What is Textile Sublimation?

Textile sublimation is a modern and eco-friendly printing process used specifically to transfer images, logos, or patterns onto textiles, mainly polyester fabrics. Sublimation is a physical phenomenon in which a substance transitions directly from a solid state to a gaseous state without passing through the intermediate liquid state. This process typically occurs under specific conditions of pressure and temperature, where the water-based ink integrates into the polyester molecule (see below) for maximum comfort.

KONY FRANCE, a specialist in cycling teamwear in club colors for 50 years, is among the top 3 French manufacturers. By adopting this manufacturing process, listening, professionalism, and quality are the key values. Our price-quality ratio is highly advantageous, and our overall offer is one of the most competitive on the market.

The Textile Sublimation Process

KONY follows a process that requires preparing the image or pattern, which is created using graphic design software. This image must be prepared according to the size, colors, and specifics of the textile on which it will be transferred.

The image is then printed onto a transfer paper, also called "sublimation paper," using a printer equipped with technical inks. These water-based, solvent-free inks transform into gas under heat. During the transfer at 210°C, they provide unmatched durability over time.

After these two initial steps, the printed paper is transferred onto the textile and subjected to high pressure and temperature.

And what about sublimation? Under the effect of heat, the ink transitions from a solid state (on the paper) to a gaseous state. The gas then penetrates the fibers of the textile, where it recondenses into a solid state within the fibers themselves. This integration of the ink into the fibers makes the printed image highly resistant to both washing and wear. This is the sublimation phenomenon.

Once the pressure is released and the textile has cooled, the image is permanently fixed within the fibers of the fabric. The result is a vibrant and durable print that does not fade, peel, or alter the texture of the fabric. This gives us a high-quality textile that lasts over the years.

The Advantages of Sublimation

After a brief definition of sublimation and its process, let’s discuss its advantages. KONY is committed to offering high-quality textiles, made in France or Italy, recycled and recyclable, with an excellent price-quality ratio.

• Durability: the prints are extremely resistant to washing and do not fade.
• Color quality: the colors are vivid and true to the original design or pattern.
• Comfort: the printing process does not add thickness to the fabric, maintaining the comfort and flexibility of the textile. Suitable for all types of sports.
• Manufacturing: allows 100% customization of your product.
• Sustainability: no waste, no solvents, and no harmful or dangerous substances.

The Different Fabrics Offered

KONY offers a variety of fabrics designed to adapt to various body types and sports disciplines while adhering to standards such as Oeko-Tex and Reach. The fabrics are categorized into summer, mid-season, and winter options.

For the summer season, KONY offers a selection of fabrics, jerseys, and bib shorts specially designed for comfort and protection. These include Solartech, Ultratech, Diagtech +UV50, Lightech UV30, and Sirtech UV50. These materials stand out for their breathability, elasticity, and micro-aerated and honeycomb structure, allowing excellent air circulation. Additionally, some have a UV protection index, providing effective defense against the sun during outdoor activities.

For the mid-season, KONY offers innovative fabrics such as WindStoppers and Dryclim, designed to meet the demands of changing weather conditions. Lightweight and flexible, they offer windproof protection while being waterproof and elastic. These fabrics also allow for quick drying and good breathability, ensuring optimal comfort.

Dryclim stands out for its composition of soft, airy polyester microfibers, ideal for jackets, winter tights, or leg warmers. This material is both soft and durable, specially designed to efficiently wick away perspiration thanks to its hollow polyester fibers. Furthermore, it adjusts perfectly to temperature fluctuations, even in humid conditions, and dries quickly, ensuring consistent comfort and protection against mid-season weather changes.

For winter, KONY provides innovative and high-performance fabrics like Thermodry and Windtex Polaire, specially designed to offer optimal protection against the cold while ensuring superior comfort.

Thermodry fabric consists of a blend of fleece polyester and Lycra, with a brushed interior that makes it particularly soft and pleasant to wear. This fabric offers excellent thermal comfort, ensuring good insulation against the cold while maintaining effective breathability. Moreover, its quick-drying capability makes it ideal for winter activities, where staying dry is essential.

Windtex Polaire combines the advantages of a waterproof and windproof membrane with the softness and warmth of fleece. This material is designed to provide a "second skin" feel, allowing great freedom of movement thanks to its exceptional elasticity. In addition to being highly breathable, it effectively retains body heat while wicking away moisture, ensuring optimal thermal comfort. This fabric dries quickly, making it perfect for harsh winter conditions.

KONY also offers Lycra fabrics, known for their durability and their ability to perfectly conform to the body's shape. This material offers a slightly fitted feel against the skin, making it particularly comfortable and suitable for activities requiring great freedom of movement. Additionally, Lycra is highly breathable, allowing good moisture-wicking, and dries quickly, ensuring long-lasting comfort even during extended efforts.