1. ZIPPERS Parts of Zipper Invention of Zipper
Zipper teeth configurations
Basic types of Zippers
Additional types of coil Zippers
Gauge

2. Anatomy of Zipper
Top Stop
Head
Pull
Tape
Teeth
Bottom Stop

3. Invention of Zipper
Series of hooks and eyes invented in 1891 by an engineer, Whitcomb L. Judson.
Used as a closure for mail bags, pouches, and boots.
In 1913, Swedish engineer Sundback developed zipper using metal teeth.
Around 1940, coil zipper research started in Europe.
Coil zippers became an important of the zipper market in 1960.

4. 3 Zipper teeth configurations
Coil Vislon Metal

5. Coil Zippers Also known as Regular Zippers or Nylon Zippers
Made of spiral plastic elements, such as polyester or nylon
Looks coiled
Light weight, strong and flexible
Low shrinkage, easy care
Heat resistant, rust proof
Ideal for curved applications
The thread that holds the zipper tape weaken with exposure to sunlight
Applications
Fashion wear
Tents
Canvas goods
Bags

6. Vislon Zippers Made from Delrin plastic
Individually injected molded teeth onto the zipper tape
Strong and weather proof
Hold well in sunlight and in outdoor applications because of the molded teeth construction
The thread that holds the zipper tape weaken with exposure to sunlight
Heavy weight and outdoor applications
Fashion wear
Hand bags
Jackets

7. Metal Zippers Made of metal in 1983 Made in many finishes Brass
Aluminum
Antique Brass
Black Oxidized Brass
Nickel
Brass for denim zipper to withstand the abuse and many washes that it goes through.
Heavy weight applications
Jeans
Bags
Leather jackets

8. Basic types of these zippers
Closed End Open End
Regular zippers
Pants
Sleeves on leather jackets
Purses
Tents
Coveralls
Bag type
Separating zippers
Front of jackets
Two way separators
Any item that requires the zipper to be fully detached.

9. Additional Types of Coil Zippers
Invisible Zippers
The coil teeth are on the back of the tape, only tiny tear drop is visible.
Cannot be separating zippers.
After stitching coil curls back to the wrong side.
Mostly used in women’s skirts and dresses to create a clean finish look
There are pleats on the zipper tape that allows the sewer to sew along the seam line

10. Additional Types of Coil Zippers
2. Reverse coil/Invisible identical zipper (IIZ)
Regular nylon coil zipper, oriented backwards (making back the front) to give an invisible look
Clean finish look and bigger than invisible zipper
Flatter than invisible zipper and is applied outside of the project.
Luggage and apparel (CF)

11. Basic types of Zippers Trouser Type Jacket Type Jacket Type Bag Type
Two way zippers are also called double or dual zippers, made of plastic or metal, opened or closed in both directions at the same time.
Head to Head: Pulling two sliders away from each other, such as suitcases, back packs.
Bottom to Bottom: Pull towards each other, such as garment bags.
Trouser Type
Jacket Type
Jacket Type
Bag Type
Bag Type

12. Gauge Zippers comes in different sizes, but coil is the smallest
#2 and #3 light weight: dresses, skirts, handbags, and slacks
#5 medium weight: jackets, jeans, and robes
#10 heavy weight: motorcycle jackets, construction clothing, and tents
#3 approximately 3mm
#5: approximately 5mm
#10: approximately 10mm

13. Slider Pull-Tabs

14. Zipper Tapes Grosgrain tape Cotton tape Neon color tape Woven tape
Marble tape
Silk tape

15. Websites and References
Vislon Rhinestone zipper