Zippers
A zipper, zip, or zip is fastening device. It is a commonly used device for binding the edges of an opening of fabric or other flexible material, as on a garment or a bag. It is used in clothing (e.g., jackets and jeans), luggage and other bags, sporting goods, camping gear (e.g. tents and sleeping bags), and other items. Zipper, the tiny mechanical wonder, keeps so much of us and our possessions together. Without this sleek trim, it would be so difficult to manage our clothing, baggage and even footwear. This fabulous fashion accessory really deserves a well organized description.
Advantages of Zippers
Onvenience
Zippers are generally quicker and easier to use than buttons. They can be opened and closed with a single motion.
Durability
Zippers are usually more durable than buttons and are less likely to fall off or break with frequent use.
Aesthetics
Zippers can provide a sleek and modern look to clothing, especially when they are hidden or designed to be a decorative feature.
Versatility
Zippers can be used in a variety of clothing items, from jackets and pants to bags and shoes, providing a wide range of design options.
Why Choose Us
Profession Team
We are focusing on professional for manufacture of garment accessories since in 1999, All of the raw material and product are developed, designed, produced and sales by our company team. We always believe that the principle of quality and reputation first, According to the quality is the guarantee of reputation, Reputation through the logic of quality first, we are stilling keep the high quality products and do best service with the competitive price, our market share more than 200 countries and regions in the world. We have more than 3000 customers who trust us.
Standard
We seriously in accordance with the international management system, control and management of our factory and product quality, It also is only one of the earliest through the ISO9000 certification of enterprises, in China, we have successively obtained a variety of product standards and environmental protection certification, such as GRS and OEKO-TEX certification
Competitive Price
We are a real factory, including the raw materials of finished products, the packaging and transportation of products are all controlled by our own, which is the difference cost of your intermediate trade. Our Group has its own industrial park, and has five own factories
Our Services
Our marketing worker always welcome you to ask any question about garment accessories in 24 hours, It is one of technicians team with the experience more than 20 years, and ensure that any problem solved for you is always accurate and on time.
Common Zipper Issues That May Arise
Slider Only Slides Up One Side of the Tape
The most common mistake when having difficulties while operating a zipper is that the pin is not correctly inserted into the retainer before the pull tab is pulled. This can result in the slider only sliding up one side of the tape while the other remains stuck.
Gently pull the slider back down to the bottom while holding the other side with one hand. Holding the one side straight and tight will allow the slider to glide more smoothly.
Zipper Peels Open From the Bottom
Having a zipper peel open from the bottom like a banana peel even while the zipper is closed could mean that the pin wasn't fully inserted into the retainer box. Any slight movement could dislodge whatever part of the pin was slightly inserted, making the zipper open from the bottom.
This particular case can be extremely frustrating and can be difficult to reverse. It's best to notice the problem before the entire zipper opens so you have less reversing to do.
In this case, the best solution is to reinsert the pin into the retainer box and ensure it is in correctly. Next, you will gently tug on the pull tab bringing the slider back down to the bottom. You may have to jiggle the slider slightly once you get to the point where the two sides of the tape are separated.
Zipper is Jammed
If you have ensured the pin is correctly inserted into the retainer box and you're holding the jacket straight and flat with one hand while pulling gently with the other and the zipper still won't budge, it is possible there are some damaged teeth. The smallest misalignment of teeth can affect the entire zipper and cause it to malfunction.
Inspect the teeth for any bent teeth, missing pieces or even kinks in the tape that don't allow the teeth to lineup flush. Some zippers are malleable so you can make little fixes if the teeth are bent slightly. This isn't the case for metal or molded plastic teeth.
If you're ever in doubt, you can take the item to a tailor and they may be able to make a small fix, or they may suggest an entire new zipper if it's possible.
In any of the above cases, it is easy to get impatient and yank on the pull tab, but this risks ripping the tab directly off of the slider itself. If you treat the zipper gently and calmly, you'll have a better chance of a positive outcome.
Fabric or Thread Gets Caught in the Slider
Sometimes if you are trying to zip up the zipper too fast, the surrounding fabric or thread can easily be caught if you are not careful. When this happens, the slider will, in most cases, become stuck and the only way to un-stuck it is to go in reverse.
