2021/09/23
When you need the ultimate level of protection for doors and windows against ballistic threats and high-powered projectiles, bullet proof glass is an incredible product designed to withstand the energy of a bullet when fired from different types of weapons.
But with so many options on the market, how do you decide which one is best for you? In this article, we’re talking all about bulletproof glass, from how much it costs and the types and thicknesses needed to withstand certain bullets and weaponry to stronger, more cost-efficient alternatives including acrylic panels and polycarbonate shield systems like BulletShield.
- What is Bullet Proof Glass?
- What is Bullet Proof Glass Made of?
- How is Bulletproof Glass Made?
- How Much Does Bullet Proof Glass Cost?
- Bullet Proof Glass vs. Normal Glass
- How Thick is Bulletproof Glass?
- Bullet Proof Window Film vs. BulletShield
What is Bullet Proof Glass?
Bulletproof glass, also known as ballistic glass, bullet-resistant glass or transparent armor, is a strong, typically reinforced transparent material manufactured to withstand penetration from projectiles, specifically bullets shot from a variety of firearms.
This also eliminates the threat of smash and grab attacks, because intruders simply can’t break bulletproof glass, even if they repeatedly smash the pane of glass with a brick, crowbar, or another weapon.
Is Bullet Proof Glass Really Bulletproof?
Contrary to how it sounds, bulletproof glass isn’t actually “bullet proof” – it’s bullet-resistant. Depending on the materials used during manufacturing and the thickness of the glazing, not all bullet-resistant windows or glass can withstand all caliber bullets.
What is Bullet Proof Glass Made of?
There are five different types of bulletproof glass on the market today. In this next section, we’ll take a look at all of the different types of bulletproof glass, from the original traditional laminated glass to some more innovative, cost-effective alternatives to help you decide which option best suits your needs.
Traditional Laminated Glass
The original bullet proof glass, laminated glass is made from layers of glass and resin. Brittle and heavy, this outdated glass is difficult to cut and drill, making it to challenging to incorporate into most anti-ballistics systems. However, fully customizable bulletproof glass security systems like BulletSheild can be retrofit to any existing glazing.
Insulated Ballistic Glass
Insulated ballistic glass is bullet-resistant security glazing that carries both a forced-entry and UL Level 1 bullet-resistant rating. They are easy to maintain and provide clear visibility and excellent light transmission, measuring only 1 – 1.125” thick. Insulated ballistic glass is good for both exterior and interior applications and is available in different transitional tints. Insulated ballistic glass also helps lower building cooling costs and enhance tenant comfort while providing security and protection from UL Level 1 ballistic attacks.
Acrylic Panels
Monolithic acrylic is the most common type of bulletproof “glass” on the market. Ranging in thicknesses from 1 ¼” to 1 ⅜”, acrylic is easy to drill, cut, route and slot, making it a malleable material for both flat and curved windows. Since monolithic acrylic passes light easily, visibility is not compromised by thickness. Although acrylic can be installed as either interior or exterior windows, acrylic does tend to crack and haze when exposed to UV light. This can impact the visual appearance of exterior acrylic windows over time.
Solid acrylic panels can be fabricated to UL-rated Level 1 or 2 bullet resistance. Level 1 systems can withstand three jacketed 9mm bullets, while Level 2 systems are able to stop three 38 caliber bullets.
Glass-Clad Polycarbonate (GCP)
Similar to laminated glass, glass-clad polycarbonate is crafted from layers of polyurethane-coated glass sandwiched between more polyurethane coating that’s capped with polycarbonate. GCP is available in bullet-resistance levels from Level 1 to Level 8. However, the higher the bullet resistance level, the thicker the glass-clad polycarbonate panel will be.
Similar to acrylic, GCP is difficult to incorporate into existing systems, can have poor light transmission, and can be susceptible to crazing.
BulletShield Ballistic Polycarbonate Shields
Since most bulletproof glass options require different levels of thickness to resist different caliber bullets, installing bulletproof glass can drastically change the appearance of the exterior of your building, and depending on the material, might also affect visibility.
Unlike some of the clunkier options on the market, BulletShield provides superior ballistic protection without compromising the integrity of your existing glass, changing the aesthetics of your building, or negatively impacting visibility. Even more, BulletShield is a complete security overglazing system, not just a polycarbonate panel.
