Bulletproof glass is getting more popular for its extra safety for a valid reason. But if you are unaware as to what degree this glass is capable of safety, you might doubt its performance no matter what.
Glass works and the application of the most desirable safety glass are not limited to a specific industry. From constructions to architecture, automobiles to the most lavish business and commercial use, you see glass is the crucial material at most.
We all have heard the name bulletproof glass when we watch a movie or hear some notable celebrity/business name has been given added security. But is this glass only used in cars and automobiles? Are there any more applications of bulletproof glass and what protection feature do you get that no other glass type can keep up with? Let’s explore!
What is Bulletproof Glass?
Bulletproof glass is ballistic glass with the utmost durability factor against bullet and penetration.
Bulletproof glass featuring transparency works as a shield or see-through armour against bullets. The quality to resist incoming bullets is extremely high. Bulletproof glass also withstands extreme levels of penetration like that of drilling by projectile motion. Note that bulletproof glass is NOT COMPLETELY impenetrable.
Manufacturing Process of Bulletproof Glass
The manufacturing process of bulletproof glass comes with layers of polycarbonate material between pieces of ordinary glass in a process. This process is basically called lamination and it adds strength to the glass sheet in order to withstand bullets from projectile motion.
The lamination of bulletproofing layers is when a polycarbonate glass is layered with the glass panes of polycarbonate and acrylic together. There are two polycarbonate layers and one acrylic centre layer. However, in some cases, there can be only multiple layers or layers of polycarbonate and no acrylic.
Properties of Bulletproof Glass
- Resist bullet and penetrating of objects
- Durable enough against impacts
- Transparent and clear
Types of Bulletproof Glass
Glass-Clad Polycarbonate Bulletproof Glass
The glass-clad bulletproof glass aka GCP features glass, polycarbonate, and an interlayer film acting as adhesive. It is tested to UL Levels 1 through 8 and offers the thickness ranges from 1” to 2 ½”! It readily stops the shots of handguns and AK-10s. Moreover, this glass is blast proof. GCP ballistic glass is used in interior and exterior applications, however it’s difficult to modify it.
Acrylic Bullet Proof Glass
Acrylic bulletproof glass is made up of a single piece of 1 1/4″ to 1 3/8″ solid thermoplastic, acrylic and it offers extra enhanced optical clarity. This glass is capable of withstanding the shots from a 9mm handgun, or three shots from a .357 Magnum under the testation of UL 752 Levels 1 and 2. Acrylic bulletproof glass can also be used for custom windows because it can be drilled, routed, cut, slotted. It’s suitable for indoor applications
Polycarbonate Bulletproof Glass
This bulletproof glass comes with the lamination in between the dual acrylic sheets. The laminating barrier of polycarbonate works well and offers safety and rich security against penetrations. It’s less clear than acrylic bullet proof glass. Laminated polycarbonate ballistic glass gives fair results when tested to UL Levels 1, 2, and 3.
Insulated Ballistic Glass
This type of bulletproof glass comes with two or more laminated glass panes separated by a sealed airspace that results in a total insulated glass unit. This glass resists forced entry and carries a UL Level 1 rating. Insulated bulletproof glass is far easier to maintain than acrylic or polycarbonate products. You get ideal light transmission, higher R-value which is suitable for keeping buildings cool.
Traditional Laminated Bulletproof Glass
This is the typical type of bulletproof glass that comes in lamination (layers in between the glass).
So this glass is manufactured with the glass and resin layers in the lamination process that comes as too heavy and rather complex to work with. That’s why it’s termed as traditional laminated bulletproof glass. This glass is rare and mostly organizations use this for force-entry resistance.
Applications of Bulletproof Glass
Commercial buildings
Bulletproof glass is known for its security durability and performance to resist extreme penetration. Gold shops and plaza where valuable items are displayed use bulletproof glass. Therefore, this glass is also used commercially such as in jewellery stores, showcases and embassies.
Architecture and construction
Bulletproof glass is also in use for interiors such as in windows and for government buildings. The clear and optically visible transparency of this glass is a better reason to use it for window glazing. Moreover, BP glass is also in use for building doors that demand added security.
