Molded zippers
We make wholesale molded plastic zippers, known in Türkiye as kemik zippers, in Istanbul for coats, sportswear, outdoor gear and workwear. Bold teeth, less weight than metal and easy colour matching: we settle the right model with you.
What a molded zipper is
Despite its Turkish trade name, which translates as “bone”, there is no bone in a kemik zipper. The teeth are plastic, usually a hard material called polyacetal (POM), and each one is molded directly onto the edge of the tape. You may also hear it called a plastic-tooth or chunky-tooth zipper.
It looks closer to a metal zipper, because every tooth stands out on its own. In use it behaves differently: lighter than metal of the same size, rust-free, and able to take its colour from the material itself. It is a good answer when you want a bold zipper on the front of a coat without the weight of metal.
It has limits too. It is stiffer than coil, so it is happiest on straight seams. Being plastic, it is also sensitive to heat, so try your iron and heat press settings on a sample. In severe cold, a hard knock is more likely to break a tooth. If you are undecided, compare it with our metal and nylon coil pages.
MAK Zipper has been making zippers to world standards in Istanbul since 2005, and molded zippers are part of that family. Our factory is in Esenyurt and our sales store in Mercan. Our craftsmen bring more than 20 years of experience, and we ship wholesale worldwide, led by Türkiye and the Balkans. Our molded zipper guide covers the material in more depth.
- Product
- Molded plastic-tooth (kemik) zippers, wholesale
- End types
- Closed-end, open-end (separating), two-way
- Finishes
- 17 finishes for pullers and metal parts
- Puller
- Metal, plastic and other types
- Tape
- 32 colours; ask us about others
- Size
- Size 3 / 5 / 8 / 10
- Made in
- Esenyurt, İstanbul
- Sales store
- Semaver Sokak No: 21, Mercan, Fatih, İstanbul
Where molded zippers are used
Molded zippers come into their own where the teeth should show and weight matters. These are common starting points rather than fixed rules. Our guide to choosing by end use has more examples.
- Coats and parkasA separating molded zipper is a common front closure. Large teeth do not get lost in heavy fabric, and the weight is less noticeable than metal. On long styles a second slider opens the hem.
- SportswearOn jackets, gilets and track tops the zipper becomes a visible part of the design. The teeth can match the fabric or deliberately contrast with it.
- Outdoor and campingPlastic teeth do not rust in rain, sweat or damp air. On products used with gloves, a large size and a long puller make life easier.
- Marine and damp conditionsSalt water is hard on metal parts. Even with plastic teeth, the slider and end parts have to suit the same conditions, so tell us where the product will be used.
- WorkwearHeavy garments that open and close all day usually take a larger size. Where there is heat involved, discuss the limits of plastic teeth from the start. If you work to a specification, include it.
- Bags and backpacksOn straight openings it gives a bold, sporty look. Tight curved corners usually suit nylon coil better, so decide according to the pattern.
End types
The end type describes how the two ends of the zipper are finished. On a molded zipper the end parts are usually plastic as well, so they are considered together with the tooth colour.
- Closed-endThe two sides stay joined at the bottom and never come fully apart. Used on pockets, collars, bag compartments and half-zip sports tops.
- Open-end (separating)A pin and box let the sides part completely. This is the model you see most often on molded zippers, on the fronts of coats, jackets and gilets.
- Two-wayTwo sliders let the zipper open from either direction, which makes long coats and parkas easier to sit down in. It can be separating or closed, depending on the product.
The plastic pin and box take the most load on a separating model, and pulling the slider before the pin is fully seated is one of the main causes of breakage. The film at the end of the tape keeps the sewing tidy and helps the pin locate. Our article on end types has more detail.
Closed two-way models on bags and travel goods come in O and X layouts: the O closes when the sliders touch, the X when they sit at opposite ends. Our X and O guide shows the difference. Since terms for these models get used loosely, describe the opening you want when you order.
Choosing the slider and puller
A molded chain has a different channel from coil or metal, so the slider has to be made for it. The puller is the part you grip, and it sets much of the character of the product.
Slider types
These slider types are often used on molded zippers:
- Auto-lock: the slider stays put when you let go of the puller, which stops coats and sports tops from creeping open.
- Semi-auto: locks when the puller is folded flat and releases when it is lifted.
- Non-lock: slides freely. Suits bags and compartments that are opened often.
- Reversible and double-pull: let the zipper be worked from both faces, which helps on reversible garments and camping gear.
- Transparent slider: keeps the body from standing out on a clear or pale chain.
