Technical Support PROSEAL®

Order

How to measure the length

Single-Seal
(One end closed)
W-Seal
(Both end closed)
Open end
Closed-end
(Both end closed with 2
sliders back to back)
Conceal

The method of specifying the length of PROSEAL ® zipper differs by brands.

New Zipper(BDM) uses OL and YKK/Dynat uses EL

OL = Over all length (includes top stop and bottom stop)
EL = Element length (without top stop and bottom stop)

Maximum / Minimum Order Length

Size Tape Minimum length Maximum length
4TZN PVC 20cm -
CR(Chloroprene) 20cm -
8TZN PVC 20cm -
PU(Polyurethane) 20cm -
CR(Chloroprene) 20cm -
12TZN CR(Chloroprene) 20cm -

Smart use of zippers

  • Close the zipper till the slider completely touches the stop to ensure tightness.
  • When opening or closing, always ensure that the direction of the pull is along the line of the metal teeth. When closing, ensure that both sides of the open zippers are parallel. It is very important to avoid catching undergarments in the teeth. If the slider should jam during closure, DO NOT FORCE IT. Pull back the slider, remove the obstruction and slowly attempt to close it again. Excessive force will break the metal chain and destroy the fastener. Also avoid bending the zipper excessively as this will eventually cause the metal chain running inside of the fastener to break.
  • As for PVC tape, do not use in an environment where the water temperature is under 10 degree C, as the PVC will become hardened, and it will affect the fastener’s performance.
  • Due to the characteristics of PVC, its tightness will deteriorate over time.

Cleaning

  • After using the zipper, it should be rinsed in clean water. Any objects (sand, mud, etc.) found in or outside of the elements before operating the zipper may result in poor tightness or may damage the zipper.
  • Do not dry clean, machine wash or iron.

Maintenance

  • Occasional cleaning and lubrication of the elements after use is desirable. Such treatment is especially important if PROSEAL® zipper is used in a dirty or corrosive environment. After rinsing with fresh water, please apply a lubricant, such as paraffin lightly to the part circled in red in the picture below in the elements. After opening and closing the zipper several times, excess paraffin flakes should be removed.

Installation Guide

Tape material Possible installation method
PVC Gluing, sewing & seam seal, RF welding, Hot air welding
PU(Polyurethane) Gluing, sewing & seam seal, RF welding
CR(Chloroprene) Gluing, sewing & seam seal

Gluing

Metal water/air tight zippers can be glued into applications with adhesives compatible with the zipper tape and substrate material.
Typically, neoprene based adhesives are used with CR tape zippers when neoprene fabric is used in the application. The zipper with PU or PVC tapes will require different adhesives depending on the application material. Testing the compatibility of the adhesive, application material, and the zipper is strongly recommended.

Sewing & seam sealing

If a zipper is sewn into an application, the sewn seam must be covered with seam seal tape to prevent liquid or air leaks.

RF welding

RF Welding (Radio Frequency, Dielectric, High Frequency Welding) is a process in which similar polymer materials are bonded together using radio waves. Zippers made of PVC and PU materials are used in applications where the zippers are attached to similar materials using RF welding techniques. The RF machine settings are dependent on the type and thickness of the material used in the application. Any welding process or substrate material must be tested for compatibility with the zipper. The zipper is typically welded to the inside of the garment and seam sealed on all edges to prevent liquid or air penetration.

Hot air welding

Hot air can be used to fuse two similar or compatible materials together. A zipper made from PVC tape is attached to materials with hot air welding in some applications. The materials used and machinery used must be tested with the zipper. An additional hot melt adhesive may be required as a carrier between the zipper and the application material. The zipper is typically welded to the inside of a garment and seam sealed on the edge to prevent liquid or air penetration. Heat above 70°C could possibly damage the molded top, bottom stops or chain. Care should be taken to prevent the movement of the heated zipper or damage may occur to the molded top or bottom stops.

Storage

  • Store with the zipper completely open, taking care not to bend it. Storage of the zipper in a closed position for long period will cause malformation of the sealing areas. Also, storing partially opened will cause zipper bending. If these effects occur, slight leaks are possible.
  • Do not place any heavy object on the zipper.
  • Prolonged contact with such surface materials as PVC or synthetic leather, cause the PVC to react with their processing additives and cause a color migration (color transfer) to occur. Avoid direct contact when storing by placing a sheet of paper between the zipper and the material.