What is Zipper ? , ☼ Types of Zipper , ☼ Parts of Zipper with Their Functions

Zipper:

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 clothings, baggage and even footwear. This fabulous fashion accessory really deserves a well organized description.

Zipper

Eventually you will need to insert a zipper into a garment or a tote bag. With a bit of preparation, the task will be easier and the final results will be stunning! With so many choices, which zipper to choose? Check out the notions section of any sewing shop and you’ll find a rainbow of color choices. In addition to matching the zipper color to the fabric, it is important to choose the proper type to complement your project. 

Types of Zipper:
Zippers come in a variety of lengths, types and materials, so always select the best zipper type and material to improve the appearance and durability of your sewing project. Zipper teeth are manufactured from three types of materials—metal, molded plastic chain and coil (nylon). Zippers also fall into three categories—tooth, coil and invisible. Zippers can be open at one or both ends, closed at both ends or invisible. 

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. 

Coil Zippers (nylon): Flat on one side with teeth on the other. Each tooth is connected to the next and bend easily. Use for backpacks, sleeping bags and tents. Shorter lengths can be used in purses and totes. 

Invisible Zippers: 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.

Parts of Zipper with Their Functions

Zipper:

It is a fastening device operated by means of two parallel rows of plastic or metal teeth on either side of a closure that are interlocked by a sliding tab is called zipper. Here, the teeth are carried in two zip fastener tapes which run the length of the zip and which are usually stitched into apparel and other textileproducts. It is an essential part of garments which is widely used in garments manufacturing sector. It can be used in functional or decorative purposes. It may be different in types and sizes. The function of one zipper is different from another.

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Zipper

Types of Zipper Used in Apparel Industry:

There are different type of zippers which are vastly used in readymade garments sector are mentioned in the below:

1. Concealed zipper:

This type of zippers is widely used for making the skirts of women.

2. Continuous zipper:

It is widely used for making the garments of men, women and children.

There are also some zippers which are provided with two sliders used for long coat or garments, but specially used for the large suitcase

Different Parts of Zipper with Their Function:

Zippers consists with the below parts:

1.    Zipper’s tape,

2.    Teeth or Chain,

3.    Slider body,

4.    Slider pin or teeth,

5.    Stopper.

All the above zipper’s parts have mentioned in the below with their functions:

1. Zipper tape:

It is a narrow fabric which has a high lateral strength and may be knitted or woven, being so constructed as to provide at one selvedge. For the suitable embodiment of the fastener elements is called zipper tape. It’s produced by cotton, polyester, nylon or blended fibre. It is attached by sewing with the garments.

2. Teeth or Chain:

Teeth are made of brass, aluminum, nylon or plastic. It is opened and closed by these teeth.

3. Slider:

Slider is used to open and close the zipper’s teeth or chain.

4. Slider pin:

Slider pin or teeth is used in the slider which keeps the slider from the unwanted movement.

5. Stopper:

Stopper controls the slider run out of the zippers.

Closed-end (C)	Open-end [Separator] (O)	Two-way separator (M)	Zipper with double sliders(C)	Zipper with double sliders(CX)
			arranged in head-to-head relation	arranged in bottom-to-bottom relation

How to Measure a ZipperPage Top

Classification	Dimensions　(A)	Dimensions of top tape extension (B)	Dimensions of bottom tape extension(C)
Closed-end zipper	From the top end of the slider to the tip of the bottom stop	From the top stop to the tip of notches of the cut end	From the top stop to the to the tip of notches of the cut end
Zipper with double sliders (arranged in head to head relation)	From the tip of one bottom stop to the tip of the other bottom stop	From the upper bottom stop to the tip of notches of the cut end	From the tip of the bottom stop to the tip of notches of the cut end
Zipper with double sliders (arranged in bottom-to- bottom relation)	From the top end of one slider to the top end of the other slider	From the top stop to the tip of notches of the cut end	Same as the top tape extention end portion
Open-end zipper	From the top end of the slider to the tip of the box	From the top stop to the cut end
Two way separator From the top	From the top end of the slider to the bottom end of the supplementary tape	From the top stop to the cut end
Top open zipper	From the top stop to the tip of the box	From the top stop to the cut end
Reversible slider	Rather than from the top end, measurement should be made from the shoulder inlet portion of the slider	From the top stop to the cut end
When the top stop does not enter the slider	Measurement should be made from the top stop	From the top stop to the tip of notches of the cut end

Standard Slider FunctionsPage Top

Non-Lock slider (DF)	Automatic slider (DA)	Semi-automatic slider (DS)	Jeans slider (GS)
The pull-tab does not lock at any position on the body. No locking mechanism.	The lock automatically locks when no force is placed on the tab-pull.	When the pull-tab is lowered, it locks. When the pull-tab is raised, it unlocks.	Jeans Semi-automatic slider

Pin lock slider (DP)	Reversible slider (DUA)	Plastic slider (TA)	Plastic slider (TF)
Pins on the pull-tab work on the elements and lock.	The pull moves along a rotating rail. The zipper opens and closes from either the front or back.(Automatic)	Locks are made of metal. (Automatic)	(Non-Lock)

Key lock slider	Double pull
Can be locked with a key.	Opens and closes from either front or back. (Non-Lock, Automatic)

Zipper length	Acceptable tolerance
<30cm (12")	+/-5mm (0.2")
>= 30cm (12") or < 60cm (24")	+/- 10mm (0.4")
>= 60cm (24") or < 120cm (47")	+/- 15mm (0.6")
>= 120cm (47")	+/- 2% of the total dimension of zipper