Carbon replacement shells are manufactured to give you a genuine replacement part for your original shells.
An assembly manual will guide you through the replacement.
You are probably familiar with the deposit principle: taking back your old parts gives you the right to a refund.
The recovery carried out on the carbon mirror shells will give us the opportunity to reuse your old parts to produce our painted ABS version which will be reconditioned by us.
The principle remains simple: a prepaid return label is attached to your order in the package. Once the new shells are installed, you place the old ones in the package, stick the prepaid label on the package, and drop everything off at a postal center.
Once received at our premises, you automatically receive a refund of €40 on your order.
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Model Sport, the company that promotes a method of developing carbon parts, but which one? What does a composite material mean? What is a carbon part?
Three points are mandatory to explain the product:
• the true meaning of what is called a carbon element
• Model Sport, the brand with a unique sense of detail
• All customizations for your reference electric
The product will have no more secrets for you as soon as you have read this paragraph.
What is a composite material?
To put it simply, you simply have to assimilate that what is called a composite material suggests two materials that have synthesized with each other, without ever becoming homogeneous.
This combination will bring you a single element which will benefit from greater mechanical properties than if the components are used alone.
What to choose between the different types of carbon or Texalium for your electric sound?
Carbon has really many variations and above all there are many ways to implement it.
The term "carbon" is not complete; since it is actually "carbon fiber composite". This designation is more correct.
200 gram twill 3K carbon membrane:
3K carbon in twill weave is undoubtedly the most common of its variety, let's start with this one. Twill is a name that defines the composition of the inter-mesh of the carbon wefts.
Consider what the 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.
That said, we will not detail the type of intersection in 3/1, 2/2 and 4/4. The abbreviation "3K" means that 3000 carbon filaments are part of a single frame. 1/20th the thickness of a hair: this is an order of magnitude that will let you know the diameter of a single carbon filament. 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 as well as other areas and automotive brands are particularly using 3K. 200gr/m² evokes that the carbon fabric, before its conjugation with the resin, weighs 200 grams for a sheet 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 use in many industries, which makes it good market.
The unknown in its class: forged carbon
A name that may seem abusive for an appearance very different from the standards, however, this molding technique is not innovative. To develop it, you must first cut the carbon into small strips and sprinkle it more or less evenly into the mould. It is now necessary to put the resin and to tighten the positive and negative master of the mold until putting them under compression.
The mold temperature also increased during this phase. The method used for the development 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.
Although the general public has known this appearance of carbon since its use by Lamborghini, forged carbon has been used since 1980 in various fields such as the production of missile warheads.
The Texalium, the Stranger:
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 tinted either in the mass, by mixing a dye with the resin, or in the varnish. It should be noted however that its mechanical provisions are less compared to those of a usual glass fabric. And its application is purely aesthetic.
You have to wait longer for other countries to see an innovation arrive here, Texalium is no exception to the rule, because it has been used in the United States for a few years, when it is only just being evaluated In France.
Carbon: what does it look like?
We are going to present you multiple pieces made from this famous fiber.
We make 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 resistance of the material is up to the task, but compared to what? It is very interesting to wonder if the famous carbon is more resistant than another material?
As an indication, 1 kg of carbon is stronger than 1 kg of aluminum alloy. "Resistant" is a term that can have several meanings. Aluminum is more malleable than carbon, but it can also be more impact efficient.
It is one of the aspects of carbon that allows us to manufacture 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 (like most carbon elements for Tesla). Only two layers of carbon fabric are used to make a 1m40 long piece, which will be sent throughout France without complication.
How to explain the price of carbon?
What is essential to explain in order to understand the price of carbon, it is necessary to go back to the operation of elaboration of it. The technique of shaping a carbon weft is already complicated enough.
It takes a very heavy production process in terms of energy consumption to make carbon fiber: we start with a specific synthetic fiber, called polyacrylonitrile, which must be oxidized and then carbonized with a specific way to obtain carbon fiber.
As you can imagine, the production of carbon fiber involves a number of chemicals that are certainly not 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 remove the vast majority of chemicals and also cut the price in half.
