This version includes the card support to avoid any reading malfunction due to the carbon material.
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Do you want to know the basics and results of the Model Sport carbon production process? The role of a composite material in the automotive industry? The usefulness of a carbon part in the different industries?
We can deal with the subject by focusing on a multitude of parts:
• Go back to the origin of the creation of carbon
• The advantages of carbon at Model Sport
• The carbon components reference for your Tesla flagship
When you finish this page, no detail will escape you.
What is a composite material?
A composite material is an assembly of two elements which cannot mix together homogeneously, but together they give a material with improved mechanical properties.
What kind of carbon or Texalium for your Tesla?
In fact, there is a large catalog of carbon grades and many ways to work with them.
A distinction must be made which will be important for purists: what is commercially nicknamed "carbon" actually has the name "carbon fiber composite", it is important to know in the world of lamination it is this denomination that is used.
200 gram 3K twill carbon fabric:
Let's start our development with the most popular of all: 3K carbon twill. In reality, the term "twill" is an appellation used to qualify the mesh of the carbon fabric.
You can see what the twill describes in the image just above. There are still different ways to weave carbon, twill is very noted for its ability to adapt to the shapes of molds with a strong curve.
There are even 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 main thing to understand about the "3K" designation, this defines the number of strands that make up a single frame, in this case: 3000.
Please note an image that will give you an idea of the thickness of a carbon filament: it is about 1/20th that of a human hair. There are therefore multiple denominations, the most common are 1K, 3K, 6K, 12K.
The Tesla community is particularly accustomed to discerning 3K. The term “200 gr/m²” suggests that 1 m² of carbon sheet, before treatments, weighs 200 grams. Remember: 3K twill weighing 200 grams per square meter is widely used in the Tesla community. Not for its mechanical provisions; but rather for its aesthetic appearance.
Forged carbon:
A designation that may seem abusive for a look very different from the standards, however, this molding method is nothing new. The “forged carbon” technique is actually very simple and ingenious: the carbon fiber is cut into small pieces and then placed in the mould.
Then, the positive and negative molds are placed under specific temperature and pressure conditions once the resin is added. The method used for the manufacture 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 application of forged carbon in the automotive field. However, it should be noted that forged carbon has been used in the development of warheads since the 1980s.
Texalium, the unknown:
Often confused with carbon, Texalium is a material in its own right that deserves its place in this designation. 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 dyed to give it a specific color.
An entirely decorative application for this finish, as its mechanical properties are lower than simple glass fabric (which itself is below carbon).
We don't have to wait 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, when it is only just becoming known In France.
Visually, how to distinguish the appearance of real carbon?
For this part, we are simply going to give you glimpses of what is possible to develop with carbon fiber.
Question customization, know that Model Sport is at your service. Just contact her for a quote.
What is the resistance of carbon?
Regularly questioned, this is a request that deserves a little more in-depth development. It is the relationship with other materials that must first be established. As an indication, 1 kg of carbon is stronger than 1 kg of aluminum alloy.
Nevertheless, the term "resistant" deserves an interpretation. Aluminum is more malleable than carbon, but it may also be more impact efficient. Carbon inserts are possible for the simple and unique reason of their tolerance to torsion and bending.
The Model 3 or Y dashboard insert is a good example, but this part over 1.40 meters can be produced in just two layers of carbon fabric, with a thickness not exceeding 0.5 mm and routed throughout the French country or others who are border.
The reason for the cost of buying the carbon cloth?
To understand its final price, you must first assimilate its production: The technique of shaping a carbon weft is already quite complicated. The most used is from a synthetic fiber, polyacrylonitrile, which will be oxidized and calcined to give us the famous carbon fiber.
It is a totally chemical and very energy-intensive transformation. The awareness of more and more carbon fiber production industries gives rise to certain projects, entirely directed with the aim of making it using the least possible chemical products.
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. The essential material for weaving the carbon fibers is also more than substantial, in terms of investment and space. Remember that a fiber is 1/20 the thickness of a human hair.
In terms of price, to give you an order of magnitude, the square meter of 200gr/m² twill 3K carbon fabric costs around €30. Do not forget that we must add to this the cost of the resin, which we will see can have essentially variable prices depending on its quality, and also that very often, if not all the time, a carbon part is produced. in several layers. Finally, the intervention of a competent laminator is essential. This in order to carry out the operations in good conditions.
Tesla Model Sport carbon features
Let's move on to the element that we master, because we follow all the stages of development.
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.
For Tesla, what to take between fabric or carbon chips?
