Aluminum Zipper
An aluminum zipper is a metal zipper that mainly uses aluminum alloy for the left and right teeth, and is a trim used for the openings and closings of clothing and leather goods while taking advantage of its light weight.
Contents5 sections
Definition and Overview
An aluminum zipper is a metal zipper whose interlocking teeth are made of an aluminum alloy. The teeth are also called elements, and when the slider is moved, the left and right teeth interlock to open and close. It is characterized by a metal-like appearance while taking advantage of its light weight.
Metal zippers are classified by the material of the teeth, and not all parts such as the slider, top stop, bottom stop, and separator are necessarily made of aluminum. When placing an order, check not only the teeth but also the material, color, and surface finish of each part in the specification sheet.
Structure and Types
The basic structure consists of a pair of left and right zipper tapes with the teeth attached continuously, a slider that opens and closes the teeth, and a top stop and bottom stop that fix the ends. Open specifications include a separator for separating the hem side.
Select by combining the tooth size, tape color, length, and stop specification. Tooth size is the designation used to indicate the size of the teeth, and as the number increases, the appearance and required installation dimensions also tend to increase. The typical types of stops are closed, which is closed with a bottom stop, and open, which can be separated with a separator.
Length is generally checked based on the continuous tooth section from the top stop to the bottom stop, or in open specifications from the top stop to the upper end of the separator. Since this may differ from the total tape length, it is necessary to compare the measurement standard shown for each product with the specification drawing.
- Closed zipper: a specification in which the bottom end does not open.
- Open zipper: a specification in which the left and right sides can be separated by a separator.
- Two way separator, double slider: a specification that uses two sliders and allows the opening and closing position to be adjusted.
Main Applications
It is used for blousons, riders jackets, denim products, bags, and other items that require light weight and the design appeal of metal teeth. In applications where the teeth are visible, the color tone, luster, and size of the teeth greatly affect the impression of the product, so the combination with the outer fabric and other metal fittings should be checked.
The bulk around the zipper and the way it slides change depending on the thickness of the outer fabric, overlapped sections, and whether interfacing is used. Do not choose based on design alone; also consider operability when holding the pull tab, and the opening dimensions required for pocket openings and front openings.
How to Choose and Handling Precautions
While the teeth made of an aluminum alloy are lightweight, they generally have low hardness and are susceptible to the effects of friction, acids, and alkalis. If product washing, processing that uses chemicals, or washing with strong detergent is planned, check changes in appearance, opening and closing performance, and the effect on surrounding textile during the prototyping stage.
In sewing, set the stitching position so that the needle does not hit the teeth or stops, and attach the left and right tapes without pulling them too tightly. Waviness in the tape and puckering of the textile can lead to poor opening and closing and a worse appearance, so adjust the sewing conditions including interfacing, presser, and seam allowance thickness.
The difference from a metal zipper is that a metal zipper is a general term for types that use metal for the teeth, whereas an aluminum zipper uses teeth made of an aluminum alloy. A coil zipper uses spiral teeth made of resin, and a Vislon zipper uses molded resin teeth, so the structure and appearance differ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do you measure the length of an aluminum zipper?
In general, check the length of the continuous teeth from the top stop to the bottom stop. For open zippers, the upper end of the separator is often used as the reference, and this may not match the total tape length. Be sure to check the measurement standard shown in the drawing or product description before ordering.
Can an aluminum zipper be used for product washing?
Whether it can be used depends on the washing method, chemicals, processing time, and combination with other accessories. Because the teeth made of an aluminum alloy are susceptible to the effects of friction, acids, and alkalis, it is important to test under actual processing conditions before mass production and confirm discoloration, damage, and opening and closing performance.
What is the difference between an aluminum zipper and other metal zippers?
The main difference is the material of the teeth. Aluminum zippers can take advantage of their light weight, but their hardness and resistance to chemicals vary depending on the material. Choose by comparing them with other metal materials or resin zippers based on the required strength, the color tone of the finish, whether product washing will be done, and the usage environment.
