Chapter-5: Zipper
Zipper
❑ Zipper is a kind of fastening device.
❑ It is used for binding the edges of an opening of a
garment .
❑ Sometimes it is used for decorative purpose also.
❑ Mostly used in bottoms but also used for tops.
Chapter-5: Zipper
Parts of a Zipper
1. Top Tape Extension (The fabric part of
the zipper that extends beyond the teeth,
at the top of the chain)
2. Top Stop (Two devices affixed to the top
end of a zipper, to prevent the slider from
coming off the chain)
3. Slider (The device that moves up and
down the chain to open or close the zipper)
4. Pull Tab or Puller (The part of the slider
that is held to move the slider up or down)
Chapter-5: Zipper
Parts of a Zipper (Cont.………)
5. Tape (Refers to the width of the fabric on
both sides of the zipper chain)
6. Chain or Zipper Teeth (The continuous
piece that is formed when both halves of a
zipper are meshed together)
Chain Width (Refers to the specific gauge of
the chain - common gauge sizes are #3, #5,
#7, #8 and #10, the bigger the number, the
wider the teeth/chain width is)
7. Bottom Stop (A device affixed to the
bottom end of a zipper, to prevent further
movement of the half of the zipper from
separating)
Chapter-5: Zipper
Parts of a Zipper (Cont.………)
8. Bottom Tape Extension (The fabric part
of the zipper that extends beyond the
teeth, at the bottom of the chain.)
9. Single Tape Width (Refers to the width of
the fabric on one side of the zipper chain.)
10. Insertion Pin (A device that is used to
allow the joining of the two zipper halves.)
11. Retainer Box or Pin Box (A device that
is used to correctly align the pin, to begin
the joining of the zipper halves.)
12. Reinforcement Film (A strip of plastic,
fused to each half of the zipper tape)
Chapter-5: Zipper
Classification of zippers based on teeth materials ---
1. Coil 2. Vislon (Plastic) Zipper 3. Metal Zipper
(Polyester/Nylon)
Zipper
Chapter-5: Zipper
1. Coil(Polyester/Nylon) Zipper:
❑ Teeth are made of polyester/nylon.
❑ Teeth form a coil when they are zipped.
2. Vislon (Plastic) Zipper:
❑ Molded plastic is used as teeth.
❑ Molded plastic chain is incredibly strong.
❑ Ideal for many medium and heavy weight garments.
3. Metal Zipper:
❑ Individual pieces of metal molded into shape and set on the
zipper tape as teeth.
❑ Metal zippers are made of –
• Brass
• Aluminum
• Nickel
• Zinc etc.
Chapter-5: Zipper
Classification of Zippers depending on function ------
1. Open End Zipper (OE Zipper)
2. Closed End Zipper (CE Zipper)
3. Zipper with double slider ( Tail to Tail)
4. Zipper with double slider (Head to Head)
5. Hidden/Invisible Zipper etc.
Chapter-5: Zipper
1. Open End Zipper:
❑ Has separated ends.
❑ The ending part is joined by a box and pin mechanism.
❑ Used in jackets and other outerwear's.
Chapter-5: Zipper
2. Closed End Zipper:
❑ Non-separating.
❑ The bottom stop doesn't permit entire separation from the
chain.
❑ Used for jeans, trousers, bags; boots etc.
Chapter-5: Zipper
3. Zipper with double slider ( Head to Head):
❑ Double Slider Head to Head Zipper have two sliders at the
center of the chain when the zippers are closed.
❑ Head to head zippers can be opened by pulling the sliders
towards the stops, but cannot be separated because the
ending parts have two stops that cannot be divided.
❑ These zippers are mainly used for bag, luggage etc.
Chapter-5: Zipper
4. Zipper with two slider (Tail to Tail/Bottom to Bottom):
❑ Double Slider Bottom to Bottom Zippers have sliders on
opposite ends when the zipper is closed.
❑ These zippers can be opened by pulling the sliders
towards each other, but cannot be separated.
❑ They are used especially for decorative purpose.
Chapter-5: Zipper
5. Hidden/Invisible Zipper:
❑ A zipper constructed so that the chain is concealed
beneath the tape when the zipper is closed, leaving only
the pull tab visible.
❑ They are normally used in hooded jackets, different types
of ladies wear etc.
Chapter-5: Zipper
Test Requirements/ Parameters Of Zipper Testing
# Durability of zippers to laundering
# Color fastness of zippers to laundering
# Durability of zippers to dry cleaning
# Color fastness of zippers to dry cleaning
# Color fastness of zippers to light
# Resistance of zippers to salt spray
# Measuring zipper dimensions
# Strength test of zipper
# Operability of zippers
Chapter-5: Zipper
Zipper Size
Zipper size is the double chain width of the zipper and
is measured in millimeters. Most of the manufacturers
have assigned codes to designate the elements or teeth
width. These codes are typically available in number
(1-10) range.
• Small: Sizes 1-4 (Examples: pants, skirts, fine
garments, cushions, clutch handbags etc.)
• Medium: Sizes 5-7 (Examples: jackets, sleeping bags,
tents, purses, duffel bags etc.)
• Large: Sizes 8-10 (Examples: wetsuits, boat covers,
canvas tents, heavy duty clothing, jeep windows etc.)
Chapter-5: Zipper
Zipper Teeth/Element width usage according to fabric
weight --------
Recommended
Fabric Type Weight Range
Teeth width range
Ultra light weight 85-120gsm 2.5-4.0mm
Light weight 120-160gsm 4.0-5.5mm
Medium weight 160-240gsm 5.5-7.0mm
Medium-Heavy
240-320gsm 7.0-8.5mm
weight
Heavy weight 320-410gsm 8.5-12.0mm
