For some owners, the center console is singled out due to its black color which plunges the cabin into a somewhat too pronounced monotony.
These carbon inserts will stick on the original elements.
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What makes Model Sport carbon efficient? Composite material: its determination? Really, what is a carbon part?
We can deal with the subject by focusing on a multitude of parts:
• The real characterization of a real carbon
• Model Sport, the brand with an unknown sense of detail
• The elements in benchmark carbon for your flagship
Tesla The product will have no more secrets for you as soon as you have explored this paragraph.
What is a composite material?
By designation, what is called composite material evokes the assembly of two components together, which do not mix, but which produce an object more resistant to shocks/impacts/torsions/flexions than if they are used independently l each other.
Typically you can use reinforced concrete as an example.
What are the types of carbon or Texalium for your Tesla?
In fact, there are many kinds of carbon and many ways to work with it.
The term "carbon" is not complete; since it is in truth "carbon fiber composite". This designation is more correct.
200 gram twill 3K carbon membrane:
The 3K carbon twill, one of the most widespread in the automotive field and many other uses are devoted to it, let's see what is special about it. Twill is a name that characterizes the internal structure of the intermeshes of the carbon wefts.
To give you an idea, the figure just above shows you how each carbon weft and weave, with each other. One of the reasons for the extensive use of twill is undoubtedly its maneuverability: it is able to take the shape of almost any architecture.
That said, we will not detail the type of intersection in 3/1, 2/2 and 4/4.
The sign annotated "3K" characterizes the total number of filaments that make up a single carbon frame, in total unit: 3000 strands.
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. So there are multiple denominations, the most common are 1K, 3K, 6K, 12K. The 3K is the most popular in the Tesla world.
Finally, to finish the development of the carbon fabric, if it is indicated 200gr/m², this specifies its weight on a surface of 1meter x 1meter before it is associated with resin. For the Tesla community, the 3K twill in 200gr/m² is the most appreciated for its aesthetic configuration considered much better than its comrades, but not for its mechanical resistance properties.
Forged carbon:
A name that may seem abusive for an aspect very different from the standards, however, this molding technique is nothing new. To develop it, you must first cut the carbon into small strips and spread it more or less evenly in the mould.
Once the resin has been added, the mold is pressurized (with a positive and negative master) and then heated to high temperature. The method used for the development 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.
Although the general public has discovered this appearance of carbon since its application by Lamborghini, forged carbon has been used since 1980 in various fields such as the production of missile warheads.
A material worth explaining: Texalium
Very often it is likened to carbon, but that has nothing to do with it. The Texalium is entirely different in substance and form.
To roughly determine what Texalium is: we can assimilate it to glass fabric which is loaded with aluminum and then nuanced, either in the mass with resin, or with the finishing varnish with a color a choice. Aesthetics is essentially favored at the expense of its efficiency, because it is below the glass fabric in terms of mechanical performance.
We don't have to wait for other countries to see a new arrival here, Texalium is no exception to the rule, because it has been widespread in the United States for a few years, when it has only just been evaluated In France.
Carbon: what is it?
We are going to provide you with some examples of the use of carbon fiber.
If you are interested in a product or part, Model Sport can provide you with a quote.
Can carbon be subjected to high loads?
This question deserves a proper answer once and for all. It is very eminent to ask whether the famous carbon is more resistant 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. Nevertheless, the term "resistant" deserves an observation.
Even if carbon is less durable to impacts, it has surprising qualities when twisting or bending. This is one of the aspects of carbon that allows us to make elements as thin as the inserts.
The dashboard insert for the Y or 3 models is worth mentioning: this element is only useful for its aesthetics (as with the majority of carbon elements for Tesla), but this additional part of 1 meter 40 can be produced in just two layers of carbon fabric, with a thickness not exceeding 0.5 mm is sent throughout France without problem.
How to explain the price of carbon?
To assimilate its final price, you must first understand its production: Preceding it by producing a single carbon fiber is already quite complex.
The most used is from a synthetic fiber, polyacrylonitrile, which will be oxidized and calcined to give us the famous carbon fiber. It is an entirely chemical and very energy-intensive transformation. The awareness of more and more carbon fiber production industries gives rise to certain projects, essentially directed with the aim of developing it using as few chemicals as possible.
