin, this is what will partly determine its initial price: its ease of application, its long-term hold and its quality of production.

Let's talk about the selling price of this essential resin in France:
• €8 to €10 for a kilogram of Polyester resin
• €50 to €60 for a kilogram of Epoxy resin
• 1kg of resin Anti-UV epoxy = 55 to 65€

What is the topcoat on a carbon part?

The finishing varnish is the last essential touch to the production of carbon parts. Initially, we produced carbon parts without using paint to guarantee long-lasting durability, however this particularity forced us to make perfect parts the first time, with no possibility of catching up.

Tesla's nerve center is to help reduce pollution, so the high scrap rate of this production method was ultimately a problem. We then identified a solution to "standardize" the finishing work: the use of a superior quality varnish.

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.

The carbon fabric on the Tesla Model S and X

At first glance, the two vehicles all have similar interior elements. However, a certain number of parts remain very individual depending on the year of registration.

It is with this in mind that it is necessary for us to call you, after ordering, to find out the year and month of production of your vehicle.

Model S and X interior

Tuning elements from a Tesla is much more popular on the Model 3, however your Model S and X can also receive interior upgrades.

The real carbon will be used to modify the dashboard, the areas around the center console or even other components to come in the future. The predominant point, the steering wheel, can also benefit from a fine-tuning with leather or Alcantara trim, depending on your choice.

You thus have total control, during your order, on all the characteristics of the latter.

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 for the Model Sport version from a reworked bonding surface and a lighter internal structure.

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

At this very moment, the latest version of the Plaid spoilers is also being designed to receive mass production as well. Carbon adapts to all supports. Although it is very often used in the particular field of the automobile only for its configuration, it will find its place on components such as the grille or the mirror shells, with a slight loss of weight in the process.

Although 3K twill carbon is the most common, more "exotic" constructions such as Texalium can be studied, in this case contact us by phone or email.

Carbon manufacturing on Model 3 and Y

The Tesla Model 3 is the quintessential electric sedan that marked its era, with an impressive number of carbon-based modifications.

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

The Model 3 and Y and their cabin upgrades

Carbon inserts are almost standard equipment for the Tesla community. It is an exercise in strength to be able to mass-produce 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. The door trim, dashboard and other center console required a number of different tests to find the right technique and the right mold to manufacture these inserts of incomparable quality.

The carbon inserts must have a bond very close to the original components to guarantee uncompromising coverage, 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 carbon replacement elements will give an essentially different dimension to the interior of your Tesla, for meticulous people, you will obtain a finish that meets your expectations.

Model 3 and Y bodywork

As with the interior, the exterior of the Model 3 and Y has a large number of possible evolutions. In a gloss or matte finish, with 3K twill or forged carbon, you can transform your entire Tesla.

One of the most popular components and undoubtedly the Performance spoiler in its matt version. For Model 3 or Y, it will always have a benefit compared to other carbon parts.

An element that has become a standard over time, the spoiler will stick to the edge of the trunk to give your Tesla its sporty side. A more drastic tune-up could be replacing the front cover with a carbon version. Two advantages: weight loss and an unusual style.