The exceptional mechanical properties of carbon are deliberately forgotten for its visual configuration in the world of aesthetic modification of our vehicles. To name just a few benefits of carbon: its resistance to torsion, bending and its lightness.
However, these features are often overlooked in the Tesla world. These are elements aimed at reflecting the sportiness of the American brand. It should be understood that even in the case of body kit for Model S, 3, X or Y or any other automobile aiming to run on the circuit, the opposites generated on the latter will be supported by the lowest carbon range (so that there are defined as low-end).
However, there are several categories that will determine the stiffness of carbon, the most common being HR (high resistance), as it is the most flexible and versatile. 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 reason that it is combined.
Similarly for forged carbon, it will be used to prioritize the final look.
The important role that resin gives to assembly
Now let's talk about the key element of carbon parts: the resin. For carbon parts that are subjected to high heat, polyester resin (the most common and least expensive of all) will be prioritized, as for the development of carbon parts in large series.
You will find it in the manufacturing process for motorcycle exhaust cartridges. The primary advantage of epoxy resin is the resistance to stress it provides compared to polyester. The anti-UV resin is still a step above: no yellowing in the long term.
It is for this reason that we apply this type of product. The sun's rays will therefore have little or no effect on your cabin or body components and the overall appearance will be more translucent. This is the strongest point of this type of resin: the parts will not yellow in a few years.
The appearance may be perfect when installing the piece, but be careful as soon as summer arrives in force, it will gradually tarnish and become opaque. It must also be understood that the resin used will have a price directly related to its application, its quality and its durability.
To give you an order of magnitude, here are approximately the prices you can find on the French market:
• 1kg of Polyester resin = 8 to 10€
• The kilo of Epoxy resin is worth between 50 and €60
• 1kg of anti-UV Epoxy resin = €55 to €65
Paint finish for Tesla
The finishing varnish is the last mandatory touch to the production of carbon parts. We are so meticulous that the initial project was to mass-produce carbon parts that did not require finishing varnish. So once out of the mould, they had to be perfect.
The ambition of the Tesla brand being to reduce pollution and waste, it was a counter-productive idea to obtain so much waste. To obtain a more "standard" result in the production of our carbon elements, we have therefore started to use a higher quality varnish.
Once the gloss varnish has been 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.
What kind of carbon fabric do we find 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.
It is for this argument that you will be asked for information on the year and month of production of your Tesla before shipment.
Tesla S or X interior trim
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 upgrades provided. Carbon replacement elements or even inserts that will simply cover the main trim elements.
A forged carbon or 3K twill can embellish a sports steering wheel, but also a leather or Alcantara trim will complete the development of this one. So you keep control when ordering the choices that best suit your desires.
Model S and X: bodywork components
The most sought-after body element on the Model S is undoubtedly the Performance Spoiler. As with all Model Sport spoilers, the internal structure as well as the entire bonding surface are rectified upstream. Once the spoiler is installed, no difference is visible. At the time of writing, the Plaid version of the new Model S is also in progress.
Carbon adapts to all supports. Although it is very often used in the particular field of the automobile simply for its configuration, it will find its place on elements such as the grille or the mirror shells, with a slight loss of weight in the process.
Generally in glossy or matte finish, carbon will be in most cases 3K twill, however if you want a creation based on Texalium or forged carbon, send us a request directly by phone or email , so we can provide you with a personalized quote for your Model S or X.
Carbon achievements on Model 3 and Y
The most modified electric vehicle of all time is undoubtedly the Tesla Model 3, which receives an incredible number of carbon-based evolutions.
Share a lot of similarities with the Model Y, let's see what else you can find on them.
Model 3 and Y interior
Carbon inserts are almost standard equipment for the Tesla community. 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.
This is where we find the exceptional skill 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.
What characterizes the precision of the insert lies in the meticulousness of its cutting, as well as in the overall shape taking into account an ultra-thin double-sided in order to fit as close as possible to the components.
For the most demanding owners, replacement carbon elements also have a strong appreciation among the Tesla community. The carbon replacement components will give an entirely unique dimension to the passenger compartment of your Tesla, for meticulous people, you will obtain a finish that meets your expectations.
Model 3 and Y bodywork
The bodywork of the Model Y or 3 is not to be outdone with a good number of possible carbon-based customizations. You can totally makeover your Tesla using 3K twill or forged carbon. This concerns the 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. 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.
In addition, you can order more major modifications such as the swapping of the bonnet in real carbon. Not only will this allow for weight loss, but will give the car an unusual style.
