from left to right: nylon coil zipper teeth/metal zipper teeth/plastic zipper teeth
Zipper Selection According to Teeth Material
Zippers are made from a variety of materials and sometimes choosing from so many options becomes a daunting and confusing task. Not only does it depend on the zipper's manufacturing material, but there are many ways to classify zippers;
- Zipper Classification per Zipper / Cursor,
- Classification According to Zipper Functionality,
- Zipper Classification According To The Material It Is Made Of.
One of the easiest ways to choose a zipper is to examine its teeth and the material from which it is made. Below we will learn about the varieties and where each variety is used in general.
1. Nylon Coil Zippers
In this zipper, the teeth/elements are made of helical nylon monofilament. Although polyesters are more commonly used today instead of nylon, the name nylon coil zipper is used. The coil is sewn onto a zipper tape to make the final product.
Due to its durability and versatility, nylon coil zippers are the most popular choice among the other two variants we're trying to tell you below. It can be used on everything from clothes and bags to sports equipment and even cars. However, due to its durability, it is mainly used in outdoor clothing, tents and other camping clothing, backpacks, suitcases and suitcases.
Below are some of the advantages and unique features of nylon coil zippers:
Strong durability: When the suitcase is fully loaded, the zippers tend to stretch horizontally. Nylon coil zippers prevent the zipper from bursting in suitcases and suitcases.
More flexible than threaded zippers: It is especially useful in equipment that requires flexibility, such as tents and sportswear.
It is easy to repair during tooth failure: Often it can fix itself by simply squeezing and unzipping.
The coil can be used two-way instead of a one-way thread: this means that the zipper head can be attached in either direction and will continue to work. It is especially useful for products that require two-way zippers.
Hidden Zippers
Technically it is still a nylon coil zipper. The concealed zipper is considered a special type of zipper because of its unique design and functionality.
There are technically two ways to produce a concealed zipper;
- The first is usually sewn into the folds of the zipper tape to the seam of a dress or skirt. This provides a nice and stylish surface and hides the zipper, because of this feature it is called the hidden zipper. It is widely used in women's clothing such as skirts, blouses and dresses. Of course, it is also used in men's clothing and other product groups. (such as bag inner pocket zipper, coat inner pocket zipper)
- The other way is to reverse the nylon coil zipper to give it an invisible appearance from the outside. This type of zipper is commonly used when a larger length than the standard size of the actual concealed zipper is needed, and is also called a strip concealed zipper. Although somewhat rare, this type of zipper can be found on luggage and even clothing.
2. Plastic Molded Zippers / Bone Zippers
As the name suggests, the teeth/elements of this zipper are made of high performance resin such as acetal polymer that is individually extruded, molded and injected into the strips.
It is often found in clothing and handbags. Plastic molded zippers are often chosen with aesthetic considerations in mind, as plastic can be dyed to match clothing colors.
Some notable features of plastic zippers are:
- Plastic molded zippers have relatively high durability and flexibility.
- It is molded perfectly symmetrically on both sides. Like the nylon coil zipper, the slider can be attached to either end.
- It is easy to dye and color, the zipper color is easy to adjust according to the garment.
- When one of the teeth breaks, the zipper often needs to be replaced.
3. Metal Zippers
Metal zippers can be made with different types of metal and can be of different sizes and sizes. The most common metals used to make zippers are aluminum, gunmetal, nickel and brass. The most common reason for the use of metal zippers is fashion and aesthetics, the zipper complements the overall look of clothing. An example of this situation is jeans, which are almost completely characterized by a relatively large metal zipper.
Metal zippers are often used heavily on bags, overalls and jeans as mentioned. Some metal zippers are specially treated to produce a smooth, shiny surface and are known as luxury zippers.
Notable features of metal zippers include:
- It is very durable, but not as resistant to horizontal stretching as plastic and coil zippers.
- Because it is made of metal, it is less flexible.
- Teeth seldom break, but when any tooth breaks from the zipper, a permanent solution is provided by replacing the zipper completely. For a temporary fix, if possible, it can be bent and stitched after the broken tooth.
Conclusion
By understanding the material of zipper teeth, we can make a better decision on zipper selection. For a fashion item, you can choose a zipper that will be aesthetically appealing with the garment. However, for more functionality-based equipment such as tents and raincoats among others, you will need to consider the durability and flexibility required by the equipment and choose the zipper type accordingly.
