Carbon dashboard
Tesla Model S - X

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Do you want to know what makes Model Sport's carbon unique? The role of a composite material in the automotive industry? The true definition of a carbon element?

Here we will see these fundamentals in three parts:
• the true meaning of what is called "a carbon element"
• Model Sport, the brand with an unusual sense of detail
• Anything you can customize

The product will no longer have any secrets for you as soon as you have read this sales pitch.

Definition of a composite material:

A composite material is an assembly of two components that cannot blend together homogeneously, but together they give a material with improved mechanical properties.

Which variety of carbon or Texalium for your Tesla?

In fact, there are many categories of carbon and many ways to work with it.

This is the real name "carbon fiber composite" that should be used, even if in the majority of cases it is called "carbon", this name is much more correct in the world of stratification.

200 gram 3K twill carbon fabric:

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 structure of the intermeshes of the carbon wefts. You can see what the twill picks up in the image just above.

There is a reason why twill is highly valued: firstly its ability to conform to molds with pronounced curves, 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.

An important thing to understand regarding the designation "3K", this characterizes the number of filaments that make up a single frame, in this case: 3000. Information that will give you a more or less precise image of what the diameter of a strand of carbon represents: 1/20th the thickness of a human hair, so be aware of the importance of adding these.

Actually, there are several varieties; the most common of which are 1K, 3K, 6K and 12K. The Tesla community, as well as other automotive sectors and brands, particularly use 3K.

200gr/m² means that the carbon fabric, before its association 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 noticed for its aesthetic configuration considered much better than its comrades, but not for its mechanical endurance properties.

Forged carbon, let's see what this name represents:

A denomination that may seem abusive for an aspect that is very divergent from the standards, however, this molding technique is nothing new.

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. Then, the positive and negative molds are put under specific temperature and compression conditions once the resin is added.

This production process increases the density of carbon fiber per square centimeter compared to resin and thus gives a stiffer and lighter part. Lamborghini is the pioneer in the automotive world to have used the latter. Note all the same that its appearance and application has been present since the 80s concerning the production of missile heads.

Texalium, the unusual:

Often confused with carbon, Texalium is a material in its own right that deserves its place in this designation.

It is actually a glass fabric loaded with aluminum and then tinted to the desired color to give it a different appearance. A totally decorative use for this finish, because its mechanical properties are lower compared to simple glass fabric (which itself is below carbon).

Note that Texalium has been around for several years and is just managing to take its place in certain tune-ups in France, but that it is much more widespread and used in the United States.

What does carbon look like visually?

For this part, we will simply give you examples of what is possible to produce with carbon fiber.

If you are interested in a product or part, Model Sport can provide you with a quote.

What mechanical force can be exerted on carbon?

Constantly questioned, this is a request that deserves a little more in-depth development. In truth, it is more accurate to wonder about the possible comparisons with other materials.

At equal volume, a carbon part will be more durable and much lighter than an aluminum alloy, for example. "Resistant" is a term that can have several meanings. Because an aluminum part will perhaps behave better during impact, which will depend on the weaving used for the carbon in comparison.

This is why we find such fine parts for the Tesla brand. For model 3 or Y, the dashboard cover insert is a very good example, but this part of more than 1 meter 40 can be produced in simply two layers of carbon fabric, with a thickness not exceeding not 0.5 mm and routed throughout the French country or others who are border.

The reason for the cost of purchasing the carbon fabric?

Let's go back to the production of the carbon fabric to assimilate the price of it. Preceding the production of a single carbon fiber is already complex enough. The technique that prevails over the others is composed in this way: a specific synthetic fiber, a polyacrylonitrile, will be oxidized and then carbonized to finally deliver what is called carbon fiber. It takes a lot of energy to achieve such a chemical mutation.

As you can imagine, the production of carbon fiber involves a number of chemicals that are not really 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.

The use of bio-sourced materials is fashionable and even more and more necessary to meet certain environmental criteria put in place. The goal: the elimination of chemicals, but also a division of the price. The carbon production operation also requires expensive and bulky specialized equipment, not to mention its weaving.

30 euros per square meter is the average price, at the time of writing, that you can find a 200gr/m² 3K twill carbon sheet.

Don't forget that we must add to this the cost of the resin, which we will see can have essentially variable prices depending on its quality, and also that very often, if not all the time, a part in carbon is produced in several sheets. The fees of an experienced laminator are, finally, to be assessed.

