Bulletproof glass is a critical defense in many industries from schools to police stations. In the United States in 2021 there has been an average of two mass shootings per day. Whilst nobody wants to be worrying about their safety as they go about their day-to-day lives, some measures can be put in place to help mitigate these risks, one of these being bulletproof glass.

Bulletproof glass may be present in more public spaces you visit than you realize, offering an extra layer of safety. However, not many people truly understand how bulletproof glass works, and this article will serve as an explanation.

What is Bulletproof Glass

Bulletproof glass is an ultra-durable alternative to glass for structures and vehicles that require enhanced protection. Bulletproof glass uses strong layers of plastic which can stop a range of bullets from penetrating, absorbing their energy.

What is Bulletproof Glass Made From?

Although it is known as bulletproof glass, the material is often a combination of transparent plastics with or without glass. Combinations of both glass and plastic are highly efficient at stopping bullets.

The layers of glass and plastic are alternated in traditional bulletproof glass,  but in newer versions, they use a sandwich of glass and plastic made from acrylic glass and other types of polymers. The thick glass and plastic layers are separated by thin films of a range of other plastics.

Why Does Standard Glass Shatter?

As glass has no movement, it cannot bend and absorb the energy of the bullet gradually. This means it shatters, allowing the bullet to move through without any loss of momentum.

The Basic Principals of Bulletproof Glass

Bulletproof glass is different from standard glass. The plastic layers inside are sandwiched together in a configuration called laminate, which can be as much as ten times the size of standard glass and very heavy.

If a bullet makes an impact with the bulletproof glass, its energy moves out sideways through the layers. As the energy is divided between a range of pieces of plastic and glass and spread out across a large area it is absorbed very quickly. This slows the speed of the bullet down significantly, meaning it no longer has adequate energy to pierce through to the other side. Although glass panes will break upon impact, the plastic layers stop them from flying apart.

The UL Rating System of Bulletproof Glass

The rating system is a series of tests established by the Underwriters Laboratory. The rating system sets out a widely accepted group of quality standards for bulletproof glass ranging from level 1 to level 10, with level 10 being the highest level of protection, with the capacity to withstand five shots from a 7.62mm rifle at a minimum, or larger caliber. Whilst level 10 offers the highest protection, it is also the most expensive type of bulletproof glass. This means that this type of glass is usually used by military bases and government buildings where the material costs can be justified.

Want to Know More?

Armortex is an expert in the field of bulletproof glass and can help advise you on how and where to use it in your application. If you would like to find out more, get in touch today.

Across the United States, school shootings continue to be a problem with 24 school shootings taking place since January 2021, resulting in 34 people being injured and 6 deaths[1]. These figures can be extremely distressing to parents and school staff alike, for whom the safety of children is of paramount importance.

Whilst the political battle rages on between gun control and the freedom to bear arms, those on both sides of the debate can agree that schools must do more to protect staff and pupils. This article will outline some of the ways a bulletproof school can be achieved, creating safer learning spaces for our children.

Bulletproof Materials for a Bulletproof School

One way of creating a bulletproof school environment unobtrusively would be using more bulletproof materials and furniture across a school building. This can be anything from desks, cafeteria tables, windows, and more.

Windows

The most widely-used and effective security windows are bulletproof glass windows. These windows are not currently widely-used, but their implementation would go a long way to creating bulletproof schools.

Bulletproof windows have been created to offer the best possible protection against security threats. They use high-quality ballistic grade glass in combination with bulletproof framing materials and these offer a superb level of defense for your bulletproof school in hostile situations.

Bulletproof windows do not alter the overall aesthetic of a school, making it look dark or intimidating to pupils. They pay close attention to design and style, using glass with high levels of optical clarity.

Doors in a Bulletproof School

As well as bulletproof windows, glass doors must be produced using ballistic-resistant grade glass.

Hollow metal security doors are also a helpful way of contributing to a bulletproof school. Hollow metal security doors have been produced to capture and retain incoming projectiles and are designed to mitigate the risks of ricochets and lateral penetrations.

Fiberglass Panels

Bulletproof school safety can be further increased by the presence of fiberglass panels in walls around the building. These strong structures enhance the strength of the walls around the building, allowing further protection for staff and pupils.

