YKK Custom Zipper Pulls

Logo printing on plastic buckles

First, we will introduce the classic method of putting logos on plastic parts.

We can either laser or silk print on various parts and accessories such as plastic buckles and carabiners. We can also create an engravement with a laser and then fill it with ink to make it stand out, allowing us to express this level of detail (pictured above)

The key point is that it can express not only the so-called brand logo, but also finer details.

Lasering for products have relatively small lot sizes, and the initial cost is only the cost of submitting the data. It is possible to make 100 units; However, in that case, the unit price can be high, so an economical batch size would be around 500 units.

YKK Custom sliders and pull handles

Next, we will introduce some of the zipper sliders that can be made to order. YKK can make completely original pull handles by creating a mold. The most common method is to have a metal parts manufacturer make their own pull handles and attach them to CA sliders or ZA sliders, but we recommend YKK custom sliders for uniform plating throughout the entire zipper.

Shared Glossy and “Nashi” Slider

The term “nashi” refers to the rough surface like a pear. By combining the glossy and nashi parts in one slider, the design has depth and can express a unique sense of luxury rather than a simple logo.

Universal (Accessible) Design

Universal design refers to a design that can be used by people of all ages, genders, and disabilities (accessibility). For example, the pull handle on the right side is multi-jointed and is more flexibility than a chain. When you hold it in your hand, it is designed to fit your fingers, making it easy to hold. This is just one example of a design, and I felt that by expressing the uniqueness of the brand from here, it would be possible to create clothes that are unique to the brand.

Rubber etc.

Honestly, I’ve never seen a button-shaped slider like in the middle picture before, and I don’t know how it’s used, but I think it would definitely be an accent piece for bags and accessories. Decorative auxiliary pullers are standard for bags, and sometimes brands just attach a cord, but I always feel that if the puller is special, it makes a difference in the everyday feel, so it might be worthwhile to consider a YKK custom decorative pull.

Bonus: No-Mark Slider

Also on display were designer brands and Nomark sliders that deliberately did not show the YKK logo.

Production process for YKK custom sliders

Some people may think that creating YKK custom sliders is too difficult or too much work, but we will explain the process and costs, so if you are interested in giving it a try, please feel free to contact us.

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Create slider illustration data → Submit to YKK
3D data provided by YKK
If there are no problems, create a resin sample
If there are no problems with the sample, mass production will proceed.

＜Fee＞
Mold fee: around 120,000 yen –
Sliders will be charged along with the zipper fee.

It takes about a month from creating the 3D data to making the mold. Also, because the specifications vary depending on the element size and whether it is for reverse opening or closing, we specify what item it will be used for before proceeding with mass production, so it cannot be done immediately, but if we can start preparing a year before the season, we can produce original sliders.

The YKK exhibition is held once a year. At one time, Aquaguard was popular due to the influence of Sports Mix, but various zippers are released every year, so we hope you will come and experience the new technology of YKK zippers, which Japan is proud of.

ApparelX is a BtoB ecommerce platform for brands, tailors and the like to order from small MOQs from a variety of manufacturers in one order. And we ship worldwide!
Check out our FAQ page, Youtube, and LinkedIn if you have basic questions or looking to stay connected.
If you are looking to bulk order, custom order, or have any other questions, contact us through our contact form and a member on the Global Strategy Team will get back to you within the next business day. (Please understand that we are based in Japan and our office hours are 9am-6pm so we are only able to answer during that time).