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| ZIPPER STRUCTURE |
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| Zippers can be divided into three major parts: the tape, elements and slider. Zipper structure and definitions you should know to assist you in determining your zipper needs.
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| CHAIN: |
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The continuous piece that is formed when both halves of a zipper are meshed together. |
| CHAIN SIZE: |
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Refers to the specific gauge of the chain, i.e., size of the teeth. |
| TEETH: |
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The individual elements that make up the chain. |
| SLIDER: |
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The device that moves up and down the chain to open or close the zipper. |
| PULL TAB: |
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The part of the slider that you hold to move the slider up or down. |
| MATERIAL: |
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Refers to the type of chain that is used in the construction of the zipper, such as, metal chain, molded plastic chain or coil (nylon) chain. |
| TAPE: |
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The fabric part of the zipper. |
| TAPE WIDTH: |
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Refers to the width of the fabric on one side only, of the zipper chain. |
| TAPE ENDS: |
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The fabric part of the zipper, that extends beyond the teeth, at the top and /or bottom of the chain. |
| STYLE: |
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Refers to the manner in which the zipper is assembled for a particular application. |
| TOP STOP: |
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Two devices affixed to the bottom end of a zipper, to prevent the slider from coming off the chain. |
| BOTTOM STOP: |
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A device affixed to the bottom end of a zipper, to prevent further movement of the half of the zipper from separating. |
| BRIDGE STOP: |
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A device similar to a bottom stop, used at the top and of a zipper to prevent each half of the zipper from separating. |
| PIN: |
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A device used on a separating (jacket type) zipper whose function is to allow the joining of the two zipper halves. |
| BOX: |
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A device used on a separating (jacket type) zipper whose function is to correctly align the pin, to begin the joining of the zipper halves. |
| HEAT SEAL PATCH: |
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The cotton and nylon laminated material fused to the bottom end of a separating zipper, used to reinforce the type. |
| HEAT-SEALABLE ZIPPERS (WELDABLE LAMINATED ZIPPERS): |
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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 manufactured, without the need of sewing or stitching. |
| CONTINUOUS CHAIN: |
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Any material or size of zipper chain that is continuously spooled without sliders or any other components. Typically used by fabricators on a cut-as-need basis. |
| CUT-TO-LENGTH ZIPPERS: |
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(Finished Zippers) Any zipper that is finished to a specific length, with all necessary components attached. |
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| Closed-end |
Open-end |
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