Bulletproof Furniture

Bullet-resistance furniture uses fiberglass to reinforce standard furniture. This offers extra protection in a bulletproof school, protecting staff and students in an active shooter event.

The Future of Bulletproof Schools

Whilst nobody likes to think about the possibility that a school shooting event could take place at their place of work or their child’s place of education, this is a reality that must be tackled head-on.

Bulletproof schools are becoming more and more important, and it is important that if you are looking into more safety measures in your school that you speak to an expert. Schools have unique and intricate budget constraints, making it critical that the best value products that offer longevity and quality are chosen.

If you would like to find out more about how to create a bulletproof school, have a look at Armortex’s website, or get in touch for more details.

[1] https://www.edweek.org/leadership/school-shootings-this-year-how-many-and-where/2021/03

In recent years, several states have looked to increase their courthouse security measures. In some instances, this is a direct response to serious breach incidents or in anticipation of them. In both instances, personnel recognizes the crucial need to protect citizens, defendants, and employees in what can sometimes be a volatile environment.

Courthouses can play host to a range of emotions and people can easily become confused, angry, and frustrated. These emotions can lead to security problems, and these must be addressed to ensure the safety and comfort of all those using the facility. Many practical things can be done to enhance the overall security of a courthouse, such as creating separate entrances for staff and prisoners. Fiberglass panels can also be used to enhance the security of the building structure and the use of these security measures will be discussed in this article.

Exterior Security Measures

Fiberglass panels aren’t the only way that courthouses can increase their overall security, the following measures can also help:

• CCTV across the perimeter and exit doors
• Separating the transport circulation for judges, employees, and prisoners
• Using bollards and other barriers to increase protection against vehicle attacks
• Sufficient lighting in parking areas as well as pedestrian entrances
• Secure parking areas for court employees
• Intrusion detection on all perimeter doors
• Chambers and courtrooms sealed with bulletproof glass
• Self-locking emergency doors
• Separate entrance for staff and prisoners

Interior Security Measures

Security measures inside vary based on room and location, some of these measures will be outlined here:

• Access control on entryways
• Weapons screening
• CCTV
• Duress Alarms

Bullet-resistant materials are also extremely important. Ballistic-resistant windows to stop outside threats. Windows should also stop visual surveillance from outside the courtroom as complete confidentiality is required.

Fiberglass panels can be used to strengthen the structure of walls in courthouses, clerks offices must have fiberglass panels in the walls, as well as ballistic-resistant transaction windows.

Fiberglass Panels Offer Absolute Reliability

Bullet-resistant fiberglass panels can form an extra level of security between staff or visitors and threats. Armortex® bullet-resistant fiberglass panels have been engineered to withstand extreme impact forces and can be customized to meet clients’ specific needs.

These fiberglass panels can withstand forces as per Underwriters Laboratories standards 1-8. They are created and woven in-house from roving ballistic-grade fiberglass. The cloth is injected with a thermoset resin and molded into rigid, flat sheets by a hydraulic hot press.

This process means that our fiberglass panels are extremely reliable against ballistics and are suitably delaminated for reliable projectile retention.

Armortex® fiberglass panels are designed with you, our customers, in mind. We are approved by the U.S. Marshal Service and General Services Administration in addition to other government agencies.

Armortex® composite fiberglass panels are exactly what you need to ensure the safety and security of all users of courthouses. If you want to know more, take a look at our dedicated page or contact our team.

For any sports venue, the security and safety of visitors and staff is the most critical element of a successful event. The larger the venue, the more complex the security requirements will be. Improving security solutions at sports venues is becoming increasingly important as we see violence and security threats increasing across the country.

Key Areas for Improving Security Solutions

There are many areas of sports venue use that could benefit from enhanced security solutions such as the following:

• Movement of spectators to and from the site
• Managing capacity and stopping overcrowding
• Complying with course/ground guidelines
• Alcohol consumption and the risks associated
• Safety of crowd and management
• Violence against staff
• Safety of VIPs

It is difficult to stop problems from occurring altogether, however having a comprehensive contingency plan for security solutions is important. Security solutions in sports venues are typically centered around turnstiles, barriers, fencing, CCTV, security solutions, and additional access-control surveillance measures.

Armortex focuses on delivering ballistic grade security solutions that mitigate the severity of threats, rather than just deterring them.

