A video presentation of the 1 piece version of these carbon steering wheel inserts, namely that only the 3 piece version (in second video) has the arrow type indications.
These arrows are finely crafted and moreover are directly integrated with the resin during manufacture, so these indications will not suffer the effects of time and the multiple passages of your thumbs.
Finally, these indications have a slightly phosphorescent pigmentation, which will allow you to distinguish them, finely, at night.
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Do you want to know the basics and results of the carbon production process of Model Sport? What is a composite material? What is a carbon part?
We are going to focus our description around three paragraphs:
• Go back to the beginnings of the creation of carbon
• The unique layouts of the carbon used at Model Sport
• The reference carbon components for your flagship Tesla
At the end of this article, you will be able to get a real carbon element knowingly.
What is a composite material?
By definition, what is called composite material evokes the assembly of two elements together, which does not mix, but which produces an object more resistant to shocks/impacts/torsions/flexions than if they are used independently l each other.
Typically you can take reinforced concrete as an example.
What are the types of carbon or Texalium for your Tesla?
There are different types of carbon and above all multiple ways to present it and place it in its final location.
A distinction must be made which will be important for purists: what is commercially called "carbon" actually has the name "carbon fiber composite", it should be noted that in the field of lamination, it is this term that is used.
200 gram 3K twill 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.
You can see what the twill suggests in the image just above. Twill is the most widely used of weavings and for good reason, one of them is its maneuverability allowing it to adapt appreciably in a mold with pronounced shapes and curvatures.
There are even more accentuated details such as the 3/1, 2/2 and 4/4 criss-crossing, but this is not a technical development, but more of a brief explanation. The 3K sign means 3000 carbon strands for one weft. As a rough guide, a carbon filament is only 1/20th the thickness of a hair.
To designate and mention the most common types of carbon used in the different fields of industry, we must mention 1K, 3K, 6K and 12K.
The Tesla community as well as other automotive sectors and brands are particularly using 3K.
200gr/m² means that the carbon fabric, before its combination with the resin, weighs 200 grams for a sheet of 1 meter x 1 meter. 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 endurance properties.
Let's talk about forged carbon:
A qualification that may seem excessive for an appearance that is very divergent from the standards, however, this molding technique is in no way innovative.
To give you a simplistic definition, so-called "forged carbon" refers to a unique production process: carbon fiber is cut into small pieces and then dispersed evenly in a mold.
We now have to put the resin and tighten the positive and negative master of the mold until they are under compression. The temperature of the mold is also increased during this phase.
The logic used for the development of forged carbon thus gives a big advantage in terms of rigidity and lightness, because the density of carbon obtained per square centimeter compared to resin is higher.
Lamborghini is the pioneer in the application of forged carbon in the automotive field. However, it should be known that forged carbon has been used in the production of warheads since the 1980s.
Texalium: an unusual that occupies an essential place
Texalium is an entirely different material, generally mistaken for carbon by amateurs.
It is actually a glass fabric loaded with aluminum and then dyed to the desired color to give it a different appearance. Its mechanical arrangements are below the usual glass fabric (itself below the carbon fabric) and its application is purely for aesthetics.
We don't have to wait 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 has only just been evaluated In France.
Visually, how do you appreciate the appearance of real carbon?
We are going to present you various pieces made from this famous fiber. If you are interested in a product or part, Model Sport can provide you with a quote.
Is carbon resistant?
An oft-mentioned question, perhaps in the wrong way, but rightly so. The real question will be whether carbon is more resistant than another material?
To give you an idea, even at equal volumes, a carbon part is relatively stronger than an aluminum alloy part. It is important to come back to the term “resistant”, because it means everything and nothing. Even if carbon is less durable to impacts, it has surprising qualities when twisting or bending.
This is why we find such fine parts for the Tesla brand. Take the example of the dashboard cover insert, which is ultra-thin over a length of 1m40 and a thickness not exceeding 0.5mm. While knowing that they are routed throughout the French country or others who are neighbors.
How to explain the price of carbon?
To understand its final price, you must first understand its production: A single carbon fiber already requires a fairly remarkable amount of method.
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.
In our era where more and more environmentally responsible industries are waging war on chemicals, we must take note of the fact that more and more organizations are looking for solutions to continue to make carbon fiber , respected for its lightness, while having an eco-responsible production method.
The use of bio-sourced materials is gradually emerging to eliminate chemicals on the one hand and halve the price on the other. Then, the weaving of carbon fiber requires a substantial material. A carbon fiber is 20 times smaller than a human hair, this is what we need to raise awareness.
30 euros per square meter is the average price, at the time these lines are written, that you can find a 200gr/m² 3K twill carbon sheet. The number of layers as well as the cost of the resin to be used are also components to be taken into account. We also need a laminator with experience in laying carbon materials.