BulletShield is fully customized and retrofit to your existing glazing frame using a vented extrusion using a “Super Bond” anchoring method that provides tensile, flex, and tear strength upon a ballistic attack. BulletShield is the perfect solution for schools, offices, government buildings and businesses seeking a cost-effective active shooter mitigation solution.
In fact, BulletShield has a variety of additional benefits that traditional bulletproof glass doesn’t, including:
- Street noise reduction by up to 40%
- Energy efficiency improvement of existing glass by more than 50%
- Smash-and-grab attack prevention
- Sacrificial film coating that withstands graffiti
How is Bulletproof Glass Made?
Bulletproof glass contains polyvinyl butyral plastic resin, glass, polyurethane, and ethylene-vinyl acetate. The most simple bulletproof glass contains one layer of PVB that is sandwiched between two layers of glass laminated with polyurethane and ethylene-vinyl acetate and bonded together at temperatures of 150° Celsius. Finally, incredible amounts of pressure are applied to the glass and PVR layers in an autoclave, melting the plastic to the glass to create a strong bond.
Since the bullet proof glass manufacturing process requires bonding layers of different types of materials together, it isn’t always flawless. Manufacturing issues often include:
- Layers not sticking together properly
- Layers containing trapped air
- Heat and pressure from the autoclave causing plastic distortion and visibility issues
In contrast, BulletShield is fabricated based on existing glazing conditions, threat levels and can work within budget restrictions. Depending on these factors, BulletShield systems may use exotic plastics, glass-clad shields, polycarbonates or a combination of these materials in addition to high-performance and superior quality installation materials.
How Much Does Bulletproof Glass Cost?
In many cases, the price of bulletproof glass doesn’t include the ballistic framing, which is equally as important as the glass system itself.
Not including bullet proof glass installation costs, prices can start from around $25 per square foot to over $100 per square foot, just for the sheet itself. How much bullet proof glass costs truly depends on the ballistic resistance and the material.
BulletShield vs. Bullet Proof Glass Price
BulletShield provides superior protection against ballistic attacks for a fraction of the price. Professional installed systems cost between $175 – $450 per square foot, depending on UL Level, location, project size, and the condition of the existing glazing. This is the price for the system with installation per square foot.
Bullet Proof Glass vs. Normal Glass
Normal glass that isn’t reinforced with security window film is easily broken by even the smallest amount of force. If you’re wondering how easily you can break bullet proof glass, the answer is not easily at all. Unlike normal glass, trying to break bullet proof glass with applied human force is next to impossible.
How Thick is Bulletproof Glass?
Typically made from a rigid and soft layer, bulletproof glass provides both rigidity and flexibility, allowing it to flex instead of shatter when subjected to a ballistic attack. Bullet proof glass ranges in thicknesses from ¾” – 3 ½”. The thickness directly relates to the type of bullet, number of bullets and distance from which those bullets are shot that the material can withstand the impact without failing.
Shooting Bullet Proof Glass
There are eight different ballistics ratings for bulletproof glass, also called UL ratings, as established by the Underwriter’s Laboratory. A non-profit organization and one of the few Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories, the Underwriter’s Laboratory is authorized to perform safety testing by OSHA and developed the most widely accepted set of quality standards in the industry.
BulletShield is available in all eight levels of ballistic resistance per UL 752 standards, and depending on the threat level, can resist anything from a handgun to an AK-47.
Bullet Proof Window Film vs BulletShield
Currently, there is no true “bulletproof” window film on the market. Although some security window film options provide an excellent way to mitigate a ballistic threat by providing additional glass security, window film can’t actually stop a bullet.
When you need true protection against a ballistic attack that is cost-effective, customizable to your existing glazing, and that provides additional benefits without additional installations or products, BulletShield is a fantastic, all-inclusive option.
FAQs
What is the most resistant bulletproof glass? ›
The most bullet-resistant glazing, or the closest thing to what you could call bulletproof glass, available on the market is glass-clad polycarbonate. This type of product consists of multiple layers of polycarbonate and security glass laminates sandwiched together.