Bulletproof Windows

Bulletproof windows are fantastic security solutions, offering maximum protection against all security threats. Armortex sells blast and bullet-resistant windows which are made from the highest quality ballistic-grade glass and framing materials. We provide security solutions that do not compromise the look and feel of a sports venue whilst offering optimum protection.

Blast Resistant Doors

These security solutions are one of the most advanced ballistic materials available on the market. Armortex produces hollow metal security doors, produced to mitigate the threat from incoming projectiles.

Blast-resistant doors can be used in sports venues to protect VIPs and sports stars in green rooms and changing rooms, as well as staff and visitors in toilets and staff rooms.

Transaction Drawers

Transaction drawers work as security solutions for sports venues and can help protect staff at points of sale or interaction with the public or visitors. Minimizing the risk for businesses without adversely affecting workflow and efficiency is important to ensuring sports venues and events run smoothly.

Fiberglass Security Solutions

Armortex supplies bulletproof fiberglass panels which work in high-performance bulletproof applications. The panels can be incorporated into walls, increasing projectile retention and overall strength and safety of sports venues, without altering the aesthetics. We can also produce fiberglass furniture to add an extra level of protection to visitors and staff.

Another innovative security solution we offer is our security speakers. Bulletproofing your sports venue can often create a barrier between staff and customers, leading to a breakdown in communication and missed opportunities. Armortex offers mechanical voice-port covers which allow for voice transmission through ballistic glass without diminishing the performance of the protective material.

As this blog post has outlined, Armortex offers a range of security solutions for use in sports venues, to keep you, your staff, and your customers safe. If you’d like to find out more about our extensive security solutions, contact us today.

Government buildings and agencies are an integral part of society, but unfortunately, they can also be dangerous places to work. Having a role in the public eye can draw the attention of domestic terrorists or other criminals.

In January 2021, the United States Capitol was stormed by a group of people seeking to overturn the results of the presidential election. Over 138 people were injured during this attack, highlighting the need for more rigorous and secure safety measures in government buildings.

Adding materials for ballistic resistance serves as an extra level of defense for government security, protecting the people inside the buildings. This blog post will serve as an insight into how ballistic resistance is used to enhance government security.

Bulletproof Windows for Government Security

Bulletproof windows offer government buildings the utmost security for any potential attack or security threat. Bulletproof windows from Armortex offer safety for personnel whilst still providing absolute optical clarity and do not compromise the overall look of the setting.

Doors for Enhanced Ballistic Resistance

Bullet & Blast-proof doors are an excellent means of enhancing government security in buildings. These hollow metal doors are designed and manufactured in a way that can capture and retain incoming projectiles. Bullet resistant doors from Armortex are tested to the highest standard of security with further considerations for mitigating the dangers of ricochets and lateral penetrations.

These ballistic resistance solutions can be customized to suit exacting specifications, without looking intimidating. Our doors maintain the aesthetic of the building they are installed in, without imposing an overly militaristic look.

Using Fiberglass for Ballistic Resistance in Government Security

Fiberglass for enhanced ballistic resistance offers a high level of security in government buildings. Composite panels are made from fiberglass by Armortex, using ballistic-grade fiberglass. This means that the ballistic resistance of the panels is extremely high and available in a range of lengths and widths.

The fiberglass panels are created via hot-pressing, forming large-area sheets from ballistic grade textiles. This method allows for several cost-saving benefits, especially when compared to armor plating made from other materials such as steel and ceramic.

At Armortex, we offer ballistic resistance products for upholding government security that is fit for purpose. Our solutions are of the utmost quality whilst maintaining the overall look and charm of government and municipal buildings.

If you’d like to find out more about how our products can enhance government security, get in touch with us today.

Creating secure environments in which police officers and other members of staff can work effectively is critical. However, this is area of law enforcement is sometimes overlooked.

Whilst police officers in the US always carry firearms for protection, other law enforcement staff who are non-sworn employees do not. These members of staff can be desk staff, correctional officers, records clerks and radio dispatchers as well as civilians who may be present in police stations for a variety of reasons. These people are subject to the risk of working in a police station and it is critical that they are protected by their surroundings. This blog post explores the importance of bulletproof protection for police stations and how they can protect those using them.

Does Bulletproof Protection Inhibit Communication?

