Types of Zipper Materials

 
ZIPPERS MAY BE MANUFACTURED FROM 5 DIFFERENT TYPES OF MATERIALS AS SHOWN BELOW.
Metal Zippers
Molded Zippers
Coil Zippers
Water Resistant Zippers
Fire Resistant Zippers
no10-Brass-edit _12_molded_alt _10_coil_1___alt _5_coil_wr_shiny_alt 10-Brass-Fire-Resistant

 

 

Differences in Zipper Material

A closer look at the Different Materials available for Zippersource Quality Zippers

Metal Chain

Brass-Close-up-edit
Metal zippers have been around quite a while. In fact, the first zippers were made of metal back in 1893. Metal zippers are available in four different finishes.
Aluminum Chain that is constructed principally from aluminum.
Brass Chain that is constructed of brass, typically a combination of copper and zinc.
Antique Brass Chain made from brass that is chemically treated to give the appearance of worn or tarnished brass.
Black Oxidized Chain made from brass that is chemically treated to a black matte finish.

 

MOLDED PLASTIC CHAIN

Molded-Close-up-edit
These plastic zippers have individually injected molded teeth, fused directly onto the tape of the zipper. The resins to used to manufacture the molded plastic chain are incredibly strong. These zippers are ideal for many medium and heavy weight garments or any outdoor application.

 

COIL (NYLON) CHAIN

Coil-Close-up-edit
Coil zippers are often referred to as nylon zippers. The teeth of these zippers are extruded plastic, sewn onto the zipper tape. These zippers are very flexible and are available in a variety of sizes (gauges). Coil zippers have many applications from fashion-wear to all types of tents and canvas goods and bags.

 

 

Gauges

Dimensions shown under each material is the total overall width of the zipper.

Gauge-5-Brass Gauge-10-Brass Gauge-15-Brass _5_molded_alt _8_molded_alt
5 Metal
←   1 1/4"   →		 10 Metal
←         1 11/16"         →		 15 Metal
←          1 5/8"          →		 5 Molded Plastic
←         1 1/4"         →		 8 Molded Plastic
←           1 1/2"           →
_10_molded_alt _12_molded_alt _15_molded_alt _20_molded_alt _2_coil_alt
10 Molded Plastic
←            1 9/16"            →		 12 Molded Plastic
←                2 2/8"                →		 15 Molded Plastic
←                  2 7/8"                  →		 20 Molded Plastic
←                    3"                    →		 2 Coil
←         1"         →
_4.5_coil_alt _5_coil_alt _5_coil_3.75_alt _7_coil_alt _8_coil_alt
4.5 Coil
←          1 1/4"          →		 5 Coil 5/8" Tape
←           1 1/4"           →		 5 Coil 3/4" Tape
←             1 9/16"             →		 7 Coil
←           1 7/16"           →		 8 Coil
←               1 9/16"               →
_10_coil_alt _10_coil_1___alt _5_coil_wr_shiny_alt 10-Water-Resistant-Shiny 5-Brass-Fire-Resistant
10 Coil 3/4" Tape
←                 1 5/8"                 →		 10 Coil 1" Tape
←                   2"                   →

5 Water Resistant Shiny
←   1 1/4"   →

10 Water Resistant Shiny
←       1 5/8"       →

 5 Brass Fire Resistant
←               1 1/4"               →
10-Brass-Fire-Resistant 5-Plastic-Fire-Resistant 10-Plastic-Fire-Resistant    
10 Brass Fire Resistant
←                  1 11/16"                  →		 5 Plastic Fire Resistant
←                  1 5/16"                  →		 10 Plastic Fire Resistant
←                  1 9/16"                  →