TIZIP SuperSeal - waterproof zipper, 700 mbar

Applications:

Diving suits (dry and semi-dry suits)
Watersports clothing
Tents, flexible covers
Protective clothing for leisure, safety and industrial applications (gas and chemical protection)
Flexible containers for electronic instruments, documents, machines and apparatus for storage and transport
Inflatable objects, jumping castles, advertising balloons, etc.
Bags and backpacks for daily use and outdoor activities such as cycling, biking, sailing, hiking, climbing ...and various others.

See the details below or download the document as a PDF-file. Also find more information about using the TIZIP SuperSeal for dry diving suits.

The technical principle

The TIZIP SuperSeal is made from a strong, plastic coil zipper on a high strength fabric. Every coil half is safely embedded and secured in a plastic profile.

When the TIZIP SuperSeal is closed the sealing lips above and below the coil are compressed making a perfect seal. The entire plastic profile is highly abrasion resistant. The unique design prevents the slider from wearing down the sealing lips when the zipper is opened or closed.

The physical design of the TIZIP SuperSeal increases the seal strength when the pressure is raised or when cross tension is applied. Both actions lead to an increased mechanical pressure on the top sealing lip.

Tightness

The TIZIP Super Seal is pressure tested with 700 mbar air pressure, applied to the front surface including the end stops. The slider engages positively into the docking end. Heavy bending may cause leakage. Please try to avoid!

Limitations

The TIZIP SuperSeal is a strong, durable, very forgiving zipper, which will hold up to 700 mbar air pressure in lab conditions. These attributes ideally qualify the SuperSeal zipper for use in diving drysuits.

The SuperSeal construction is very different from the well known waterproof metal zippers. When bent, curved or twisted underwater the SuperSeal may allow a little water permeation. This is not a zipper malfunction or the beginning of an increasing problem. The amount of water permeation is never enough to harm the diver or make him feel uncomfortable. Provided installation and lubrication is done correctly, the SuperSeal zipper’s advantages of durability, forgiveness and wearing comfort speak in its favour. However if there is no tolerance in terms of water permeation a metal zipper is still superior.

Testing

The sealing function of the TIZIP SuperSeal is tested by fastening the zipper in a straight rectangular frame, 3 cm wide, face down. Compressed air is applied to the front side of the zipper and water poured over the back until it is submersed. To pass the test no air bubbles may occur for a period of 20 seconds. Random testing is performed during the production of every batch.

Dirt or Sand

The TIZIP SuperSeal is highly resistant to damage caused by dirt or sand. However if dirt or sand are present, the zipper should be cleaned with soap and water. Dirt particles can affect the sealing function if they get caught between the chain profiles. If the TIZIP SuperSeal closure is used to protect life or sensitive material, the sealing function and cleanness of the chain area should be double checked prior to every usage.

Stability

The TIZIP SuperSeal´s performance in terms of strength and durability is outstanding. It can take weight, it is abrasion resistant and it will survive short term sharp bending and twisting without separating.

When closed, the TIZIP SuperSeal has a cross-breaking strength of minimum 300 N/cm.

However, in the event the TIZIP is over-stressed during closing, the chain may stay separated. In this case, simply move the slider back, reduce the cross tension, then reclose the zipper. The TIZIP will not be damaged by this procedure.

If the zipper has opened all the way down into the bottom stop, the first min. 2 cm have to be closed by hand before the slider is pulled back.

Follow the step by step instruction.

Lubrication

Prior to installation in a product, no lubricant is applied to the TIZIPs. However, lubrication is essential to maintain the ease of operation and proper coupling of the chain. After installation into a product, manufacturers are requested to lubricate the SuperSeal all along the chain tips, and to operate the slider the full length of the chain, in both directions, at least 5 times. Acid free, grease or oil lubricants may be used.

Initial lubrication and operation is essential for the full strength of the seal!

If the chain is dry, re-lubricating by the user is recommended from time
to time (apx. every 10 uses).

Please see the instruction card and lubricant tube supplied with each TIZIP. Lubricating the outer flanges of the sealing profile reduces the sliding force.

Lubricant

Versions


both ends closed		open top

Width: 50 mm und 70 mm
Chain width: 11mm
Extensions over end stop and docking end: 16 mm or 25 mm

Operating Force

For the sealing function the TIZIP SuperSeal requires a fairly strong pull of the slider. Please allow a slightly higher pulling force as compared to regular zippers. A wet surface or lubricant on the outer flanges of the sealing profile reduces the pulling force greatly.

Resistance

UV-light	Very Good
Microbes	Satisfactory
Oil and petrol	Very Good
Hydrolysis (normal temperatures)	Good
Hydrolysis (extreme temperatures and humidity)	Sufficient
Temperature range	-30°C - +80°C
Light acids and alkalis (normal temperature)	Good

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