The easiest solution for this is to pull the slider back in order to remove the fabric or thread. If the slider is very stuck, you may have to jiggle it gently. Try to avoid forcing the slider backwards because this could damage the zipper teeth or the fabric that is stuck.
Once the slider is un-stuck, you can try to zip it up again carefully and pay attention to keep any surrounding fabrics and threads out of the way.
Feeling The Wind Through the Zipper
One common issue is feeling the wind through the zipper on your coat. You've spent all this money on a new winter coat but you can feel the wind blowing through the zipper. What you have to remember is that a zipper is made of two pieces. Almost always, unless you've got taped zippers, there will be a minuscule gap between the teeth where cold air may find its way through.
Self-Opening Zippers on Coats
Another issue that may arise with the zipper on your new coat is finding that it is always falling down. This too can be incredibly frustrating although isn't something to cry over. While trying on potential purchases, it is always beneficial to move around in the ways you would while wearing the coat.
Sometimes this issue can't be avoided but some companies have come up with technology to combat this. Thanks to them, because there's nothing worse than having a zipper constantly fall down when you're trying to focus on the pitch ahead while climbing.
Look for No Slip Zip technology. This particular zipper is constructed in a unique way that enables the wearer to unzip with one hand when needed but having the zipper self-open is not an issue.
Parts of a Zipper
Top Stop
The top stop is a key part in the structure of a zipper. It is located at the top and its main function is to prevent the slider from slipping out of the mechanism. This small but crucial part ensures the safety and integrity of the zipper, allowing worry-free operation.
Slider
The slider is perhaps the most recognizable part of a zipper. This component slides along the zipper, joining or separating the teeth or spirals. Its design must be ergonomic and sturdy, as it is used extensively during the use of the garment or accessory.
Teeth
This section of the zipper can be presented in different ways: as a spiral, as individual teeth or as a continuous chain. These elements are the ones that interlock when the slider moves, creating the closing or opening. The choice between spiral, teeth or chain depends on the type of garment and the desired style.
Tape
The tape is the part of the zipper where the teeth or spirals are attached. It is usually made of fabric or synthetic material and must be strong to withstand constant pulling. The quality of the tape is crucial to the durability of the zipper.
Bottom Stop
The bottom stop is located at the lower end of the zipper and prevents the slider from coming off the bottom. Like the top stop, it is a metal or plastic component that stops the slider when it reaches the lower limit.
Pull Tab
The pull tab is the small handle attached to the slider. It provides a grip for the user to move the slider up and down.
Different Types of Zipper
Coil Zippers: It is the most common type of zippers, and they have a continuous coil that is sewn onto the fabric. Flat on one side with teeth on the other. Each tooth is connected to the next and bend easily. They are flexible, durable, and lightweight, making them perfect for a variety of applications backpacks, sleeping bags and tents. Shorter lengths can be used in purses and totes.
Tooth Zippers: Teeth are equally visible on both sides of the zipper tape. Every tooth is separate. They are perfect for most straight applications like jackets, garment bags and totes.
Metallic Zippers: These zippers are generally made of stainless steel, zinc, brass, nickel or aluminum alloy and are mostly found in jeans. The metal pieces are shaped into the form of teeth and are positioned in a zipper tape at uniform intervals. The metal zippers could be colored in a variety of colors to match the color of the garment.
Plastic-Molded Zippers: These zippers have teeth made of molded plastic, which makes them lightweight and durable. They are commonly used in luggage, backpacks, and sporting goods.
Invisible Zippers: This type of zipper looks different from other zippers because the teeth are on the reverse and nothing except the pull is seen on the front. Hidden in a seam with only the pull tab showing. They are flexible and strong. Use an invisible zipper foot to insert. Use in skirts, blouses, dresses—anywhere you need an invisible closure with a smooth finish.
Open-End Zippers: These zippers have two separate pieces that can be completely separated, making them ideal for jackets, coats, and other outerwear.
Two-Way Zippers: This type of zippers have two sliders that allow the zipper to be opened from either end. They are commonly used in tents, sleeping bags, and other outdoor gear.
Closed-ended zippers: This kind of zipper is used regularly in baggage and is closed at both ends. The close-ended zippers are nonseparating and are usually opened and closed by means of a slider. These zippers are used on trousers, jeans, jacket or shirt pockets, etc.
Water-Resistant Zippers: These zippers have a special coating that makes them resistant to water and moisture. They are commonly used in raincoats, boots, and other outdoor gear.