Bodies are generally die-cast zamak or plastic. Plastic is light and resists corrosion, while a metal body can be plated to match the other metal hardware on a bag or coat.
We offer every slider and puller type on the market, in metal and plastic; the full range is on our sliders and pullers page. For the matching rules, see our article on slider fit.
Pullers
Common puller types:
- Hooked metal: Hooks onto the slider, with the widest choice of models.
- Looped metal: Easy to grip thanks to its ring opening, common on leather and denim.
- Plastic: Light and colourful, common on sportswear and home textiles.
- Rubber and silicone: Easy to grip, common on outdoor and sports products.
- Leather and imitation leather: Gives a softer finish on leather garments and bags.
- Wire, string and cord: Light and plain, and helpful on products used with gloves.
The puller finish comes from our metal catalogue, so it can match the other metal hardware on your product.
Because molded zippers are so common on sports and outdoor products, rubber, plastic and cord pullers are popular as well. On anything used with gloves, a long easy-to-grip puller does more than a small metal one.
Our puller article covers the options in more depth.
Tooth colour and finishes
Molded teeth do not have to be plated the way metal teeth are. They usually take their colour from the material and can be produced to match the tape. The 17 finishes below are for pullers and metal parts.
How to choose the look
Tone on tone: teeth and tape share one colour. The large teeth stay visible yet blend with the fabric, the usual choice for plain coats and sportswear.
Contrast teeth: a tooth colour different from the tape turns the zipper into a design feature. Often seen in children's and sports collections.
Tooth looks: we offer tone-on-tone, clear, silver, antique yellow, antique oxide and oxide molded teeth, plus gold, silver, rainbow and filigree glitter.
You can try puller and tape pairings in our catalogue.
Tape and colour
On a molded zipper, tape and teeth read as one. On a coat the tape can show as a line against the fabric, so choose its colour together with the fabric.
You can see our 32 tape colours here. For anything else, send a fabric swatch or colour code. Colours shift under different lights, so make the final call with the sample next to your fabric in daylight.
Polyester is the most common tape on these zippers across the industry, and reflective printed or special woven tapes also appear on the market. On outdoor products, a tape that sheds water does not make the zipper waterproof, so describe your need along with the end use.
Contact us about a custom colourOn-screen colours are indicative only. Request a sample for the exact colour.
Sizing: what Size 5 means
We give molded zipper sizes by number: Size 5 means the same as international No. 5 or #5. In Türkiye you will also see it written as Tip 5, T5 or 5 numara. On molded teeth, a larger size also means a bolder look, so choose it together with the fabric.
We confirm the exact millimetres on a sample. Tell us about your product, your fabric and the zipper you use now, or leave the field empty if you are unsure, and we will choose the right size together.
Ordering molded zippers wholesale
A wholesale molded zipper order starts with a sample. The steps are simple.
Send your request
Fill in the sample form or contact us on WhatsApp.
Confirm the details
Our team goes through end type, size, finish and tape with you.
Try the sample
We prepare and ship your sample. Try it on your fabric and in your wash.
Go to production
With your approval, production starts and your order ships from our factory.
Molded zippers: common questions
Are kemik zippers really made of bone?
No. Kemik, Turkish for “bone”, is only a trade name. The teeth are plastic, usually molded from polyacetal (POM).
What is the difference between molded and nylon coil zippers?
A molded zipper has individually formed, bold teeth. A coil zipper is made from a single filament wound into a spiral, so it is finer and more flexible. Molded suits a bold look on straight seams, while coil suits curves and lightness.
Should I choose molded or metal?
Choose metal for a plated, weighty, classic look, and molded for the same boldness in a lighter tooth that will not rust. Strength is not about type alone; it also depends on size and construction.
Which molded zipper suits a coat?
Usually a separating model with an auto-lock slider, or a two-way version on long coats so the hem can open too. We can choose the size together based on the weight of the fabric.
Is Size 5 the same as No. 5 or #5?
Yes. Size 5 follows the international number scale, so it means the same as No. 5 or #5. In Türkiye it may be written as Tip 5, T5 or 5 numara. We confirm the exact millimetres on a sample.
Can a molded zipper be ironed?
Plastic teeth are affected by high heat. If you iron or heat press near the zipper, avoid direct contact with the teeth and try your settings on a sample first.
Can the teeth match the tape?
Yes, molded teeth can be produced to match the tape. Specify your colour on the sample request, with a swatch or colour code.
Do you export molded zippers?
Yes. We ship wholesale worldwide, led by Türkiye and the Balkans.
Have another question? Please contact us.
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Test the quality yourself, then decide. We will get back to you as quickly as possible.