Install Airtight & Waterproof zippers
Installation Guide
For TPU waterproof zippers: Gluing, sewing & seam seal, RF welding
For metal airtight zippers CR(Chloroprene): Gluing, sewing & seam seal
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.