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Frequently Asked Questions


Pre-care:
  • Test zipper in actual condition of use beforehand. Problems cropping up after stitching the zipper to the material are to be the responsibility of the customer.
  • In case of any dispute, ZEE's responsibility is restricted to give replacement for the faulty zippers.
  • Ensure sufficient clearance for slider to move freely after stitching the garment.
  • Avoid usage of rubber bands on zipper for storage.
  • For baby wear applications, use zipper with plastic stoppers.
  • Appropriate size of zipper to be used based on fabric weight and end use.
  • Zippers are not recommended for over – dyeing.
  • Halves of open end zippers should not be interchanged with one another.
  • Zipper should not be resized and used. Any quality problems happened due to incorrect usage or applications are not under responsibility of ZEE.
Wash-care:
  • Close zipper completely before washing.
  • Turn garments onto its reverse side before washing.
  • Appropriate ratio of chemicals should be used with washing time not to exceed 30 minutes and appropriate loading capacity should be maintained.
  • A final washing should be done after stone washing.
  • Washed garments should be dried immediately and never left wet.
  • Chemical washes with strong alkali may react with metal zipper with surface coating of antique, nickel, tin etc and would change the colour. Hence sample garment washing is recommended to check for undesirable effect.
  • The garment should be thoroughly rinsed to clean the acidic substances/residues of washing chemicals during washing.
  • For all jeans due to severe washing requirement, ZEE recommends only zippers with 100% brass slider.
  • Dark coloured zippers may affect color of light coloured garments.
  • Auto lock sliders are not recommended for severe washing applications.
  • In case of puller with link in sliders, the puller movement should be arrested while washing, to avoid mechanical abrasion in washing/tumbling.
  • Enamel painted zippers are not recommended for wash down process like enzyme wash, stone wash etc.
Ironing-care :
  • Recommended Ironing temperature is less than 110 deg.centigrade.
  • When ironing zipper stitched garment, place paper or cloth on the part coming in contact with the zipper to avoid paraffin stains and melting of zipper elements.
  • Ironing not to be done close to the slider to avoid breakage of sliders due to excessive ironing pressure.

ZEE develops its products with the customer expectation in its mind which result in the best colour fastness available. Customers are urged to supplement ZEE quality standards by performing their own tests to assure the quality of it is meeting actual conditions of use.

For better colour matching ZEE requires

  • Minimum 2" X 2" swatch in case of DTM processing
  • Name of the Light Source
  • Name of the Light Box Make
  • Area to which matching to be done in case of Multi coloured swatch
  • Direction to which ( Warp or weft ) matching to be done in case of Double colour swatch

If the light source and make of the light box not mentioned in the Work Order, which will be processed with ZEE's default light source D65 in Paramount Colour Matching box.



Standard Shade Processing

ZEE request the customer to choose the shade range from ZEE shade card for faster delivery and consistent colour since which has about 600 shades covering all the ranges and for each shade, the recipe data and the master are stored in the spectrophotometer. ZEE color analysts use digital data from these instruments as the final method of color evaluation under the specified light source. The measurement data from a spectrophotometer provides our Color Analysts with data to correctly assess the accuracy of your color matching. This also allows more accurate and consistent communication between the ZEE and the customer. ZEE Shades are numbered in 4 digit data code for unique identification and request you to use same.



Dtm swatch shade processing

On receipt of the swatch, ZEE will prepare the lab dip (zipper tape/chain) under the specified light source/box and sent to the customer for approval. After the approval, the approved lab dip (zipper tape/chain) will be consider as a master swatch and then bulk the colour is evaluated against this under the Spectrophotometer which is the most advanced instrument to determine the correctness of color evaluations.

ZEE uses visual color control for some of its products which cannot be measured by the spectrophotometer. Visual color assessment continues to be a subjective method for color evaluation because of individual perceptions and interpretations. It depends on the submit surface, viewing conditions, and the correct light source. ZEE Color Analysts are highly trained and tested for color vision.

ZEE's Delta E standard under specified primary light source is less than 1.2 for acceptance.

Paramount D65 is the standard light source for all the Standard Colors of the ZEE Color Card. Please match your fabric color with the ZEE color card under the Paramount D65 light source of the light box. The selection of light sources other than Paramount D65 for the color matching with the Standard Colors (ZEE Color Card) may result in the color difference problem found between the dyed zipper and garment fabric regarding the fact of metamerism – an obvious change in color of material subjected to different lighting.



Common problems due to Metamerism of different materials

Regarding that metamerism would be resulted from difference in colorants (e.g. dyestuff, pigments…etc.), color difference problems may take place under the following circumstances:

  • Noticeable color difference observed between the garment fabric and the zipper product under the fluorescent lighting in the office;
  • Color difference found among the zipper components, i.e. Zipper tape, Slider and Elements (Zipper chain);
  • Customer selected and approved zipper tape colors by matching the garment fabric based on ZEE Color Card under light source other than D65.
Examples of Metamerism of Zippers

LIGHT BOXGRETAG MACBETH


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LIGHT BOXPARAMOUNT


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To Minimize the Color Difference problem due to Metamerism
  • Please be remanded to use D65 light source for all the Standard Colors selected from ZEE Color Card;
  • When light sources other than D65 (such as CWF, TL84, U3000, INCA….etc.) is used, please specify for DTM (Dye-To-Match) under the specific light source for color approval.

