Carbon Hood
Tesla Model 3

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Are you interested in Model Sport's carbon production process? Composite material: its designation? A carbon part: what is its explanation?

We will make the argument around three major singular parts:
• It is eminent to look once and for all at what carbon really is
• What makes Model Sport a brand well placed to work in the field
• All the improvements for your reference electric

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

Composite material: what does it mean?

A composite material is an assembly of two elements that cannot blend together homogeneously, but together they give a material with improved mechanical properties.

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

Carbon has really abundant variations and above all there are many ways to implement it.

This is the proper term "carbon fiber composite" to be used, although in most cases it is referred to as "the carbon". This designation is more correct.

200 gram twill 3K carbon membrane:

Let's start our development with the most popular of all: 3K carbon twill. In other words, what is called "twill" is a name given to a certain way of weaving carbon.

The figure above is just there to give you an example of this. One of the reasons for the extensive use of twill is undoubtedly its workability: it is able to take the shape of almost any structure.

That said, we will not detail the type of intersection in 3/1, 2/2 and 4/4.

The sign annotated "3K" has the definition of 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 carbon filament is 1/20 of that of a human hair. There are therefore several allocations, the most common are 1K, 3K, 6K, 12K.

For Tesla vehicles, 3K is particularly considered. The term “200 gr/m²” evokes that 1 m² of carbon sheet, before treatments, weighs 200 grams. 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 manufacturing process requires equipment and implementation techniques that are already a few years old and above all, which actually make it more efficient.

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

This manufacturing process makes it possible to intensify the density of carbon fiber per square centimeter compared to the resin and thus gives a stiffer and lighter part.

Lamborghini is the pioneer in the automotive world to have used the latter. Note all the same that its appearance and application has been present since the 80s concerning the production of missile heads.

Let's now highlight the most unknown of all, which is Texalium

Texalium is an entirely different material, generally mistaken for carbon by amateurs. Truly, the Texalium is a kind of glass fabric loaded with aluminum to give it a natural highlight.

It can thus be nuanced either in the mass, by mixing a dye with the resin, or in the finishing varnish.

Its mechanical properties are below the usual glass fabric (itself below the carbon fabric) and its use is purely for aesthetics. 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 widespread in the United States for a few years, while it is only just becoming known in France.

Carbon: what does it look like?

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

Question customization, know that Model Sport is at your service. Just contact us 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? It is very eminent to wonder if the famous carbon is more resistant 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. Nevertheless the carbon fiber composite is better in terms of torsion and bending. It is for this reason that we find such fine parts for the Tesla brand. For model 3 or Y, the dashboard cover insert is a very good representative.

This element of more than 1.40 m can be produced using only 2 layers of carbon. It can then be sent without worry to France or other border countries.

Carbon fabric and its purchase price?

To assimilate its final price, you must first assimilate its production. 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 an essentially 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.

There is an exponential growth in demand for the use of bio-based materials to eliminate the vast majority of chemicals and also to cut the price in half. The material required to weave the carbon fibers is also more than substantial, in terms of investment and space.

Keep in mind that compared to a human hair, a carbon fiber is 20 times smaller. For information, the square meter of carbon fabric is acquired at the price of 30 euros. This applies in particular to the 200 g/m² twill 3K carbon.

The number of layers as well as the cost of the resin to be used are also components to be taken into account. Finally, the support of an experienced laminator is mandatory. This in order to carry out the operations in good conditions.

Model Sport carbon and its unique properties

A part that we have the chance to master, because we scrupulously analyze all the stages of production.

In the field of the production 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?

It goes without saying that the carbon fabric is expressly used for its aesthetic appearance rather than its mechanical capabilities. No stress, most of the time, will be subject to the components installed on your Tesla.

These components simply mark the increased sportiness of any vehicle from the American firm. 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.

You have to combine flexibility and versatility to find the most used type of carbon: HR, for "high resistance", is the reference in the field. It is specifically this type of carbon, HR, which is used by Model Sport for the manufacture of all its parts.

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 combined with HR. The reference that we can provide concerns forged carbon: it is generally used for its appearance, however its primary purpose is extraordinary resistance.

Selecting the right resin with the right carbon

This is THE biggest difference that the carbon parts of Model Sport can boast of having, an epoxy resin making the difference.

Polyester type resin is regularly used for mass lamination on fiberglass parts. This is also prioritized on carbon parts which require high endurance to heat. It is this resin that is used for the production of exhaust cartridges for motorcycles, for example.

When it comes to making carbon parts under potential loads, Epoxy resin will give the whole composite material greater endurance. The anti-UV resin is still a step above: no yellowing in the long term.

It is for this argument that we use this product type. Apart from its more translucent configuration, the anti-UV Epoxy resin will resist solar attacks. This is a particularity that will only be felt several years after installation, but if the anti-UV treatment is not present, beware of yellowing of the parts.

It will be perfect during installation, but beware of periods of heat wave, otherwise you will notice a yellowish and opaque appearance in a few years.

As a result, three parameters enter into the calculation of the price of the resin: its application, its quality and its longevity.

For the French market, the selling prices of the resin are given below:
• The kilo of Polyester resin is worth between 8 and 10€
• The kilo of Epoxy resin is worth between 50 and €60
• €55 to €65 for the kilogram of anti-UV epoxy resin

The final varnish applied to the carbon parts

It must be said that it is the operation that closes the project. To guarantee an almost infinite hold over time, at the very beginning we manufactured carbon elements without any finishing paint.

The problem was that you needed a production without possibilities 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 obtain so much waste.

We then found a solution to "standardize" the finishing work: the use of a superior quality varnish. The glossy varnish is finely polished before shipping and the matt varnish applied delicately to have a uniform appearance over the entire piece.

The carbon fabric on the Tesla Model S and X

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.

Don't be surprised to receive a call after ordering to find out the year and month of registration of your vehicle.

Model S and X interior

A real carbon tuning is also possible for the Model S and X even if they are less numerous than the Model 3.

Replacement carbon elements or even inserts that will simply cover the main trim elements. The predominant point, the steering wheel, can also benefit from a fine-tuning with leather or Alcantara trim, depending on your choice.

So you keep total control when ordering the choices that best suit your desires.

Exterior parts of Model S and X

The electric sedan so recognized in the industry first receives the Performance 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 indicated are not visible once the spoiler is in place, it will have the advantage of certainly possessing the lightness provided by carbon.

We are also currently studying on the Plaid version at the time of this writing. The carbon finish is so versatile and in demand as elements such as the mirrors or even the grille. 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 elaboration?

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: their interiors and accessories

The Tesla family of owners gets a certain culture of its own, carbon inserts are part of it. It is an exercise in strength to be able to mass-produce carbon components 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 rectifications that we now produce inserts that meet your expectations.

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. Replacement components such as the carbon dashboard combined with the door trim will give your vehicle a real finish in the chosen material.

The carbon dashboard and door trim are works of art that will add another dimension to the interior of your Tesla.

Model 3 and Y: their body components

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

A good way to transform the external visual configuration, with a composition in 3K twill or forged, and matte or glossy finish. The most requested carbon part is undoubtedly the Performance spoiler in its matt version.

This will take up its final position on the edge of the trunk and will extend the lines of your Tesla. A more radical customization could be the replacement of the front cover with a carbon version. Two advantages: weight loss and an unusual style.