All carbon parts made by Model Sport use anti-UV epoxy resin. Your spoiler will therefore not be afraid of the sun's rays and even less of yellowing or tarnishing in a few years.
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Do you want to know the ins and outs of Model Sport's carbon-building operation? How to define what is a composite material? Really, what is a carbon part?
We will make the argument around three main individual parts:
• It is interesting to look once and for all at what carbon actually is
• The unique provisions of carbon put in Powered by Model Sport
• The array of carbon tuning components for your Tesla
When you finish this page, no detail will escape you.
What is a composite material?
This type of production is a good way to obtain an object with high mechanical dispositions while using two components that cannot be mixed together, but which can be associated.
What to choose between the different types of carbon or Texalium for your electric sound?
Carbon actually has 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", you should know that in the field of lamination, it is this term that is used.
200 gram 3K twill carbon fabric:
Let's start with the most common of carbon fiber composites, 3K carbon in twill mesh. In other words, what is called "twill" is a name given to a certain way of weaving carbon.
Discern what twill weave is in the image just above. There is a reason why twill is very popular: firstly its ability to adapt to molds with pronounced curves, secondly its aesthetic appearance giving the impression of a diagonal weave.
However, we will not clarify the type of 3/1, 2/2 and 4/4 interlacing for the sake of understanding. The 3K sign evokes 3000 carbon filaments for a weft. As a rough guide, a strand of carbon is only 1/20th the thickness of a hair. So there are multiple denominations, the most common are 1K, 3K, 6K, 12K.
3K is the most popular in the Tesla world. As for the weight stated when selling a carbon sheet, if it is quoted "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 aspect considered much better than its comrades, but in no way for its mechanical endurance properties.
Forged Carbon:
We may think that this name of "forged carbon" is commercial or overused, however, its development operation requires equipment and implementation techniques that are already a few years old and above all, which certainly make it more efficient .
To roughly explain how it is produced: you have to cut each carbon frame into small pieces and then spread them evenly over the entire mold. Then, the positive and negative molds are put under specific temperature and compression conditions once the resin is added.
This molding method is the most sophisticated way to achieve a stiffer and lighter part than any other type of carbon: all the excess resin is ejected when pressurized, so you can intensify the carbon/carbon ratio. resin in favor of carbon.
You have to go back to the 1980s to discover the first applications of forged carbon in the warhead manufacturing industry, however this manufacturing process was noticed only from its use at the Lamborghini brand .
Let us now highlight the most foreign of all, which is Texalium
Very often it is likened to carbon, but that has nothing to do with it. The Texalium is totally different in substance and form.
It is in order to acquire the desired configuration that this material is actually fiberglass loaded with aluminum, the resin or the varnish will then be dyed to give it a specific color.
Its mechanical properties are below the usual glass fabric (itself below the carbon fabric) and its application is purely for aesthetics. Much better known in the United States, he barely manages to make himself known in France.
Carbon: what does it look like?
For this part, we're just going to give you a glimpse of what you can make with carbon fiber.
Note that if you are interested in one of these versions, Model Sport remains open to customization and can therefore provide you with a quote.
Can carbon be subjected to high loads?
Frequently asked, this is a request that deserves a little more in-depth development. It is very eminent to wonder if 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 resistant than the latter, all stresses combined. "Resistant" is a term that can have several meanings.
Aluminum is more malleable than carbon, but it can 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. Only two layers of carbon fabric are used to make a 1m40 long piece, which will be transported throughout the French country or other border countries.
How to explain the price of carbon?
To understand its final price, you must first understand its production: the process of making a single carbon fiber is already relatively complex.
The most used is from a synthetic fiber, polyacrylonitrile, which will be oxidized and carbonized to give us the famous carbon fiber. It is a totally chemical and very energy-intensive transformation. As you can imagine, the production of carbon fiber involves a number of chemicals that are not actually 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 application of unnatural products. It is increasingly recommended to eradicate chemicals and to reduce prices, sometimes even by two, to use biosourced materials.
The carbon production operation also requires expensive and bulky specialized equipment, not to mention its weaving. Keep in mind that compared to a human hair, a carbon fiber is 20 times thinner. For information, the square meter of carbon fabric is acquired at the price of 30 euros.
This applies in particular to the 200 grams/meter² twill 3K carbon. The number of sheets as well as the cost of the resin to be used are also elements to be taken into account. Finally, a competent laminator must be used to lay the product. Moreover, the operation must be carried out under special conditions.
