Zipper installation multipurpose guide

[RockyAussie]

6 hours ago, thefanninator said:

As best as I can measure, yes.

WOW that is very close to the stated 6mm.Spot on with my measurement above. I think the No 5 link should work well but I will do up one on 99% and 101% as well and try them out. PM me  a place to send I will try and get you some somehow to try out.

Note: On the No 5 stl here I made for the nylon coil .....it works great but I found after a couple of days and little shrink back it is now not tight enough for the metal No 5 to hold it tightly. Fine for glue line up but not for straight to the sewing machine. I have been measuring for a few days now and so far no more shrinkage but means I will have to try one for the metal at a lesser percentage. I will let you know sometime later this week.

[thefanninator]

PM sent.

[Uwe]

After spending several days testing, printing and exploring different slicing software (SLIC3R and Simplify3D) to produce G-Code, I managed to solve some key problems I had with my original 3D printer control software. My parts are now strong and precise. Unfortunately they still won't hold my YKK metal zipper. I dialed the dimensions to 1/10th of a millimeter, but no luck - either too loose or can't press the zipper in. Perhaps my parts are too rigid now.

I had created a slight variation on the original design in my CAD program so that I could control dimensions of the part and the STL file precisely.

I'm not a zipper expert and the zipper display at my local fabric store was quite overwhelming, and they don't even carry YKK or Riri zippers. My local Tandy Leather was locking the doors as I was pulling up - I think it was because they were closing anyways.

In my experience, a single STL file can produce dozens of slightly different parts, depending on which printer, which slicing software, and which print settings you use. I couldn't even get my parts to work properly for one single zipper in three days, let alone for a dizzying array of zippers available commercially. It sure looks pretty in my Fusion 360 CAD software:

So, kudos to @RockyAussie for inventing the part and actually making it work for his zippers, and thanks for giving me a shout-out.

Alas, making a product that is suitable for sale is not as simple as it seemed at first. I'm not convinced that I can produce this part in a quality that folks would consistently be happy with, so I decided I won't try to sell them.

I'm attaching the STL file (Zipper Guide low profile 8.6mm.stl) of the modified part I used (sized for my 8.6mm YKK metal zipper) If somebody can make it work for them, go for it.

 

 

Edited August 27, 2018 by Uwe

[dikman]

That pile looks like something for a model railway.

Thanks for providing the file, what is the nominal slot width in your version?

[Uwe]

My part has a 8.6mm wide slot in the CAD model and my printed version ended up within 1/100th of a millimeter.

 

Here's a public link to my Fusion 360 CAD file, in case anybody wants to inspect it or tinker with it: https://a360.co/2PeQpnd (this turns out to be a very cool browser interface for viewing the part. below is a screenshot on my Chrome browser)

Edited August 27, 2018 by Uwe

[Wizcrafts]

Uwe;

I have all kinds of zippers in my shop. You are welcome to come up to Burton and measure all you want. I have plastic, molded plastic, aluminum and brass tooth zippers. Most are YKK, but I have a few other brands in stock. The location is on my website: www.rw-leatherworks.com

[RockyAussie]

Here is a link to a video I just finished showing one method by my very talented wife  using the zipper guide for making up care bags for crocodile bags I just completed.

For those that have been patiently waiting for some of these ...I have finally got them done to a  reasonable quality and have have checked with the postage costs. I will endeavour to  get them out this week. The postage to UK and USA is around $25AU and should take about 10 business days although inter country postage may take a bit longer. Forgot to mention within Australia cost is about $11 express and they will go as well.

[Dun]

Are these still an available option to purchase and ship to the US?

[RockyAussie]

2 minutes ago, Dun said:

Are these still an available option to purchase and ship to the US?

Yes can do if you want. Let me know what zip sizes you are using/wanting and I will get you some costs sorted out.

[Rockoboy]

Hi Brian, Thank you for the zipper-fitters you sent me. I only had one zip, and the 4mm fitted it like a frog in a sock! Well done.

Ohh yeah, the thread tree threading tool also works great. I made a minor modification, I drilled a hole in the handle so It can hang up where I know it will be when I need it.