Note: For the DTM (Dye-To-Match) processing, customers are advised to submit fabrics with size over 2cm x 2cm for high accuracy on color searching and assessment.

Slider Panit Chip Off After Dry Cleaning / Wet Processing Treatment

When a painted slider is subject to dry cleaning or wet processing treatment, including washing treatment but not limited to, the paint may chip off. This is mainly because the surface of the painted slider is being damaged when it hits a tumbler during the processing treatments.

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Normally, paint chip off can be found at the protruded part and the edge of the slider. However, the degree of chip off may vary depending on the conditions of the treatment. Since the painting is a layer of coating, it has the limitation in durability against physical striking. Therefore, painted components of zipper product should be avoided from the improper treatment, such as direct striking, scratching or wearing against hard objects etc.

Whenever the paint chip – off problem is in great concern, the selection of the plated sliders would highly be recommended. However, please kindly note that among the plated components, Antique Brass and Antique copper finishing are comparatively weaker to abrasion or wearing and may possibly exhibit the chip-off problem under direct striking or scraping.

METAL ZIPPERS: Finish Run Down

The Metal zipper chain finishes like Antique Brass; NFN & Antique silver are achieved by a plating process called Electro less plating or Dipping process. NFN and Antique silver finishes are made out of inorganic solutions which forms a metal layer on the teeth as finish and have superior resistance to run down of washing and corrosions of Environment. Whereas the Antique Brass finish is made out of organic solution, which forms an oxide layer on the teeth as a finish. The inheritance property of the oxide bound to make reactions with washing chemicals and abrasions with washing drum/washing stones during the washing and causes finish rundown on the zipper which can be minimized by



  • Use NFN/Antique silver Finishes for Heavy Enzyme/Stone Wash Requirements.
  • If Antique Brass is required,
  • Protect metallic zipper parts from direct contact with metal drum. The zipper must be closed & securely covered under fly or with additional strips of Fabric during washing cycles
  • Run Trials to optimize the process parameters such as Chemical concentration, Temperature, Loading weight, Cycle time and Machine speed.
  • Re optimize wash parameters based on trials for bulk processing.
METAL ZIPPERS: Discoloration/Staining

When the garment with metal zippers kept in humid /moisture condition, the reactive dye stuff (Sulphur base) in the garment reacts with the copper-alloys and causing discolouration or a color change on the garment.

This can be minimized by the following preventive care actions: -

  • Use material and cloth, which has been sufficiently washed and dried after treatment.
  • The zipper should be thoroughly washed to clean the acidic substances/residues of washing chemical after washing.
  • Dry sufficiently and keep the products in a dry place
  • Avoid sealing the garments in plastic or vinyl bags
  • Avoid warm and humid environments when storing or displaying the garments.
  • Take sufficient time before wrapping, after the products are pressed.
  • In case of Leather, which should be washed and neutralized after tanning.
  • Keep the waiting time between process steps to as minimum as possible while the garment in wet conditions to avoid staining.
Stain Migration Of Metal Zippers

In order to add used or vintage look to denim, stone washes are often used, adding volcanic rocks or pumice stones to the garments during washing process. The heavy abrasion on the garments brings the expected color fading of the garment fabrics, but it may also damage the zipper products to a certain extent.

Those heavy washes may leave obvious scratching, and scraping on the metal surfaces of the zipper components (including the elements, sliders, top stops or bottom stops). The degree of damages may vary depending on the size and radio of the stones, the washing times, the load of garments, etc. Due to the physical abrasion on the metal surfaces, metal dusts may come off from the zipper components, and the mixture of the metal dusts, stone fragments, and dirt may remain on the metal surfaces of the zippers. When such stains on a zipper chain or zipper part come in contact with the garment fabrics, it may cause stain migration. Stain may look more obvious on the lighter color garment.

Unlike the stains caused by chemical reactions, the kind of stain is physically attached onto the surface of the garment fabrics, so it can be simply removed by washing with the organic solvent or detergent.

