Bullet-resistant, or bullet-proof glazing, is a sophisticated security feature designed to provide protection against ballistic threats.
Unfortunately, the term “bullet-proof” can be a bit misleading. Whether you decide on using bullet-proof glass, ballistic glass or an alternative product, no material exists that offers absolute immunity against all impacts. Instead, the industry prefers the term “bullet-resistant glazing “. This expression is more accurate and reflects the true capabilities of these protective materials.
Armortex® has been at the forefront of producing bullet, blast, and forced entry resistant products for over thirty years, aligning with industry standards and consumer needs. Join us as we undertake a deep dive into different types of bullet-resistant glazing and how they can be applied as glazing solutions.
Types of Bullet-Resistant Glazing Materials
Acrylic
Acrylic glazing is essentially a monolithic sheet of hard plastic. It offers bullet resistance when it is at least an inch thick. This glazing is commonly used in business applications requiring low-level protection, such as Level 1 or 2 as per the UL rating system.
With its impact resistance and light transmissibility, acrylic is ideal for indoor applications. It can also be customized for various architectural needs.
Polycarbonate
Polycarbonate glazing, unlike acrylic, is a softer material and is layered to enhance its strength. This composition allows the material to absorb the energy from a bullet. It embeds it within the layers rather than deflecting it.
The light weight and ease of handling make polycarbonate glazing suitable for thicker applications. This is because it offers various levels of protection based on its thickness. As well as this, polycarbonate is noted for its greater resistance to forced entry compared to acrylic.
Glass-Clad Polycarbonate
This material represents a robust option in bullet-resistant glazing. As a composite it features a polyurethane core sandwiched between layers of glass and polycarbonate.
Its complex structure allows for significant thickness. This means it is suitable for high-threat environments requiring protection against high-caliber firearms like M16s or AK-47s. With this versatility, it can be tailored from Level 1 to Level 8 protection.
All-Glass
Traditional all-glass bullet-resistant glazing is also available, providing protection across various UL 752 levels. This type of glazing is typically thicker and heavier. However, it offers resistance to chemical attacks and minimal spalling, which is crucial for the safety of occupants.
If you are looking for other glass types, there is also laminated glass. Breaking glass laminate is difficult, so it is excellent to use as safety glass. This type of glass is perfect for those who are also looking for protection against environmental threats. Examples of these issues include unexpected weather or disasters.
Understanding The UL Rating System
The Underwriters Laboratory (UL) rating system is a critical aspect of evaluating the effectiveness of bullet-resistant glazing. This system categorizes glazing based on their ability to withstand different levels of ballistic threats. These range from Level 1 (capable of withstanding fire from small caliber handguns) to Level 8 (designed to stop high-caliber rifle shots).
These ratings guide users in selecting the appropriate level of protection for their specific needs, whether for commercial offices, government buildings, or other security-sensitive environments.
Application-Specific Considerations
The selection of bullet-resistant glazing depends significantly on the specific application and the perceived threat level. For example, a bank or a school might require a different level of protection compared to a military complex or a high-security government facility. Retrofitting existing structures with bullet-resistant glazing might also necessitate architectural adaptations, highlighting the importance of a customized approach to security needs.
Are You Ready to Invest in Bullet-Resistant Glazing?
In summary, bullet-resistant glazing is a vital component in modern security architecture, offering various levels of protection to meet diverse security requirements.
The choice of security glazing materials, be it bullet resistant glass products or another ballistic protection material, falls to you and your requirements. From acrylic to glass-clad polycarbonate, each type of ballistic glazing provides unique benefits. These advantages will define its suitability for different applications and threat levels.
Understanding the UL rating system and the specific needs of a facility is crucial for selecting the best bullet-resistant glazing. Armortex’s expertise in this field ensures that their products meet the highest standards of quality and security. These items are always tailored to the specific needs of the client.
We invite you to visit our website to learn more about our bullet-resistant products and their applications.
