How do YKK zippers self lubricate and zip more smoothly with more use?

Question

I’ve been researching this all morning and keep running into articles that explain why YKK is a great company and what is unique about their zippers, but no article that explains the technical design of the product.

Would love an explanation that goes beyond the very simple “YKK zippers actually lubricate themselves as you zip and unzip them.”

Thank you!

In: 2202

Answer 1

There are a number of plastics that are self-lubricating.

As for brass/bronze there are alloys that are manufactured with higher porosities, and have lubricants “injected” into the metal. The lubricants work their way out of the metal as you use them.

Source-I’ve designed in self-lubricating bearings a number of times at work.