Also bear in mind that the equipment required to make even a single piece of carbon fiber is quite expensive in every sense of the word. 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 3K twill carbon fabric in 200gr/m² costs around €30. It is also necessary to consider the price of the resin used and the number of layers to be applied. Finally, the fees of an experienced laminator are to be considered.
What differentiates carbon for Tesla from Model Sport
Mastering the stages of production is important to know the finished product, which is why we are addressing this subject.
You have to turn to François SPITALS, the creator of the Model Sport brand, to find the experience necessary for the development of carbon parts.
For Tesla, what to take between fabric or pieces of carbon?
The surprising mechanical properties of carbon are voluntarily forgotten for its visual aspect in the world of aesthetic improvements 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. Automotive sportiness is the main purpose of these carbon components. Any type of carbon, even one that will be categorized as low-end, will be able to withstand the constraints imposed on it.
Moreover, the most used category, see the most standard, and the HR, for "high resistance", which is very noted for its versatility and flexibility. To design and mass-produce the carbon components of Model Sport, it is indeed the HR that will be in question.
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 parallel we can draw is forged carbon, which has a higher mechanical function, but is used for its different aesthetics.
What is the best resin to use?
Here we enter the most interesting area of this description: resin. The mass production of certain carbon elements is generally produced with polyester resin. It is inexpensive and withstands high heat fairly well.
You will find it in the production process of motorcycle exhaust cartridges. With regard to the production of carbon parts subject to potential loads, the epoxy resin will provide the whole composite material with greater resistance. It is a good omen to specify that on this point, we make the difference: the use of an anti-UV epoxy resin is obvious for Model Sport, this one avoids yellowing of the parts over time.
The attack of UV rays emitted by the sun will therefore have no effect on your carbon parts, what is more, the appearance is more transparent. The yellowing of the resin is an inconvenience not to be taken lightly if you wish to keep your vehicle for several 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. The resistance over time is a determining point for knowing the price of a resin, as is its quality of manufacture and its field of application.
At this stage, it is interesting to evaluate the selling price of such a product in France:
• The kilo of Polyester resin is worth between 8 and 10€
• 50 to 60 € for the kilogram of Epoxy resin
• The kilogram of Epoxy Anti-UV resin is worth between 55 to 65€
Paint finish for Tesla
This is of course the final phase of a customization 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 production was needed without the possibility of catching up and therefore a high rate of “waste”.
Which induces a very high and counterproductive scrap rate taking into account that the spirit of the Tesla brand is to mitigate pollution, so this mess was nonsense. We then identified a solution to "standardize" the finishing operations: the use of a superior quality varnish.
Once the glossy varnish has been applied, it will be carefully buffed to give it a polished surface. The mat, which does not benefit from any possible recovery thanks to polishing, is completed by a professional painter in one go.
The type of carbon on the Tesla S and X automobiles
While many components match in both versions, there are some differences between years.
In most cases, we therefore call the owner, after ordering, to find out more information about the 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. The real carbon will be used to modify the dashboard, the areas around the center console or even other elements 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. The latter will have a fairly precise focus, which many other accessories will be able to benefit from in the future.
Let's move on to the Model S and X bodywork
The performance spoiler for the Model S is the most considered for the latter. 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 trunk.
Once the spoiler is in place, no difference is visible. The Plaid version is also under development at the time of writing this paragraph. 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 components such as the grille or the mirror shells, with a slight loss of weight in passing.
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.
The Model 3 and Y: perfect bases for carbon projects
The Model 3 marked the advent of carbon in the Tesla world: it is the most modified electric vehicle today.
Let's take a look at the similarities with the Model Y, which shares many carbon accessories.
What's inside the Model 3 and Y
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 technical feat.
Each insert must be able to be applied without giving an "addition" effect. It is on this assumption that the quality of an insert must be judged. It is after many trials, errors and corrections that we have succeeded in producing inserts that meet your expectations.
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.
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.
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 be installed on the edge of the trunk to give your Tesla its sporty side.
You can also choose more advanced upgrades like the real carbon front cover, an absolutely beautiful part that will definitely save you weight, while keeping its application fully functional.
