Zipper Terminology

Zipper terminology refers to the specific vocabulary and terms associated with zippers, which are fastening devices used in clothing, bags, and other items to join two pieces of fabric together. Understanding these terms can be helpful when discussing, purchasing, or working with zippers in various applications.

CHAIN: The continuous piece that is formed when both halves of a zipper are meshed together

TEETH: The individual elements that make up the chain

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 chain

GAUGE: Refers to the specific size of the elements

STYLE: Refers to the manner in which the zipper is assembled for a particular application

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 the 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 bottom of the zipper

TOP STOP: Two devices affixed to each side adjacent to the tooth at the top end of the zipper

BOTTOM STOP: A device affixed to the bottom of the chain to prevent the slider from coming off

PIN: A component used on a separating (open end) zipper that is inserted into the slider

BOX: A component used on a separating (open end) zipper that correctly aligns the pin

HEAT SEAL PATCH: The laminated material fused to the bottom end of a separating zipper, used to reinforce the tape to accommodate the pin and box components

CONTINUOUS CHAIN: Any zipper material or gauge that is continuously spooled without sliders or stops

CUT-TO-LENGTH ZIPPERS: Any zipper that is finished to a specific length with all components attached

HEAT WELDABLE ZIPPERS: Any zipper that has a strip of plastic fused to each half of the zipper tape to allow a manufacturer to electronically “weld” the zipper onto the garment or item that is being made, without the need of sewing or stitching

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Lenzip Manufacturing Corporation

Headquarters and Production Facility
ADDRESS:
3000 Tollview Drive, Rolling Meadows,
Illinois 60008-3709 USA
EMAIL:
info@lenzip.com
PHONE:
(847) 368-9000
FAX:
(847) 385-0740

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