Types of Zippers based on Element Material

There are 3 main categories of zippers which are based on 3 different types of materials as below:

Metallic Zipper

Metal zipper is most basic original zipper first produced. The first zipper was made of metal around 1917 and 1920s. When slider slides up in a zipper the elements get tightly interlocked to keep zipper shut.

Metal zippers are divided into 2 groups, depending on the material used and the process of manufacture:

Teeth formed from a metal wire, either flat or profiled and made from brass, aluminium, nickel or white brass (nickel-free) Teeth die-cast directly onto the tape.

Metal zippers are usually made in a variety of finishes, such as golden brass, antique brass, antique silver, gunmetal, silver etc. These finishes are achieved by chemical treatment of the zipper chain and matching plating of the sliders and end stops.

Generally metal zippers are available in various finishes, but most commonly used zipper finishes are as below:

Aluminum: Elements are constructed using aluminum

Brass: Elements are constructed using brass alloy, typically a combination of copper and zinc

Antique Brass: Elements made from brass that is chemically treated to give worn-out brass appearance

Black Oxidized: Elements are made from brass that is chemically treated to a black matte finish

Moulded Plastic Zipper

These plastic zippers have individually injected molded teeth, fused directly on to the tape of the zipper. The High performance resins used to manufacture molded plastic elements are incredibly strong and make zippers that are durable, strong and flexible. These zippers are ideal for outerwear and heavy weight garments or any outdoor application.

Plastic zippers are divided into 5 groups:

LFC or L-type zippers made with meander/Ruhrmann type coil, stitched around the edge of the carrier tape.

CFC zippers made with spiral coil, stitched on one side of the carrier tape.

Woven-in coil zippers, in which the coil is formed and directly woven into the carrier tape on special looms.

Plastic moulded zippers, in which the teeth/elements made from polyacetal (commonly known as Delrin‚ ) are directly moulded onto the carrier tape.

Plastic extruded zippers, in which a string of teeth/elements is first extruded and then stitched onto the carrier tape.

Two way zippers: These zippers are made usually in #5 or larger sizes in CFC, plastic moulded and metal. The major applications are outerwear and luggage. These are made in X-type or Otype.

Open End zippers: Some zipper applications require a zipper to detached completely e.g. jackets and outerwear. Instead of a fixed bottom stop, box & pin attachment is used.

Invisible Zipper

The main categories of zippers, as described above, also include speciality zippers, which have special types of construction, or parts, or finishes. CFC zippers have a special class known as Invisible zippers due to the special construction and mode of use. These zippers do not require provision of a fly, since they are made and stitched in such a manner that only a hairline seam is visible from outside. These zips are predominantly used in ladies dresses and skirts. These zippers are available in knitted and woven tapes.

Coil zippers

Coil zippers are made from continuous coil of monofilament in place of individual teeth. Coil zippers are often referred to as nylon zippers. The teeth of these zippers are extruded nylon strip 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 and bags.

If you want to know more about metal zipper and zipper puller, please contact with UZIP ZIPPER.

Jessica Kung

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