How does a zipper work? Explore the slider in 3D

How the parts work together

1. Follow the whole zipper

   Start with the complete metal zipper. The teeth are fixed to their tape edges; the slider moves along them and changes which part of the chain is joined.

2. Open the slider

   Remove the roof to see two entry channels becoming one exit. The divider and outer flanges guide the rows through this transition.

3. Look inside the tooth heads

   This section cuts through the same teeth shown in the whole model. Blue and orange distinguish the two rows. Follow a projection into the neighboring blind recess; the metal around it provides the interlock.

4. Reverse the motion

   As the slider moves back, the tape paths diverge and the tooth heads turn out of engagement in sequence. Pause or move the phase control to inspect the transition.

The main parts

Woven tapes

Fabric strips that can be sewn into clothing or a bag. A thicker bead along each inner edge gives the metal teeth something to grip.

Metal teeth

Each compact tooth has a coupling head and two stout legs crimped around the tape bead. A projection on one longitudinal face fits the blind recess of the next tooth.

Slider body

Upper and lower plates surround a Y-shaped passage. Side flanges guide the tooth rows while slots let the fabric tapes pass through.

Central divider

The column between the two entry channels separates the rows as the slider moves toward the open end. Reversing the motion brings the rows into the common exit.

Slider roof

The upper plate holds the teeth inside the guide passage. The inside view removes this plate so the mechanism stays visible.

Pull tab

The hinged handle moves the slider body along the chain. This model shows the handle and hinge, without an automatic locking pawl.

End stops

Small metal fittings mark the ends of the illustrated travel. This closed-end example retains a bridge joining the two tapes at the bottom.

Questions worth exploring