The carbon front boot insert will find its place in the recess present around the front boot hook.
The outer cut is made as close as possible to the outer edges, an artifice that will give you the impression of a singular element, reminiscent of the sporty side of your Tesla.
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What is the strength of Model Sport carbon? What does a composite material mean? What is a carbon part?
We are going to make the argument around three main singular parts:
• The real determination of a real carbon
• The divergent vision of the Model Sport brand in the manufacture of its carbon parts
• The range of carbon customization components for your Tesla
By finishing your reading, you will be able to obtain a real carbon element knowingly.
Composite material: what does it mean?
To put it simply, you only have to understand that what is called a composite material suggests two materials that have synthesized with each other, without ever becoming homogeneous.
This conjugation will give you one and the same element which will hold more important mechanical provisions than if the components are used alone.
What are the types of carbon or Texalium for your Tesla?
In fact, there are many types of carbon and many ways to work with it.
The term "carbon" is not perfect; since it is actually "carbon fiber composite", this name is much more correct in the world of lamination.
3K twill in 200gr, the function of carbon fabric:
Let's start with the most common of carbon fiber composites, 3K carbon in twill mesh. Each way of weaving carbon has a specific name, that of twill is one of them.
Consider what twill weave is in the image just above. There is an argument why twill is very popular: firstly its ability to adapt to molds with a strong curve, secondly its aesthetic appearance giving the impression of a diagonal weave.
However, we will not detail the type of interlacing in 3/1, 2/2 and 4/4 for the sake of understanding.
The sign annotated "3K" determines the total number of filaments that make up a single carbon frame, in total unit: 3000 filaments.
Information that will give you a more or less precise image of what the diameter of a strand of carbon is: 1/20th the thickness of a human hair, so be aware of the importance of adding these latter.
1K, 3K, 6K and 12K are the most used categories in the automotive, motorcycle, aviation or other types of carbon used in large industries. The Tesla community is particularly accustomed to seeing 3K.
As for the weight stated when selling a carbon sheet, if it is mentioned "200gr/m²", this specifies the weight that 1m² of this sheet weighs before it is confused with a resin. For the Tesla community, the 3K twill in 200gr/m² is the most appreciated for its aesthetic configuration considered to be much better than its friends, but in no way for its mechanical endurance provisions.
The unknown in its class: forged carbon
We may think that this name of "forged carbon" is commercial or overused, however, its development process requires equipment and implementation techniques that are already a few years old and above all, which really make it more efficient .
The "forged carbon" method 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 put under specific temperature and compression conditions once the resin is added.
This production 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. We have to go back to the 1980s to discover the first uses of forged carbon in the warhead production industry, however this manufacturing process was noticed only from its use at the Lamborghini brand.
Now let's highlight the most alien of all, which is Texalium
Texalium is a completely different material, generally mistaken for carbon by amateurs.
It is in order to acquire the desired configuration 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.
You should know, however, that its mechanical properties are less than those of a usual glass fabric. And its use is purely aesthetic.
Be aware that Texalium is a material that has existed for years, but is little used in France. It is also much more widespread and on the Atlantic side.
What does carbon look like visually?
With carbon fiber, what exactly is it possible to produce?
Question customization, know that Model Sport is at your service. Just contact us for a quote.
What is the resistance of carbon?
It is legitimate to wonder if the endurance of the material is up to par, but compared to what? It is very interesting to wonder if the famous carbon is more resistant than another material? At equal volume, a carbon part will be stronger 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.
Even if carbon is less resistant to impacts, it has exceptional qualities when twisting or bending. It is for this reason that we find such fine parts for the Tesla brand. The dashboard insert for the Model Y or 3 deserves to be mentioned: this element is only useful for its aesthetics (as with most carbon components for Tesla).
Only two layers of carbon fabric are used to develop a 1m40 long piece, which will be sent throughout France without any problem.
How to explain the price of carbon?
Let's go back to the production of the carbon fabric to assimilate the price of it. A single carbon fiber already requires quite a remarkable amount of technique.
It takes a very heavy manufacturing process in terms of energy consumption to produce carbon fibre: we start with a specific synthetic fibre, called polyacrylonitrile, which will have to be put under oxidation and then carbonized with a specific way to obtain carbon fiber.
Be aware that this race for ecology gives rise to many projects to continue to use carbon fiber for its lightness, while guaranteeing chemical-free production.
The use of bio-sourced materials is gradually emerging to eliminate chemicals on the one hand and halve the price on the other. Also take into account that the equipment required to develop even a carbon fiber is quite expensive in every sense of the word.
The carbon filament remains an absolutely fantastic creation, if we keep in mind that it suggests that 1/20th the thickness of a human hair.
To give you a price, which remains indicative, as it is subject to variations in the world economic price: €30 per square meter. This price is given for a 3K twill carbon tablecloth that weighs 200gr per square meter. Added to this are the number of tablecloths and the price of the resin, which is not comparable in quality and price. Then, the expertise of a laminator who knows how to install and put the materials in question in the right conditions.