Model Sport carbon and its unique properties
Let's move on to the element that we master, because we follow 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.
For Tesla, what to take between fabric or pieces of carbon?
It goes without saying that the carbon fabric is expressly used for its aesthetic configuration rather than its mechanical abilities. To name just a few benefits of carbon: its resistance to torsion, bending and its lightness. However, these characteristics are often forgotten in the Tesla world.
Components are expressly manufactured to enhance aesthetics and highlight the aggressiveness of the 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 some characterized as low-end).
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 exclusively this type of carbon, HR, which is used by Model Sport for the production of all its parts.
Very often, however, HR is combined with HM, for "High Modulus", which will be much lighter, but much more brittle. It is for this argument that it is combined. Likewise for forged carbon, it will be used to prioritize the final appearance.
Does the resin used play a role in the quality of the finished part?
This is THE biggest difference that Model Sport carbon parts can boast of making, an epoxy resin making the difference.
For carbon parts that are subjected to high heat, polyester resin (the most common and the cheapest of all) will be given priority, as for the manufacture of carbon parts in large series. To give you an image, polyester is used for the manufacture of motorcycle carbon cartridges.
Epoxy resin will significantly increase the strength of parts subjected to residual loads. It is a good omen to specify that on this point, we make the difference: the use of an anti-UV epoxy resin is a clarity for Model Sport, it prevents yellowing of the parts over time.
In addition to having a more transparent appearance, the Anti-UV Epoxy Resin will not be affected by the effects of the sun. The yellowing of the resin is an inconvenience not to be taken lightly if you want to keep your vehicle for several years.
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 sale prices of the resin are given below:
• €8 to €10 for the kilogram of Polyester resin
• 1 kg of Epoxy resin = €50 to €60 • The kilo of anti-UV Epoxy resin is worth between 55 to 65€
What is the top coat on a carbon part?
It goes without saying that the finish is the icing on the cake. In the past, no paint was applied to the carbon components at all. The reason is that this ensured the longevity of the components. On the other hand, it was necessary to achieve the realization from the first shot.
Tesla's nerve center is to promote pollution reduction, so the high scrap rate of this production technique was ultimately a problem.
To remedy this, we systematically use high quality varnishes in order to "standardize" the finish of the carbon fiber components. Once the gloss varnish is 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 completed by a professional painter in one go.
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.
It is with this in mind that it is mandatory for us to call you, after ordering, to find out the year and month of production of your vehicle.
Tesla S or X interior trim
Although less widespread than our valiant Model 3, the Model S and X also have the right to some improvements and real carbon components.
Inserts such as for the dashboard, the central console or even the part of the cup holder.
The carbon steering wheel is also one of the reworkable parts that will give a diametrically opposed dimension to your life on board your Tesla. So you keep control when ordering the choices that best suit your desires.
Let's move on to the Model S and X bodywork
The electric sedan par excellence first receives the Performance spoiler. Always keen to make a difference, the matt Performance spoiler will benefit the Model Sport version from a rectified bonding surface and a lighter internal structure.
Although the dissimilarities made on the parts mentioned are not visible once the spoiler is in place, it will have the benefit of effectively possessing the lightness provided by carbon.
We are also currently working on the Plaid version as of this writing.
The grille or the mirror caps are also parts that will accept their carbon finish.
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.
On the Tesla Model 3 or Y, what type of carbon manufacturing?
The most modified electric vehicle of all time is undoubtedly the Tesla Model 3, which receives an incredible number of carbon-based modifications.
Many parts are similar to the Model Y (except the one in Berlin), it is important to look at what you can find in these two electrified icons.
Model 3 and Y and their interior modifications
The Tesla family of owners gets a certain culture of its own, carbon inserts are part of it.
A successful carbon insert must partly be finely cut so as not to create an "add-on" effect. This is why it is so difficult to mass-produce it.
The inserts find here all their interest and their production quality. 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 determines 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 lay as close as possible to the elements.
But you can just as well opt for a real carbon replacement element, which will be positioned directly in place of the changed part. The carbon dashboard and door trim are works of art that will add another dimension to the interior of your Tesla.
The body components of a Model Y or 3
As with the interior, the exterior of the Model 3 and Y has a number of possible upgrades.
In a gloss or matte finish, with 3K twill or forged carbon, you can transform your entire Tesla. One of the most popular components and undoubtedly the Performance spoiler in its matt version. For Model 3 or Y, it will always have a benefit compared to other carbon parts.
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. To combine the two benefits of carbon, which are weight loss and sportier appearance, you can opt for a more substantial modification such as the carbon front cover.