Often, it is thought that bulletproof protection barriers inhibit communication and connection. However, using modern designs and materials this is no longer the case. Bulletproof protection systems are designed and installed in a way that means they aren’t noticeable and blend in to their surroundings.

It is important that communication is kept clear and that the police station lobby does not look too intimidating whilst the staff are also kept safe.

Armortex Solutions for Bulletproof Protection

In a police station, day-to-day tasks such as conducting interviews, moving evidence and booking perpetrators is subject to a higher level of threat. This is why premium security solutions should be part of the general make up of police stations.

Bulletproof Windows

Our bulletproof windows are ideal for police stations as they protect from an outside attack. These bulletproof solutions can also be used inside, such as creating a screen in front of the booking clerk or receptionist. Clear transaction windows can also have a mechanical speak through technology, which means officers and office employees can carefully interact with members of the public or perpetrators without being open to physical threats.

These windows offer maximum protection against security threats, being engineered using the best quality ballistic-grade glass and framing materials. Bulletproof solutions like this provide an outstanding level of defense without looking bulky.

Fiberglass Panels

Bulletproof protection for police stations can also come in the form of fiberglass panels. These lightweight panels add functionality, forming strong points of protection for law enforcement personnel without changing the overall look of the environments and can be used as cladding to reinforce walls.

At Armortex, our fiberglass composite panels are formed in-house, forming ballistic grade panels. This allows us to maximize the bulletproof protection of our fiberglass panels, using proper de-lamination and dependable projectile retention.

At Armortex, we don’t create solutions that transform police stations into fortresses. We design and manufacture our bulletproof protection products to be easy to integrate and functional. This leads to protection for law enforcement personnel without altering the ability of staff to communicate with others.

If you would like to find out more about our bulletproof solutions, contact our team today.

Commercial security doors are often overlooked, but they’re an essential part of any property’s safety plan. Without proper protection against break-ins, a business doesn’t have the time it needs to react to robbery or other intrusions. Who doesn’t want to minimize the chances of burglars accessing their store?

Across the USA, a high frequency of shooting incidents and security risks happen in schools each year. Elementary and high school security is of critical importance for this reason, protecting students and staff and providing parents with the peace of mind that the threats are being taken into consideration. This article will provide a guide to some of the key ways in which high school security can be increased.

Ballistic Resistant Windows

One way in which high school security can be increased is in the reinforcement of windows so they are able to withstand ballistic attacks. At Armortex, we sell ballistic-resistant windows and doors which have been engineered to be strong, robust and provide secure access control to any school. This means that schools can be sure there are no unidentified visitors to the school without disrupting daily operations. Ballistic resistant windows and doors act initially as a deterrent, meaning individuals are less likely to carry out acts of violence in schools. It also means that if shots are fired from outside the school, students and staff are protected.

Fiberglass Panels for Enhanced High School Security

Fiberglass panels can strengthen the ballistic resistance of your school in the event of an active shooting incident. These panels can be used as cladding to reinforce walls. At Armortex, our fiberglass composite panels are woven in-house, to create a  ballistic-grade fiberglass panel. This means we can maximize the ballistic performances of our fiberglass panels, through proper de-lamination and reliable projectile retention.

Bullet-Resistant Furniture

Bullet-resistant furniture is another way in which schools can give added protection to their staff and students. Fiberglass can reinforce standard furniture which in turn adds enhances high school security in an active shooter event.

High School Security Solutions  from Armortex

Armortex is an industry leader in the fabrication of bulletproof products tailored for high school security. We understand the complex needs and unique budgetary constraints that impact what level of security schools are able to implement. We can collaborate closely with school management to ensure that we have the safety equipment that works for your school and with your budget.

If you would like to learn more about high school security and how we can help, contact us today for more information.

When replacing the windows and doors in a commercial building, the first consideration is always cost. Does a potential replacement provide tangible benefits to the business? New window frames can refresh the look of your building, particularly if you opt for uPVC fittings. Unplasticized polyvinyl chloride, typically abbreviated to uPVC, is the go-to material for refurbishing tired windows and doors. It can lend a refreshed feel to building exteriors while improving the insulation considerably. Yet uPVC windows leave something to be desired from the perspective of security.

School security is an often controversial topic of conversation, with the lengths that faculties go to protect students being open to intense debate. More security guards? Armed teachers? All of these questions have been asked in the wake of increasingly panic-inducing security issues on school campuses.