Have you ever wondered how to create your own custom zipper sliders and/or pull tabs?
With YKK Japan, you can produce your own zipper pull tabs! (made-to-order zipper pull tabs)
We hope that this will be useful for ideas for brands who want to create their own original products
(But first) Logo Printing on Plastic Buckles
First, we will introduce the classic method of putting logos on plastic parts.
We can laser or silk print on various parts such as plastic buckles and carabiners. We can also create a concave shape with a laser and then fill it with ink to make it stand out, allowing us to express this level of detail.
The key point is that it can express not only the so-called brand logo, but also finer details.
Lasers and other products have relatively small lot sizes, and the initial cost is only the cost of submitting the data. Therefore, it is possible to make 100 units. However, in that case, the unit price is still high, so an economical lot size would be around 500 units.
Custom Pull tabs
Next, we will introduce some of the 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 in terms of uniformity of plating.
Shared Glossy and Satin Pull Tab
Needless to say, 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 Design
Universal design refers to a design that can be used by people of all ages, genders, and disabilities. For example, the pull handle on the right side is multi-jointed and can express flexibility different from 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.
Other rubber etc.
Honestly, we’ve never seen the button-shaped slider in the middle before, and I don’t know how it’s used, but I think it would definitely be a great accent piece for bags and accessories. Also, decorative auxiliary pullers are standard for bags, and sometimes you just attach a cord, but I always feel that if the puller is special, it makes a difference in the everyday feel, so please consider it.
Bonus: No YKK logo pull tab
Also on display were designer brands and No-mark sliders that deliberately did not show the YKK logo.
Production process for custom pull tabs
Some people may think that custom pull tabs may be difficult to order, but we will explain the process and costs, so if you are interested in giving it a try, please feel free to contact us. (Below information is as of Nov. 2024)
<Flow>
- 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.
<Cost>
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. That being said, custom pull tabs is not something that can be done immediately, but if you can start preparing with a year before the season you want to use it for, we can produce original pull tabs.
summary
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.
Let ApparelX support your production needs through our apparel OEM service!
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).