ZIPPPER

 Structure of Zipper
 Types of Function
 How to Measure a Zipper
 Standard Sliders
 Terminology
Structure of Zipper
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 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
passed through the slider. When the left and the right side
teeth are engaged they are called 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.
The tapes are adjusted bu a slider, the elements are easily engaged
due to the gear principle (closed). The elements separates when the
slider is pulled to the opposite direction (open).
Types of Function

Closed-end Open-end Two-way Zipper with Zipper with

(C) [Separator] separator double sliders double sliders
(O) (M) (C) (C)

arranged in head-to- arranged in bottom-to-

head relation bottom relation
*The letter in parenthesis indicates the product classification code.

CLOSED END (C)

The zipper halves are fixed closed at the bottom and one slider is used to open and close the zipper.
This is the most common type of zipper and is used in skirts, trousers, bags, boots, tents and so on.

OPEN END (Separator)

The zipper halves can be completely separated. A box and pin mechanism with a single slider is used
to open and close the zipper. This type is most commonly used on jackets and outerwear.

TWO-WAY SEPARABLE (MOVABLE OPEN END)

The zipper halves can be separated as above and a second slider allows movement from the bottom of
the zipper. Applications include rainwear, sportswear and sleeping bags.

TWO-WAY HEAD TO HEAD

A closed-end zipper with two sliders head-to-head, mainly used for luggage and bags. When the
zipper is closed, the two sliders are together.

ZIPPER WITH DOUBLE SLIDER (CX)

A zipper with two sliders tail-to-tail, used for overalls and so on. When the zipper is closed, the sliders
are at opposite ends of the zipper.

LOOP
From the top end of the element to the tip of the open part.

TOP OPEN
The design of this zipper allows the slider to be completely pulled off at the top when sufficient force is
applied. This acts as a quick release and is used for safety reasons in protective clothing.
How to Measure a Zipper

Standard for Measuring Dimensions

Classificatio Dimensions Dimensions of top tape extension Dimensions

n (A) (B) of bottom
tape
extension(C
)
Closed-end From the top From the top stop to the to the tip of notches of From the
zipper end of the the cut end bottom stop
slider to the to the tip of
tip of the notches of the
bottom stop cut end

Zipper with From the tip From the upper bottom stop to the tip of notches From the tip
double sliders of one bottom of the cut end of the bottom
(arranged in stop to the tip stop to the tip
head to head of the other of notches of
relation) bottom stop the cut end

Zipper with From the top From the top stop to the tip of notches of the cut Same as the
double sliders end of one end top tape
(arranged in slider to the extention end
bottom-to- top end of the portion
bottom other slider
relation)

Open-end From the top From the top stop to the cut end
zipper end of the
slider to the
tip of the box

Two way From the top From the top stop to the cut end
separator end of the
slider to the
bottom end of
the
supplementar
y tape

Top open From the top From the top stop to the cut end
zipper stop to the tip
of the box
Reversible Rather than From the top stop to the cut end
slider from the top
end,
measurement
should be
made from
the shoulder
inlet portion of
the slider

When the top Measurement From the top stop to the tip of notches of the cut
stop does not should be end
enter the made from
slider the top stop
Standard Sliders

Non-Lock Automatic slider Semi-automatic slider Jeans

slider (DA) (DS) slider
(DF) (GS)

The pull-tab does not lock The lock automatically locks When the pull-tab is Jeans Semi-
at any position on the body. when no force is placed on the lowered, it locks. automatic
No locking mechanism. tab-pull. When the pull-tab is slider
raised, it unlocks.

Pin lock slider Reversible slider Plastic slider Plastic slider

(DP) (DUA) (TA) (TF)

Pins on the pull-tab work on The pull moves along a Locks are made of (Non-Lock)
the elements and lock. rotating rail. The zipper opens metal. (Non-Lock,
and closes from either the Automatic)
front or back.(Automatic)

Key lock slider Double pull

Can be locked with a key. Opens and closes from either

front or back. (Non-Lock,
Automatic)
 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.
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.
HEAT-SEALABLE ZIPPERS Any zipper that has a strip of plastic fused to each half of the zipper tape
(WELDABLE LAMINATED to allow a manufacturer to electronically "weld" the zipper onto the
ZIPPERS): garment or item that is being manufactured, without the need of sewing
or stitching.
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