What distinguishes Carbon for Tesla from Model Sport
We follow and prioritize all the manufacturing steps of our carbon components, so let's get to the major part. It takes knowledge of the actual shaping of an element to be able to guarantee a satisfactory 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 elements.
Fabric or carbon chips for Tesla?
The carbon fabric used is consciously focused on its aesthetic appearance before its mechanical properties. No stress, most of the time, will be subject to the components installed on your Tesla.
Automotive sportiness is the main purpose of these carbon elements. The constraints will be largely cashed on the Model S, 3, X or Y equipped with a body kit, even if it uses low-end carbon (i.e. it is difficult to manufacture so-called "poor quality" carbon). ").
However, there are several categories that will characterize the rigidity of carbon, the most common being HR (high resistance), as it is the most flexible and versatile. The latter is the one used by the Model Sport company for the production of all its carbon components.
Very often, however, HR is combined with HM, for "High Modulus", which will be much lighter, but much more brittle. It is for this reason that it is combined. The reference we can provide concerns forged carbon: it is commonly used for its appearance, however its primary purpose is unconventional resistance.
Which resin for carbon fiber?
Now let's talk about the key element of carbon parts: the resin. The mass production of certain carbon components is generally produced with polyester resin. It is inexpensive and withstands high heat fairly well.
In the motorcycle industry, polyester resin is used in combination with carbon to make exhaust cartridges. The primary advantage of epoxy resin is the resistance to stress it provides compared to polyester. Numerous tests have confirmed that one resin stands out among many others: anti-UV epoxy resin.
It does not tarnish over time and maintains the true look of carbon. The sun's rays will therefore have no or very little effect on your cabin or bodywork elements and the general appearance will be more translucent. And this detail really makes all the nuance, because without this treatment, you will have a carbon part that will yellow over time. 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.
The behavior over time is a determining factor in determining the price of a resin, as is its quality of production and its field of application.
Although the price may vary depending on the manufacturers and retailers, it is interesting to make a comparison on French territory between these multiple resins:
• The kilo of Polyester resin is worth between 8 and 10€ • The kilo of epoxy resin is worth between 50 and 60€
• 55 to 65€ for the kilogram of anti-UV epoxy resin
What is the topcoat on a carbon part?
It goes without saying that the finish is the icing on the cake. 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 with no possibility of catching up and therefore a high rate of “waste”. This leads to a very high and counterproductive scrap rate taking into account that the spirit of the Tesla brand is to reduce pollution, so this waste was nonsense.
We therefore use superior quality varnishes to "standardize" the finish of our carbon parts. The matte varnish gives a more luxurious finish, however, it needs extreme delicacy for its application in order to acquire the desired result. The glossy finish will be polished with a polisher to guarantee a mirror effect on the surface of the parts.
The kind of carbon on Tesla S and X vehicles
Even though there are many commonalities between the two models, there are still some notable differences based on production date.
So in most cases we call the owner, after ordering, to find out more information about the vehicle.
Tesla Model S or X, tuning up its interior
A real carbon tuning is also possible for the Model S and X even if they are less numerous than the Model 3.
The dashboard, the cup holder area or even the center console can receive a trim that differentiates it from the original. 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 demand which will give you total control when placing your order.
Model S and X: body parts
As for the Model S, the first element considered is the performance-type Spoiler. Always keen to make a difference, the matt Performance spoiler will benefit for the Model Sport version from a reworked bonding surface and a lighter internal structure.
Once the spoiler is installed, no difference is visible. We are also currently working on the Plaid version as of this writing. Smaller components such as the mirror caps or the grille can benefit from their full carbon finishes.
Generally in a 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 advent of carbon in the Tesla world has actually appeared since the launch of the Model 3.
Many of the parts are similar to the Model Y (except the Berlin one), it's interesting to look at what you can find in these two electrified icons.
What's inside the Model 3 and Y
We can't talk about Model 3 and Y without talking about carbon inserts, which have become part of the Tesla culture. It is an exercise in strength to be able to mass-produce carbon components that can cover a part while giving the impression that there is no addition.
The inserts find here all their interest and their manufacturing 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 designates 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.
The replacement components such as the carbon dashboard combined with the door trim will give your vehicle a real finish in the chosen material. For purists who love beautiful parts with meticulous manual work, the carbon dashboard and door trim will satisfy you.
Model 3 and Y bodywork
As with the interior, the exterior of the Model 3 and Y has a large number of possible evolutions. A good way to transform the external visual appearance, 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.
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 essential upgrades such as the permutation of the real carbon bonnet. Not only will this allow for weight loss, but will give the car an out-of-the-ordinary style.