The typical carbon qualities of Model Sport

A part that we are lucky to master, because we scrupulously analyze all the stages of development.

One of the principles that will guarantee you successful results in any area is “who do you listen to?”

Listen only to people who have the results you want to have”. It is therefore necessary to turn to the creator of the company Model Sport, designer and producer of bodywork, to find the know-how necessary for the development of carbon elements for your Tesla.

A Tesla dressed in carbon weave or its laminated version?

The exceptional mechanical provisions of carbon are deliberately forgotten for its visual aspect in the world of the aesthetic modification of our vehicles. No stress, most of the time, will be subject to the components installed on your Tesla. These are elements aimed at conveying the sportiness of the American brand.

For the entire Tesla range, the constraints generated on the components, even a body kit, will be largely absorbed, even on a so-called "low-end" carbon. To date, there are multiple categorizations of carbon stiffness. But the most used being the "HR" or High Resistance for flexibility and versatility. It is this kind of carbon, the HR, which is used by Model Sport for the production of all its parts.

Very often, the HR is however combined with the 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 generally used for its configuration, however its primary purpose is extraordinary resistance.

Selecting the right resin with the right carbon

This is THE most crucial difference that the carbon parts of Model Sport 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 prioritized, as for the production of carbon parts in large series.

You will find it in the production operation of motorcycle exhaust canisters. With regard to the development of carbon parts subjected to potential loads, the Epoxy resin will provide the whole composite material with greater endurance. The anti-UV resin is still a step above: no yellowing in the long term.

This is why we use this type of product. In addition to having a more transparent general appearance, the anti-UV Epoxy resin will not be affected by the effects of the sun. It is a singularity that will be felt only a multitude of years after installation, but if the anti-UV treatment is not present, beware of yellowing of the parts.

The appearance may be perfect when installing the piece, but be careful as soon as summer arrives in full force, it will gradually tarnish and become opaque. It should also be understood that the resin used will have a price directly related to its application, its quality and its durability.

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€
• 1kg of anti-UV Epoxy resin = 55 to 65€

The final varnish applied to the carbon parts

It must be said that it is the operation that closes the project. We are so meticulous that the initial project was to mass-produce carbon parts that did not require finishing varnish.

So once out of the mould, they had to be perfect. The nerve center of Tesla is to promote the reduction of pollution, so the high scrap rate of this production method was ultimately a problem.

To remedy this, we systematically use high quality varnishes in order to "standardize" the finish of the carbon fiber components. The matte varnish gives a more luxurious finish, however, it needs extreme finesse 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 type of carbon on the Tesla S and X vehicles

There are many differences between the interiors of the Model S and X. However, it is true that many elements are practically identical.

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.

Tesla S or X interior trim

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 improvements provided.

Replacement carbon elements or even inserts that will simply cover the main trim components.

Forged carbon or 3K twill can enrich a sports steering wheel, but also leather or Alcantara trim will complete the personalization of this one. So you keep total control when ordering the choices that best suit your desires.

Model S and X bodywork

The performance spoiler for the Model S is the most sought after for the latter. As with all Model Sport spoilers, the internal structure as well as the entire bonding surface are ground in advance.

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 mass 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 elements such as the grille or the hulls of mirrors, with a slight loss of weight in passing. Model Sport remains flexible and will respond to your request in case you want to achieve finishes other than 3K twill carbon.

On the Tesla Model 3 or Y, what type of carbon elaboration?

The most modified electric vehicle of all time is arguably the Tesla Model 3, which receives an incredible number of carbon-based upgrades.

Many of the parts are similar to the Model Y (except the Berlin one), it is important to look at what you can find in these two electrified icons.

Model 3 and Y interior

Carbon inserts have almost become a culture for the Tesla community. The feat of the inserts is to succeed in mass-producing an element that must scrupulously respect a given thickness in order to avoid the "addition" effect. The inserts find here all their interest and their quality of realization.

It is after many trials, errors and corrections that we now produce inserts that meet your expectations. The keys to a quality insert are tight cutting and precision gluing.

Replacement elements 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.

The body parts of a Model Y or 3

As with the interior, the exterior of the Model 3 and Y has a large number of possible modifications. 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. 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 important evolutions such as the replacement of the real carbon bonnet. First, it will allow weight loss, but give the car a unique style.