Short answer: Vislon is a trade name for a moulded plastic zipper, in which individual plastic teeth are injection-moulded directly onto the tape. The generic description is a moulded plastic zip. It is used because the solid teeth give high strength, a stiff and stable chain, and a clean, chunky appearance on outerwear and luggage.
The name is often used loosely, in the same way that some people call any coil zip a nylon zip. Strictly, Vislon belongs to one manufacturer, and other producers make equivalent moulded chains under their own article names. For specification purposes, the correct term is moulded plastic zipper, with the size, tooth profile and slider defined separately.
Detailed Explanation
The manufacturing method is what defines the product. A continuous coil is woven or sewn on; a moulded chain is made by feeding the tape through a moulding machine that injects a thermoplastic, usually acetal (POM), into cavities on both edges. The plastic bonds through the tape, so each tooth is anchored mechanically rather than by stitching. The result is a row of discrete, rigid teeth with a defined pitch.
Because the teeth are solid, the chain is much stiffer than a coil. That stiffness is the main reason moulded zips are chosen: a heavy jacket front stays flat, a luggage opening keeps its shape, and the slider runs without the flex that can cause a coil to buckle. The teeth also resist abrasion better, which matters on bags that rub against conveyor belts and vehicle floors.
The tooth profile is engineered for the slider. Each tooth has a head, a neck and a shoulder, and the slider's channel is shaped to gather the two rows and lock them together. Moulded chains are self-lubricating to a degree, which helps in dusty or wet conditions, and they do not corrode. The trade-off is bulk: a moulded #8 is visibly heavier than a coil #8 and does not drape.
Colour is produced by masterbatch in the plastic, so the tooth colour is stable and does not rely on dye penetration. The tape is dyed separately, and matching tape to teeth is a quality point. Matte, gloss and metallic-effect finishes are available, and the matte finish is usually chosen for technical outerwear because it does not look like plastic.
Comparison
| Property | Moulded plastic | Coil | Metal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tooth construction | Injection-moulded, discrete | Continuous filament spiral | Stamped or cast metal |
| Stiffness | High | Low | Medium to high |
| Abrasion resistance | High | Medium | High |
| Corrosion | None | None | Plating dependent |
| Weight | Medium to heavy | Light | Heavy |
| Typical use | Outerwear, luggage, marine | Sportswear, bags, bedding | Denim, leather |
The table shows the trade clearly. Moulded wins on rigidity and abrasion, coil wins on weight and drape, metal wins on strength and appearance. Most outerwear ranges use all three in different places.
How to Choose
Choose a moulded chain when the garment needs a firm front edge, when the zip will be exposed to abrasion, or when the design calls for a visible chunky tooth. It is the default for padded jackets, ski wear, luggage and marine covers. Choose a coil instead when weight, drape or cost matters more than rigidity.
Size follows the same logic as other families: #5 for mid-weight jackets and day bags, #8 for heavy outerwear and luggage, #10 for expedition and utility use. Because moulded tape is wide, check the seam allowance and the pattern before approving.
Ask for the tooth profile and the slider code. A moulded zip with the wrong slider will feel stiff or will not lock, and the slider is the part most often substituted. Donglong Zipper supplies moulded chains with matched sliders and offers matte and gloss finishes for outerwear programmes.
Common Mistakes
Using a moulded zip on a soft, draped garment is the most visible error; the chain stands away from the body and the front looks stiff. The second is assuming that all moulded zips are waterproof, when the tape and stitching still pass water. The third is choosing a gloss finish on a technical jacket, which reads as cheap under studio lighting.
Buyers also forget the cold. Standard POM stays serviceable at low temperature, but very cheap compounds become brittle below about minus 20 degrees Celsius and can crack at the tooth root. For expedition use, specify a low-temperature grade.
FAQ Summary
- Vislon is a trade name; the generic term is moulded plastic.
- Teeth are injection-moulded onto the tape for strength and stiffness.
- Best for outerwear, luggage, marine and utility products.
- Heavier and less flexible than a coil of the same size.
- Specify the tooth profile, slider code and cold-weather grade.
Moulded zips are the structural choice. Where a coil follows the garment, a moulded chain shapes it. Used on the right product, it gives a firm opening, a long service life and a look that reads as equipment rather than trim.