Vislon Zipper
A Vislon zipper is a zipper that uses molded plastic teeth attached to tape, taking advantage of its lightness and corrosion resistance for clothing, bags, and other items.
Definition and Overview
A Vislon zipper is a zipper made by molding plastic teeth onto the left and right zipper tapes. The teeth interlock, and the zipper opens and closes by moving the slider. Compared with metal zippers, it is lightweight and suitable for applications where rust is a concern.
Note that “Vislon” is sometimes used to refer to zippers with molded plastic teeth, but the naming should be confirmed with the trading partner or in the specification sheet. When ordering, it is important to specify not only the common name but also the tooth material, size, and opening type.
Structure and Parts
The main parts are the interlocking teeth, the zipper tape that supports the teeth, the slider that opens and closes the zipper, and the puller that operates the slider. A closed zipper has an upper stop at the top and a lower stop at the bottom, while an open zipper has an insertion pin that separates the left and right sides.
The teeth are generally made by injection molding and linked at regular intervals on the tape. Because the structure is not one in which spiral elements are sewn on like a coil zipper, the teeth are clearly visible, making it an accent in casual designs.
Types and Specifications
When selecting, check the tooth size, tape color, zipper length, and slider type. Because the way tooth size is indicated varies by product, do not judge by the number alone; confirm the width and thickness using the specification sheet or an actual sample. Larger teeth increase presence and ease of handling, but thickness and weight must also be considered.
A closed zipper with a fixed bottom end is used for the front opening of pants and pockets, while an open zipper with an insertion pin is used for front-opening outerwear and similar items. There are also two-way separators that open from both the top and bottom, as well as double sliders with multiple sliders, so choose according to the required opening position and ease of operation during wear.
- Closed zipper: a specification with a fixed bottom end that does not separate into left and right sides.
- Open zipper: a specification in which the left and right sides can be completely separated by an insertion pin.
- Two-way separator: a specification that can be opened and closed from both the top and bottom.
- Double slider: a specification with two or more sliders, allowing the opening and closing position to be adjusted.
Main Applications
Taking advantage of its light weight, corrosion resistance, and visible teeth, it is used in blousons, parkas, sportswear, uniforms, children's clothing, bags, and more. It is also an option for applications that may be exposed to water or sweat, but if waterproofing is required, it should be considered separately, including the tape, gaps between elements, and stitching.
While metal zippers are well suited to creating a hard, sturdy look and feel through their metal teeth, Vislon zippers make it easier to use a variety of colors and tend to give a relatively soft, casual impression. Concealed zippers have a structure in which the teeth are hidden in the finish, so their applications and appearance differ from Vislon zippers, whose teeth are visible on the surface.
How to Choose and Points to Note
Choose the tooth size and tape specification according to the fabric thickness, frequency of use, tensile load, and whether washing or product processing will be involved. When attaching to highly stretchable fabrics or thin fabrics, consider using stay tape or interfacing to prevent the opening from stretching or wavering. Also check in a prototype whether the slider or puller will damage the outer fabric.
In sewing, if the sewing machine needle hits the teeth or slider, it can lead to needle breakage or part damage, so confirm the sewing position near the teeth and the presser foot. During washing, closing the zipper and tucking away the puller helps reduce snagging on other items. For high-temperature processing or chemical processing, confirm durability on an actual sample beforehand.
The length of a zipper generally refers to the continuous length of the teeth from the top stop to the bottom stop, or in an open specification, from the top stop to the designated position on the insertion-pin side. However, because measurement standards vary by specification, confirm the supplier-specified measurement method and finished dimensions rather than relying on the overall length.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a Vislon zipper and a coil zipper?
A Vislon zipper has individually molded plastic teeth that are visible. A coil zipper has a spiral plastic element attached to tape and may be able to take advantage of flexibility and thinness. Choose according to appearance, thickness, required strength, and the intended location of use.
Where do you measure the length of a Vislon zipper?
In general, the effective length of the continuous teeth is used as the basis for confirmation. Closed and open specifications have different bottom-end structures, and their treatment as overall length may also differ. Rather than deciding based only on pattern dimensions, it is important to share the measurement starting point, end point, and tolerance in the specification sheet.
Can Vislon zippers be used on washable garments?
They are used for washable items as well, but durability varies depending on the combination of teeth, tape, slider, and puller. Perform tests in accordance with the care label, and when washing, close the zipper and tuck away the puller to reduce snagging on other garments.