What is the thickest bulletproof glass? ›Bulletproof glass ranges from 0.25 inches to 3.5 inches and as the thickness increases, so does the weight. This is critically important to consider when designing and building structures. Bulletproof glass ranges in levels of protection from UL 1 to 10.
How thick is level 3 ballistic glass? ›For example, Level 3 glass-clad polycarbonate (capable of stopping three rounds from a . 44 Magnum) is a 0.375-inch thick layer of glass, a thin coat of polyurethane, and another 0.375 inch sheet of glass.
What type of glass is the most resistant? ›Hence, option (C) is the correct option. Pyrex Glass is heat resistant.
What is level 3 bullet-resistant glass? ›Level 3: Refers to bullet resistant glass that can withstand a minimum of three shots of . 44 magnum rounds at a velocity of 1350f/s. Level 4: Represents a step-up in terms of ballistics resistance. It defines bullet resistant glass that can withstand at least one shot from a .
What is the strongest bulletproof material? ›Perhaps one of the better-known bulletproof materials, Kevlar is a synthetic fiber that's heat resistant and incredibly strong. It's also lightweight, making it a popular choice for wearable bulletproof items. Kevlar is used in both military and civilian applications.
Can bulletproof glass stop a 50 cal? ›Aluminum oxynitride "glass" can defeat threats like the . 50 caliber armor-piercing rounds using material that is not prohibitively heavy.
Can any bullets penetrate bullet proof glass? ›It is designed to withstand one or many rounds of bullets depending on the firing weapon and the thickness of the glass. Bulletproof glass reduces the velocity by absorbing the energy from the bullets. However, it is not fully impenetrable.
Can AK-47 break bullet proof glass? ›A projectile fired from a rifle, such as the AK-47 or the Nato rifle G3, has a lower speed of up to thousand meters per second. This means: Glass breaks faster than the speed of the projectile. Therefore, the breaks in the glass are ahead of the projectile.
Can bulletproof glass stop an AK-47? ›While bulletproof or ballistic glass can weather shots from an AK-47 or shotgun, it will eventually succumb to an attacker when a certain amount of ammunition is expended.
What is the most important ingredient in bullet proof glass? ›
Layering: Bullet-resistant glass is made of layers of different polycarbonate plastics (such as Makroclear™, Cryolon or Tuffak) in-between layers of glass to help absorb the impact of a bullet.
What is level 7 ballistic protection? ›UL 752 Level 7 Bullet Resistant Barriers
Most commonly used as a protection barrier against multiple shots from a military assault rifle, such as the M-16, and the like, with muzzle energy of 1158-1402 foot-pounds (1570-1901J). Nominal Thickness. 1 – 1/8”
Ballistic framing is as equally important as ballistic glass and should be considered during the design phase. With proper maintenance, bulletproof glass has a life span of up to twenty years.
How heavy is a Level 4 ballistic shield? ›The United Shield Level IV ballistic shield is a mobile high protection shield which provides multi strike protection from armour piercing rounds, and all lesser ballistic threats. The shield is flat and is constructed from alumina oxide ceramic tiles mounted on a rigid matrix aramid backing, it weighs 72lb (24×36).
What is the strongest unbreakable glass? ›- Toughened (tempered) glass: This kind of glass is recommended for safety purposes. It's manufactured by use of controlled thermal or chemical treatment processes. ...
- Laminated Glass: This kind of glass tends to hold together when it's shuttered and stays in the frame. ...
- Plate Glass:
Polycarbonate Panels
If you're looking for the closest thing to 'unbreakable' glass, then windows made from polycarbonate panels are the ones you should get. These panels look just like regular window glass, but they are actually made of a combination of acrylics, polycarbonate, and other plastics.
Corning states that Victus is two times more scratch-resistant than Gorilla Glass 6 and up to four times scratch-resistant than competitors.
What is level 6 bulletproof? ›UL 752 Level 6 Specifications
Most commonly used as a protection barrier against multiple shots from a submachine gun, such as a 9 mm Uzi, and the like, with muzzle energy of 540-653 foot-pounds (732-885J). Nominal Thickness. 3/8"
Ballistic glass comes in a number of protective rating levels, from 1 to 8, which all provide different levels of safety in their various applications. Though the term is widely used, when it comes to building code and safety ratings within protective glass, the term “bulletproof glass” is a misnomer.