Military and private vehicles
Bulletproof glass is mainly and majorly associated with automobile protection. The glass is blast proof and offers a better level of blast protection. Therefore, many cars and private vehicles use bulletproof glass. Moreover, military vehicles incorporate bulletproof glass.
Drawbacks of Bulletproof Glass
Expensive
Since bulletproof glass is not a suitable choice for decoration and aesthetic it’s not that common. Bulletproof glass is expensive and it’s not easily available for most of the interior. The manufacturing and the process to make the glass bullet resistive makes it quite expensive as a whole.
Not 100% secure
Bulletproof glass is not entirely safe when it comes to resisting bulletproof or gunshots. The safety concern is always there but it’s majorly covered. It means the glass is still penetrable to some extent and it majorly depends on the kind of weapon being used.
The protection factor with bulletproof glass is not quite valid unless you are locked in a confined space equipped with BP glass and not when you are walking through hallways or outside of classroom walls.
Less safety
While bulletproof glass is better with bearing bullet shots, it’s not safe for people listening in a fire emergency. If there is door jam due to fire or some reason such as malfunctioning, the bulletproof glass door would take time for the staff to evacuate quicker.
Benefits of Bulletproof Glass
Resist forced enter
Bulletproof glass is not only resistant to bullets but it also can withstand violent and forced entry. Therefore, it’s ideal for sect parameters where you want ideal safety all over the place. The BIG glass windows and door are efficient enough and also majorly withstand the penetration.
Safety for building and Valuable
The bulletproof glass is exceptional against violent impact and gunshots. It makes it an ideal choice for as showcases for jewellery, car showroom m and as doors and windows in where security is at high risk. Many architecture projects make the use of ballistic glass against gunfire.
On military vehicle
Its performance to bear gun short makes it another level benefic for car windshield and military and private vehicles which is certainly a plus point on BP glass offers. Depending on the type you choose for bulletproof glass, the result to withstand gunshot can be different.
No theft and break-ins
Bulletproof glass is best for safety and security of the homeowner. By minimizing theft force-entry incidents, these glazes offer reliability when you want protection against criminals. Bullet-resistant glass is strong and less likely to get penetrated with sharp objects.
Comparisons between Bulletproof Glass Other Glass Types
Bulletproof glass vs tempered glass
Bulletproof glass is highly durable and tough when it comes to withstand voile attacks, blows, penetration, and of course the gunshots. However, depending on the type of weapon used, the bulletproof glass may get damaged at some point.
Usually the BP glass offers higher safety against the gunshots, bullets. On the other hand the tempered glass is not bulletproof and upon combining contact with sharp bullet tip, the glass will immediately scatter into small pieces.
Bulletproof vs bullet resistant
Bullet-resistant
The difference between bulletproof and bullet-resistant is clean when they are ballistic tested. For example, Bullet-resistant materials are tested and rated according to standards such as the UL 752 or NIJ ratings. This rating defines how many shots the glass can ear before completely damaging.
Bulletproof
On the other hand the bulletproof glass is more like a myth as this glass is still penetrable. And upon multiple gunshots from high-powered rifles as or most shotguns and handguns, the glass will severely get damaged.
However this glass is not different but the difference in the “term”.
Bulletproof glass offer protection to specific threats and level 1 bulletproof glass withstands a minimum of three 9mm bullets from small-calibre handguns with a minimum velocity of 1,175 f/s. moreover, the Level 2 glass can handle three or more impacts from larger handguns with .357 magnum soft-point bullets travelling at a velocity of 1,250 f/s.
Conclusion: Why Choose Bulletproof Glass
Bulletproof glass is durable, strong and offers security against theft, intrusion, breaking and gunshots. Many glasses are strong and beat violent impact but BP glass is tested under ballistic parameters and is the most appropriate glass type that is blast proof.
However, if you question why to choose it, this has to do with your personal requirements. For commercial and military use this BP glass is serving best. But for home you only need it if your security demands such protection. This glass is mainly suitable for safety against bullets, penetration and projectile attack from bullet (s).