Metal zippers can be classified into various types based on different methods. The following are common classifications:
Classified by material
Copper
Zipper: Made mainly of copper, it has excellent wear resistance, corrosion resistance and luster. Copper zippers are relatively soft in texture and close smoothly. They are often used in high-end clothing, leather products, etc.
Aluminum zippers: They are relatively light in weight, have a relatively low cost, and possess a certain degree of corrosion resistance. However, the strength of aluminum zippers is slightly lower than that of copper zippers, and they are often used in some clothing or ordinary bags that have weight requirements.
Stainless steel zippers: They have excellent corrosion resistance and high strength, and can adapt to various harsh environments. However, the luster of stainless steel zippers may not be as good as that of copper zippers, and they are more expensive. They are often used in outdoor equipment, sportswear and other products that have high requirements for zipper performance.
Classified by the shape of the chain teeth
Square-toothed zipper: The chain teeth are square, with full tooth shapes, tight meshing, and a relatively hard feel when pulled. It has high strength and durability, and is suitable for heavy clothing or large bags.
Round-toothed zipper: The chain teeth are round, and the teeth are smooth and round when facing each other, making it easier to pull and close. It has a soft touch and is often used in some soft-textured clothes, such as down jackets and sweaters.
Irregular-toothed zipper: The chain teeth have an irregular shape and possess unique appearance and performance characteristics. They are usually custom-made to meet special design or functional requirements. For instance, some fashionable or functional clothing may use irregular-toothed zippers to enhance the uniqueness of the products.
Classified by the shape of the zipper pull
Ordinary zipper pulls: They have a relatively conventional shape, usually rectangular or square, and are suitable for most ordinary clothes and bags. They are the most common type of zipper pulls.
Automatic zipper lock: It can automatically lock after being pulled and closed to prevent the zipper from accidentally sliding open, increasing the safety and convenience of use. It is often used for items that require the zipper position to be fixed, such as backpacks and suitcases.
Double-pull zipper: One zipper is equipped with two zipper pulls, which can be pulled or unpulled simultaneously from both ends, making it convenient to use. It is commonly found in some long clothes or large bags, such as windbreakers and sleeping bags.
Classify by use
Clothing zippers: Used for opening and closing various types of clothing, such as coats, trousers, skirts, etc. Clothing zippers have high requirements for appearance and hand feel. Usually, zippers of different materials, colors and chain tooth shapes are chosen according to the style and design of the clothing.
Luggage zippers: They need to withstand considerable tensile force and wear, and have high requirements for strength and durability. The teeth of a bag zipper are usually thick and the zipper pull is relatively large to accommodate frequent opening and closing as well as heavy items.
Industrial zippers: Used for packaging industrial products, maintenance doors of equipment, etc. Industrial zippers generally require higher strength and corrosion resistance, and can be used for a long time in harsh working environments.