Quality Zipper Supply, Inc. -- About Zippers



Zippers can be divided into three major parts: the tape, elements and slider.
	SLIDER The Slider joins or separates the elements when the zipper is opened or closed. Various types of sliders are available depending on the use. ELEMENTS The teeth, also known as elements, are the parts on each side of a zipper that mesh, or engage, with each other. When the left and right side teeth are engaged they are called a chain. TAPE THe tape is manufactured exclusively for zippers. It is usually made of polyester, but depending on use, synthetic fiber tape, vinyl tape and cotton tape are also available.

Zipper may be manufactured from 3 different types of materials as shown below:

A closer look at the different materials available for zippers

Metal zippers have been around quite a while. In fact, the first zippers were made of metal back in 1893. Metal zippers are available in three different finishes:

Aluminum that is constructed principally from aluminum. Also sometimes referred to as nickel, because the color is the same as a nickel coin.
Brass shiny gold chain that is constructed of brass, typically a combination of copper and zinc.
Antique Brass chain made from brass that is chemically treated to give the appearance of worn or tarnished brass.

These plastic zippers, also called VISLON, have individually injected molded teeth, fused directly onto the tape of the zipper. The resins to used to manufacture the molded plastic chain are incredibly strong. These zippers are ideal for many medium and heavy weight garments or any outdoor application.

Coil zippers are often referred to as nylon zippers. The teeth of these zippers are extruded plastic, sewn onto the zipper tape. These zippers are very flexible and are available in a variety of sizes (gauges). Coil zippers have many applications from fashion-wear to all types of tents and canvas goods.

Zippers are always measured from "component to component" (end stops), regardless of zipper style. The illustrations below will assist you in determining the proper method for arriving at the desired zipper length.

CHAIN: The continuous piece that is formed when both halves of a zipper are meshed together.
CHAIN SIZE: Refers to the specific gauge of the chain, i.e., size of the teeth. Size available vary from chain to chain and include: #2.5, #3, #4.5, #5, #8, #9, #10. The larger the number, the larger the size of the teeth.
TEETH: The individual elements that make up the chain.
SLIDER: The device that moves up and down the chain to open or close the zipper.
PULL TAB: The part of the slider that you hold to move the slider up or down.
MATERIAL: Refers to the type of chain that is used in the construction of the zipper, such as, metal chain, molded plastic chain or coil (nylon) chain.
TAPE: The fabric part of the zipper.
TAPE WIDTH: Refers to the width of the fabric on one side only, of the zipper chain.
TAPE ENDS: The fabric part of the zipper, that extends beyond the teeth, at the top and /or bottom of the chain.
STYLE: Refers to the manner in which the zipper is assembled for a particular application.
TOP STOP: Two devices affixed to the bottom end of a zipper, to prevent the slider from coming off the chain.
BOTTOM STOP A device affixed to the bottom end of a zipper, to prevent further movement of the half of the zipper from separating.
BRIDGE STOP: A device similar to a bottom stop, used at the top and of a zipper to prevent each half of the zipper from separating.
PIN: A device used on a separating (jacket type) zipper whose function is to allow the joining of the two zipper halves.
BOX: A device used on a separating (jacket type) zipper whose function is to correctly align the pin, to begin the joining of the zipper halves.
HEAT SEAL PATCH: The cotton and nylon laminated material fused to the bottom end of a separating zipper, used to reinforce the type.
CONTINUOUS CHAIN: Any material or size of zipper chain that is continuously spooled without sliders or any other components. Typically used by fabricators on a cut-as-need basis.
CUT-TO-LENGTH ZIPPERS: (Finished Zippers) Any zipper that is finished to a specific length, with all necessary components attached.