The use of bio-sourced materials is fashionable 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 material required to weave the carbon fibers is also more than substantial, in terms of investment and space.
The strand of carbon remains an absolutely fantastic creation, if we keep in mind that it suggests that 1/20th the thickness of a human hair.
For information, the square meter of carbon fabric is purchased for 30 euros.
This applies in particular to the 200 grams/meter² twill 3K carbon. It is also necessary to consider the price of the resin used and the number of tablecloths to be laid. We also need a laminate with knowledge in laying carbon materials.
What distinguishes Carbon for Tesla from Model Sport
Let's move on to the element that we master, because we follow all the manufacturing steps. It takes knowledge of the actual shape of an element to be able to ensure an acceptable 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.
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 abilities. To name just a few benefits of carbon: its endurance to torsion, bending and its lightness.
However, these features are often overlooked in the Tesla world. These are elements aimed at conveying the sportiness of the American brand. 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 determined as low-end).
Moreover, the most used variety, even the most standard, is the HR, for "high resistance", which is very appreciated for its versatility and its capacity for flexibility. To design and mass-produce the carbon components of Model Sport, it is indeed the HR that will be discussed.
It differs from HM (High Modulus) which will certainly be lighter, but also much more brittle, so much so that it almost always has to be combined with HR. Forged carbon indicates this use primarily for its appearance than for its properties, however, it has many different characteristics.
Does the resin used play a role in the quality of the finished part?
This is THE most crucial difference that the carbon parts of Model Sport can boast of making, an epoxy resin making the difference.
The mass production of certain carbon elements is generally produced with polyester resin. It is inexpensive and withstands high heat fairly well.To give you an image, polyester is used for the production of carbon cartridges for motorcycles.
Epoxy resin will greatly increase the endurance of parts subjected to residual loads.
We consciously use Epoxy resin, after many tests, and not just any resin: it has an anti-UV treatment that will prevent it from tarnishing or yellowing over time. Apart from its more translucent appearance, 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. 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:
• 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€
What does the topcoat match on a carbon part?
It goes without saying that the finish is the icing on the cake. In a concern for ultimate quality, we had produced at the very beginning parts without finishing varnish, which required an uncompromising quality of elaboration from the first try.
The ambition of the Tesla brand being to minimize pollution and waste, it was a counter-productive idea to get so much waste. To obtain a more "standard" result in the production of our carbon components, we have therefore started to use a higher quality varnish.
Matte varnish gives a more "opulent" finish, however, it requires extreme delicacy for its application in order to obtain the desired result. The glossy finish will be polished with a polisher to guarantee a mirror effect on the surface of the parts.
The carbon fabric on the Tesla Model S and X
Even though there are many customary points between the two models, there are still some notable differences depending on the production date.
Don't be surprised to receive a call after ordering to find out the year and month of registration of your vehicle.
Tesla Model S or X, tuning up its interior
Although less widespread than our valiant Model 3, the Model S and X also have the right to some evolutions and elements in real carbon.
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.
So you keep total control when ordering the choices that best suit your desires.
Model S and X bodywork
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. This difference will not be seen once the Spoiler is installed. At this very moment, the latest version of the Plaid spoilers is also being designed to also receive a series production.
The carbon finish is so versatile and in demand as components such as the mirrors or even the grille. Model Sport remains flexible and will respond to your request in the event that you wish to achieve finishes other than 3K twill carbon.
On the Tesla Model 3 or Y, what type of carbon manufacturing?
The advent of carbon in the Tesla world has certainly appeared since the launch of the Model 3.
Tesla's two best-selling electric vehicles have a lot in common.
Model 3 and Y interior
Part of the Tesla community became aware of carbon inserts for Model 3 or Y. A successful carbon insert must partly be finely cut so as not to create an "addition" effect. It is for this argument that it is so difficult to mass-produce it.
It is on this assumption that the quality of an insert must be judged. 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.
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.
For the most demanding owners, replacement carbon components are also highly appreciated by the Tesla community. 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 parts
The Model Y or 3 bodywork 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.
It concerns 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. In addition, you can order more essential upgrades such as the real carbon bonnet exchange. First, it will allow weight loss, but give the car a unique style.