Continuous Zipper Chain
A chain is a long zipper with continuous elements, cut to the required length and assembled with a slider, stops, and a separator as needed for the application.
Contents6 sections
Definition and Overview
In zippers, a chain is a long zipper component with continuous teeth attached to the left and right zipper tapes. It is cut to the required dimensions for each product, then used after attaching a slider, top stop and bottom stop, or a retainer box as needed.
Unlike closed-end zippers and open-end zippers that are supplied at a finished length, a chain is characterized by the ease with which the length and end specifications can be set individually. It is processed as needed in mass production and prototyping for bags and apparel.
Structure and Components
The basic structure of a chain consists of a left-right pair of zipper tapes and the continuous teeth on their inner sides. These are combined with a slider that interlocks the teeth, top and bottom stops that prevent the slider from coming off at the ends, and a retainer box that creates an openable end.
Teeth come in types such as coil, molded plastic, and metal, and their appearance, flexibility, durability, and available processing methods differ. Since a chain alone has unfinished ends, confirm in advance whether stop processing and retainer box attachment are possible after cutting.
- Teeth: the elements that interlock left and right to open and close.
- Slider: the movable part that opens and closes the teeth.
- Top stop and bottom stop: parts that limit the slider's travel range.
- Retainer box: a part that separates and joins the left and right sides at the lower end of an open-end specification.
Types and Specifications
When selecting, check the type and size of the teeth, tape color and width, slider type, and how it opens after finishing. Teeth size is an important specification that indicates the zipper size, and it relates to the strength required for the application, flexibility, and balance with appearance.
From a chain, you can make a closed-end specification with the lower end closed, an open-end specification with left and right sides separated, or a two way separator or double-slider specification that opens and closes from both directions. However, the compatible slider, stops, and retainer box must match the chain's tooth standard.
Main Applications
In apparel, they are used for front openings on pants and skirts, back openings on dresses, pockets, cuffs, and more. Because the length can be set precisely, they are also used when different zipper dimensions are needed by size or design in mass production.
In bags, pouches, cases, and similar items, they are also used for long openings and curved openings. For applications with heavy loads, consider the tooth size, tape strength, slider locking function, and end reinforcement method according to the product requirements.
How to Choose and Points to Note
Finished length is generally checked based on the interlocked tooth section, but the product specification after stops or a retainer box are attached is not the same as the chain dimension before cutting. In specifications, clearly stating the finished length measurement standard, stop position, slider direction, and puller type helps prevent misunderstandings.
In sewing, if the stitching position from the tape edge is too close to the teeth, it may interfere with slider movement. After sewing, check the smoothness of opening and closing, the interlocking of the teeth, and the secured condition of the ends. If washing or product washing is performed, also confirm the difference in shrinkage between the textile and zipper, discoloration of metal parts, and color transfer from the tape through pretesting.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is a chain zipper different from a finished zipper?
A chain zipper is a long component with continuous teeth, and is usually cut to the required length before a slider or stops are attached. A finished zipper differs in that the length and end specifications are set in advance.
Can an open-end zipper be made from a chain?
Yes, if you combine a compatible chain, slider, and retainer box. However, not all chains can be processed into a retainer-box specification. It is necessary to confirm the tooth type and size, as well as compatibility with the retainer box and slider used.
How do you determine the required length of a chain?
Determine the required finished length on the product, then set the cut length to include the allowance needed for end stop processing and retainer box attachment. Since the interpretation of the measurement position varies by specification, it is safe to separate tooth length, finished length, and cut length in the specification sheet.