The specific qualities of carbon from Model Sport
We follow and prioritize all the stages of development of our carbon components, so let's get to the most important part.
One of the foundations that will assure you of 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 know-how necessary for the development of carbon components for your Tesla.
For Tesla, what to take between fabric or pieces of carbon?
The carbon fabric used is deliberately focused on its aesthetic appearance before its mechanical provisions. We regularly talk about resistance to twisting and bending, however, on a Tesla these skills will be forgotten. These are elements aimed at conveying the sportiness of the American brand.
It must be understood that even in the case of 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 category, even the most standard, is the HR, for "high resistance", which is very noted for its versatility and its flexibility.
To design and mass-produce the carbon elements of Model Sport, it is indeed the HR that will be discussed. We can compare it to the HM (High Modulus) which will be much lighter. But on the other hand, it is also much more brittle, so brittle that it must be combined with HR to guarantee its function.
Forged carbon illustrates this use primarily for appearance than for its properties, however, it has many different characteristics.
The important role that resin plays in assembly
This is THE most crucial difference that the carbon parts of Model Sport can boast of making, an epoxy resin making the difference.
For any piece that is intended for the general public and that requires mass production, polyester will be prioritized with the use of fiberglass.
You should know that for carbon parts that will be very exposed to heat, polyester will also be used for its high resistance to high temperatures. In the field of motorcycles, polyester resin is used in combination with carbon to develop exhaust cartridges.
Epoxy resin will greatly increase the endurance of parts subjected to residual loads. The anti-UV resin is still a step above: no yellowing in the long term. It is for this reason that we use this type of product. The aggressions of UV rays emitted by the sun will thus have no effect on your carbon parts, what is more, the appearance is more transparent.
This is a specificity that will be felt a few years after installation, but if the anti-UV treatment is not present, beware of yellowing of the parts. A multitude of parameters come into play when buying a resin, which will partly determine its initial price: its ease of application, its long-term hold and its production quality.
For the French market, the selling prices of the resin are given below:
• The kilo of Polyester resin is worth between 8 and 10€
• 1kg of Epoxy resin = 50 to 60€
• The kilo of anti-UV Epoxy resin is worth between 55 to 65€
A coat of paint to guarantee a perfect finish
It must be said that it is the operation that closes the project. In the past, no paint was applied to the carbon parts at all.
The reason is that we ensured the longevity of the elements. On the other hand, it was necessary to achieve the realization from the first shot. Which induces a very high and counterproductive scrap rate taking into account that the spirit of the Tesla brand is to minimize pollution, so this waste was nonsense.
Using a premium topcoat seemed like a no-brainer. It is for this argument that the high quality varnish has imposed itself in our production process to "standardize" the process.
Matte varnish gives a more luxurious finish, however, it needs 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.
What kind of carbon fabric do we find on the Tesla Model S and X
Although many of the components match in both versions, there are some differences between the years.
It is with this in mind that it is essential for us to call you, after ordering, to find out the year and month of production of your vehicle.
Model S and X interior
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 modifications provided. Carbon replacement components or even inserts that will simply cover the main trim components.
The predominant point, the steering wheel, can also benefit from a fine-tuning with leather or Alcantara trim, depending on your choice.
For the latter, we offer a very precise personalization service on request which will give you total control when placing your order.
Let's move on to the Model S and X bodywork
As for the Model S, the first element sought is the Performance-type Spoiler. To guarantee an uncompromising result, the Model Sport version of the Performance spoiler will have a bonding surface as well as a unique internal structure.
Lighter, but also more adapted to the curvature of the boot. This difference will not be seen in any case 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.
Carbon adapts to all supports. Although it is very often used in the particular field of the automobile only for its appearance, it will find its place on components such as the grille or the mirror shells, with a slight loss of weight in the process. Model Sport remains flexible and will respond to your request in case you want to achieve finishes other than 3K twill carbon.
The carbon composite on the Tesla 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.
Let's take a look at the similarities with the Model Y, which shares many carbon accessories.
Model 3 and Y and their interior modifications
Part of the Tesla community is undoubtedly familiar with carbon inserts for Model 3 or Y. A successful carbon insert must partly be finely cut so as not to produce an "addition" effect.
This is why it is so difficult to mass-produce it. This is where we find the exceptional capacity 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 right manufacturing technique.
The keys to a quality insert are tight cutting and precision gluing. For the most demanding owners, the replacement carbon elements also have a strong appreciation with the Tesla community.
For purists who love beautiful parts with meticulous manual work, the carbon dashboard and door trim will satisfy you.
Model 3 and Y: exterior modifications
Here too, with regard to the Model 3 and Y, the body modifications with carbon elements are really well provided. 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. Having become almost a standard in the Tesla world, it will stick directly to the edge of the trunk.
In addition, you can order major modifications such as the replacement of the real carbon bonnet. Firstly, it will allow for weight loss, but will give the car an out of the ordinary style.