How thick does Lexan need to be to be bulletproof? ›Not only must the ballistic glass be thicker–at least 1.625-inches thick, if not 1.75–it also needs to be of an entirely different composition. The only bullet resistant glass that's going to stop a . 223 is glass-clad polycarbonate.
Is there bulletproof glass that can stop a 50 cal? ›
Bullet Resistant Glass would withstand up to a . 50 Caliber round from a high powered rifle. A . 50 Caliber round is most closely associated with military usage, and is not typically or commonly in widespread usage amongst most civilian products.
Can bulletproof glass stop a sniper? ›Mostly used in the military as sniper rifles, no consumer-grade bullet-resistant system will stop a . 50-cal rifle bullet, which requires Level 10 bulletproof glass (usually three or more inches of polycarbonate plastic, which equates to almost half a foot of tempered glass).
What is the most effective bulletproof material? ›Ultra-High Hardness (UHH) armor steel is the best performing steel alloy for protection against armor piercing (AP) bullets. Thanks to a 578 to 655 HBW hardness, UHH steel panels are able to break AP projectiles' core and provide efficient protection with reduced weight compared to High Hard (500HB) material.
How thick is level 4 bulletproof glass? ›Total Security Solutions' Level 4 bulletproof glass is a 4-ply combination of glass and polycarbonate that can be manufactured 1-1/2” thick. The framing system for the glass has a total extrusion of 3” x 5-1/2”.
Do military vehicles have bullet proof glass? ›Are armored cars bulletproof? You'll be pleased to know that TAG armored cars are bullet-resistant. The windows are made with ballistic no-spall glass.
Is anything better than Kevlar? ›Twaron is an extremely popular alternative to Kevlar. This product is tough, light, and resistant to harmful chemicals and high temperatures. It is often chosen for its ability to make ordinary products unbelievably durable. Twaron, generally, has the same chemical structure as Kevlar.
Is there anything more bulletproof than Kevlar? ›Dyneema- Polyethylene fiber materials are 15x stronger than steel and 40%stronger than Kevlar/aramid type fibers. UHMWPE – Incredibly strong and lightweight, resistant to both ballistic projectiles and sharp-edged objects.
Is there anything stronger than Kevlar? ›Darwin's bark spider, however, takes tensile strength an entirely new level. Its dragline silk – the type that forms the energy-absorbing primary spokes of the orb-web – is twice as strong as that of any other silk thus far tested, and an astonishing 10 times stronger than Kevlar.
Can AK-47 break bulletproof glass? ›A projectile fired from a rifle, such as the AK-47 or the Nato rifle G3, has a lower speed of up to thousand meters per second. This means: Glass breaks faster than the speed of the projectile. Therefore, the breaks in the glass are ahead of the projectile.
Can bulletproof glass stop an AR 15? ›GLASS SPECIFICATIONS
Defeats threats of both rapid gunfire from both handguns and automatic weapons, including the AR-15 and AK-47 rifles.
Can spark plugs break bullet proof glass? ›
Throwing a spark plug shard might not immediately work on a windshield or bulletproof glass. Ordinary car glass is either annealed or tempered glass. Both materials easily give way to the ceramic of the spark plug insulator. In contrast, many windshields have a laminate layer that can withstand greater impact.
What material is completely bulletproof? ›They may be complex, such as Kevlar, UHMWPE, Lexan, or carbon fiber composite materials, or basic and simple, such as steel or titanium. Bullet resistant materials are often used in law enforcement and military applications to protect personnel from death or serious injury.
Is there a completely bulletproof material? ›The reason is that there is no such thing as completely bulletproof material — enough firepower can penetrate any type of material. That being said, there are several types of highly bullet-resistant materials that you can use for windows and other glazings (glass) to provide different levels of ballistic protection.
What is the thinnest material that can stop a bullet? ›Despite graphene being remarkably thin, it's strong enough to protect from a bullet, according to a statement describing the new research. Scientists found that by arranging two layers of graphene together, it becomes durable enough to handle impact at room temperature.