In order to prevent the undesirable stain migration on the garment fabrics, the zipper products should be kept away from any direct striking with hard objects (e.g. stones.) during the garment washes. To ensure that the zipper is closed and covered by the garment fabrics throughout the washing processes would help to minimize the stain migration problem. Regarding the possible damages on the zipper products due to the harsh treatments in the stone washes, the selection of 45 YG Spring lock s would be recommended for their higher durability and zipper strength

Zipper Care In Over Dyeing

During in the garment dye processes, different kinds of dyestuff and auxiliaries would be used depending on the nature of the garment fabrics. For example, for the cotton fabrics, Sulfur Dye, Reactive Dye or Direct Dye may be used while Acid Dye is usually used for the dyeing of the nylon products…etc. Moreover, the usage of various chemicals such as reducing agents, oxidizing agents, acids and alkalis is rather common. When these dyestuff and chemicals are abundant in process, color change of the metal components of the zipper product may occur and occasionally, the stain migration on the garment fabrics would take place. Chemical reaction may take place when the metal components (including the elements, slider, top stops, bottom stop and open parts) of the zipper are in contact with different kinds of chemicals and the color change or staining problem would probably be resulted. Also chemicals in the dyestuff could react with those metal components and may cause decoloration (bleaching) or discoloration of the fabrics. The appearance of the color change may vary from time to time depending on (but not limited to) the following factors:


  • Nature and concentration of the dyestuff / chemicals used;
  • Processing temperature during in the garment dye treatment;
  • Length of the processing time;
  • Stain resistance of the garment fabrics

Very often, the color change / staining problem would further be accelerated when the zipper products are being kept / pressed against with the garment fabrics under the wet state (or in high humid environment) for long time.

Regarding the properties of metals, chemical reaction problem can hardly be avoided when the metal zippers are subjected to the garment dye processing. For this reason , It would greatly be advised that the zipper products should be applied in the garment after the garment dye processing. Also, in case the reaction with the residue dyestuff or chemicals on the garment fabrics, the garment fabrics should be thoroughly neutralized, rinsed and dried immediately after the garment dye treatments.

In any case that the zipper products have to be subjected to the garment dye processing, a pre-production test on the reaction of the zipper products would be necessary in order to prevent any undesirable effect of both the zipper and the garment products.


Change In Metal Zipper Colour Leather Products

During the leather tanning process, tanning agents such as sulphuric acid, mineral acids, chrome compounds, tannic acid and aldehyde compounds are commonly used. When those tanning chemicals on the leather products come in contact with the metal zippers (or the metal components of the zipper), metal colour may change. Such colour change may be accelerated if the products are placed under the air –tight (or poor ventilation) and high temperature environment, or being stored under pressure.



In order to minimize the metal colour change of the leather products, please observe below precautions.


  • Use the leather which has been sufficiently washed and neutralized after the tanning processes:
  • Avoid keeping the metal zippers with the leather products under the air-tight package or in poor ventilation environment:
  • Avoid the prolonged contact or pressing the leather against metal zippers.
ZEE ZIPPERS

ZEE Zippers are leading manufacturers of zips across various designs, styles and finishes.



CONCEALED ZIPPERS :

Concealed Zippers are specially made for ladies' skirts, blouse and T-shirts. they are made with specially designed woven/knitted tape. While woven tape is ideal for cotton, woolen blends and other heavy fabrics, knitted tape is preferred for finer fabries fabrics such as silks & crepe. The top and bottom components are ultrasonic-welded to be safe.

Range:

  • 26 CC Knitted with Tear drop puller
  • 36 CC Woven with Neck tie puller

Both 26 CC Knitted and 36 CC Woven are designated as Light catagory, based on their respective chain widths.



APPLICATION GUIDELINES:

Concealed Zippers 26 CC Knitted and 36 CC Woven



The Zipper must be sewn to the garment with a special sewing foot attachment to achieve the required appearance so that zipper teeth should not be visible and also to ensure that the slider running is smooth with required clearance.



Precautionary Measures :

For items with multiple seams adjoining the closures, such as cross over seams, the fabric may be in multiple layers. The zipper is too delicate to withstand the strain. For garments with cross over seam, 36 CC woven concealed zipper is reccommended. However customers are advisded to make samples and make trials of slider running before and after washing (if required). The slider should run smooth, even in the vicinity of cross over seam.



For safety against over loads in tight worm ladies skirts / trousers, hook and eye or button / loop should be provided at the top end of the zipper. It is recommended that hook and eye or button and loop be engaged first, before closing the zipper. For garments with tight fit, or otherwise the coil may tear under strain /over load.


26 Knitted with Tear drop puller



Precautionary Measures :
  • The appropriate size of zip (like 26 CC Knitted or 36 CC Woven) should be selected for the product / fabric weight and end use.
  • 26 CC Knitted zippers are recommended only for ultra light fabric
  • The zippers must be sewn in with sewing foot which different for 26 CC Knitted and 36 CC Woven.
  • It is to be ensured that thre is clearance for the slider to move freely after stitching to the garment. Check the first few pcs after a attaching to the garments.
  • The zipper should not be resized and used.
  • The zipper should be closed while washing the garment.
  • Enameled zippers must not be used on any garments to be subjected to any of the wash down processes-example:-Enzyme or stone wash.
  • Concealed zippers are not recommended for over dyeing.
  • For any washing, appropriate loading capacity to be maintained in the washing machine to avoid adverse effect.
  • During the washing, it is recommended that puller is rigidly fixed to the garment by sewing, so that it does not rub the walls of washing machine in tumbling.