Innovative Zippers: Due to the specific performances of textile and clothing, requirement of specialty zippers are also necessary to meet the functional performance of the garments. As a result, innovations were made to produce novel types of zippers such as flame-resistant zippers, airtight and watertight zippers, chemical-resistant zippers, zippers having electrical conducive yarn, zipper tape printed with ink-jet, environmentally conscious zippers, etc.
A slide you use to open and shut the zipper and a set of teeth on either side of the item you wish to zip up make up the zipper's two major components.
If you examine the teeth closely, you will see they are all similar and spaced the same distance apart. This is a requirement for zip to work correctly.
The teeth on this track are made to interlock with one another since they are formed like hooks. The teeth are once more angled to be released while the slider moves in the opposite direction. A wedge in the slide pushes the teeth apart. The teeth of the zip are pushed laterally even though the slide is moving downward because a wedge's force is always perpendicular to it.
Materials Used in Zipper
Molded Plastic
Molded Plastics are ideal for lightweight and flexible applications, making them well-suited for sportswear, children's clothing, and other lightweight garments. The zippers have plastic teeth, so they don't rust and are perfect for outdoor use like tents and sleeping bags. Moreover, they are available in different colors and sizes, giving you more options for designing and adding a pop of color to your projects.
Metal
Metal zippers feature durable teeth in various metal finishes, including shiny finishes like brass, nickel, and gunmetal, and those with a more weathered appearance like antique brass or antique silver. They are more rigid than other zippers, making them suited for straight seams and closures without too much horizontal stress. Advantages: Durable teeth ensure longevity. Variety in metal finishes allows for aesthetic flexibility to match different project needs. The rigidity of metal zippers makes them ideal for applications requiring straight seams, offering a more structured appearance.
Nylon
Nylon coil zippers are exceptionally strong and flexible. The zipper teeth are made of flexible nylon with a special “coiled” design that allows them to interlock very closely. Advantages include good tolerance for curves and horizontal stress, fitting various projects. Ideal for strong, flexible items like luggage, backpacks, tents, and boots. Also great for daily items like pants, totes, and jackets.
Invisible (type)
Although they are technically small nylon coil zippers, they have one unique feature that sets them apart. When zipped, the zipper teeth are completely hidden! Commonly used on gowns, blouses, skirts, upholstery, and cushions, these lightweight zippers are great for creating sleek and discreet designs.
The Positives of raw materials like stainless steel and brass increase durability and reduce wear. Made from raw metal materials, they can withstand high temperatures without deformation, making them appropriate for various environments and uses.
Limitations of raw materials can be costlier than synthetics, potentially raising production expenses. Metal zippers are often heavier than their synthetic counterparts, which may not be suitable for lightweight garments or applications. Certain metals, such as brass, may corrode, particularly in humid or corrosive environments, affecting the zipper's longevity.
Simple Tips to Facilitate the Operation of Zippers
First of all, if the operation is difficult, try applying a little dry soap or candle wax (a cake candle will do) on the front and back surfaces of the elements, then move the slider up and down to regain smooth operation. This will lubricate the zipper mechanism and make it easier to handle. If this doesn't work, you can also try running a cotton or nylon thread through the teeth, making sure not to force it. This technique helps to realign the teeth and facilitate their sliding.
If the fabric gets stuck and hinders its operation. Move the slider slowly while pulling on the stuck fabric. Please leave enough space for the slider to move smoothly when closing the zipper on the fabric.
Next, it is necessary to have an appropriate washing procedure to preserve your zipper properly. Make sure to fully close all zippers when using washing and drying machines. Incompletely closed zippers can get tangled with other items and cause damage to the teeth, slider, or fabric of other items. Long or thin sliding pulls can get caught in the holes of your washer or dryer drum causing breakage, so it is recommended to remove removable pulls or use a laundry bag for these items. After drying, do not use the zipper until the garment temperature returns to normal, especially if it is made of plastic.
FAQ
Q: How do you preserve a zipper?
Q: How do zips work?
Q: Why are zippers good?
Q: How is the zipper important?
Q: How are zippers used today?
Q: What equipment is required to manufacture zippers?
Q: What is the process of making a zipper?
Q: What materials are typically used to make zippers?
Q: What are the different types of zippers that can be manufactured?
Q: What are the parts of a zipper?