zipper type

1)Coil zippers now form the bulk of sales of zippers worldwide. The slider runs on two coils on each side; the teeth are formed by the windings of the coils. Two basic types of coils are used: one with coils in spiral form, usually with a cord running inside the coils; the other with coils in ladder form, also called the Ruhrmann type. Coil zippers are made of polyester coil and are thus also termed polyester zippers. Nylon was formerly used and though only polyester is used now[citation needed], the type is still also termed a nylon zipper.

2)Invisible zippers have the teeth hidden behind a tape, so that the zipper is invisible. It is also called the Concealed zipper. The tape’s color matches the garment’s, as does the slider’s and the puller’s. This kind of a zipper is common in skirts and dresses. Invisible zippers are usually coil zippers. They are also seeing increased use by the military and emergency services because the appearance of a button down shirt can be maintained, while providing a quick and easy fastening system. A regular invisible zipper uses a lighter lace-like fabric on the zipper tape, instead of the common heavier woven fabric on other zippers.

3)Reverse coil zippers are a variation of the coil zipper. A reverse coil zipper is exactly that – the coil is on the reverse (back) side of the zipper and the slider is engineered to work on the flat side of the zipper (normally the back, now the front). Unlike an invisible zipper where the coil is also on the back, the reverse coil shows stitching on the front side and the slider will accommodate a variety of pulls (the invisible zipper requires a small, tear-drop pull due to the small slider attachment). Water resistant zippers are generally configured as reverse coil so that the pvc coating can cover the stitching. A rubber or PVC coated reverse zipper is called a waterproof zipper.

4)Metal zippers are the classic zipper type, found mostly in jeans today. The teeth are not a coil, but are individual pieces of metal molded into shape and set on the zipper tape at regular intervals. Metal zippers are made in brass, aluminum and nickel, according to the metal used for teeth making. All these zippers are basically made from flat wire. A special type of metal zipper is made from pre-formed wire, usually brass but sometimes other metals too. Only a few companies in the world have the technology. This type of pre-formed metal zippers is mainly used in high grade jeans-wear, work-wear, etc., where high strength is required and zippers need to withstand tough washing.

5)Plastic-molded zippers are identical to metallic zippers, except that the teeth are plastic instead of metal. Metal zippers can be painted to match the surrounding fabric; plastic zippers can be made in any color of plastic. Plastic zippers mostly use polyacetal resin, though other thermoplastic polymers are used as well, such as polyethylene.

6)Open-ended zippers use a box and pin mechanism to lock the two sides of the zipper into place, often in jackets. Open-ended zippers can be of any of the above described types.

7)Two way open-ended zippers Instead of having an insertion pin and pin box at the bottom, a two way open-ended zipper has two pullers on each end of the zipper tape. The user can slide up the bottom puller when a zipped garment is being worn, so that the bottom part of the zipper will be opened for situation where more legs movement is needed, without adding unnecessary tension on the pin and box of a one-way open-ended zipper when it is zipped, which could cause accidental damage on the zipper. It is most commonly used on long coats.

8)Two way closed-ended zippers are closed at both ends; they are often used in luggage and can have either one or two pullers on the zipper.

9)Magnetic zippers allow for one-handed closure and are used in sportswear.