product developments
BULLET-RESISTANT GLASS
Top Security
Bullet-Resistant Glass
GLASS: REGULAR V. BULLET-RESISTANT
Advancements in ballistic glass technology are delivering thinner, lighter weight and more aesthetic solutions while maintaining levels of safety and security. In March of 2023, an active shooter shot through standard tempered glass in a Nashville elementary school, fatally shooting three children and three adults. Unfortunately, this is just one example of the increasing number of such incidents in schools and other public settings. In response, architects are seeing an increase in shatter resistant/bullet-resistant glazing specifications. “Building design has traditionally emphasized occupant comfort through natural daylighting, views, thermal comfort and acoustics. However, security is now becoming an equally important, if not a dominant factor in building decisions,” reports Tom Donovan, president, Pleotint, llc, Thompson Innovative Glass, Fenton, Mich. Donovan also categorizes the introduction of ASTM F3561, the new Standard Test Method for Forced-Entry-Resistance of Fenestration Systems After Simulated Active Shooter Attack as a significant advancement in this realm. The standard provides a comprehensive benchmark for product performance, ensuring higher levels of protection against such threats. ASTM F3561 joins UL 752 for bullet resistance and ASTM F1233-08 for forced entry, ensuring that glazing products meet stringent safety and security levels.
Unlike regular glass which shatters upon impact, bullet-resistant glass technology works by layering multiple sheets of glass and high-strength plastic materials, like polyvinyl butyral (PVB), acrylic and polycarbonate, to absorb and disperse the energy from a bullet’s impact. This prevents the glass from shattering and stops the projectile. Courtesy of Thompson Innovative Glass
LEVEL FOUR GLASS
Carrying a level 4 bulletproof rating from Thompson Innovative Glass’ Defender line, the glass can deter bullets from a regular pistol, magnum pistols and a hunting rifle. Thompson Innovative Glass, Defender thompsonig.com
Older products relied on multiple layers of glass to deliver required levels of bullet and impact protection. Not only were these lites heavy and more difficult to maneuver, but their optical quality was compromised.
EIGHT LEVELS OF BULLET-RESISTANT GLASS
Technological Advancements According to glass and glazing consultant Max Perilstein, older products relied on multiple layers of glass to deliver required levels of bullet and impact protection. Not only were these lites heavy and more difficult to maneuver, but their optical quality was compromised.
To help designers determine what level of bullet-resistant glass is needed for a given project, the UL 752 Standard for Bullet-Resisting Equipment is the most widely adopted. Eight levels of increasingly robust resistance enable projects to withstand security threats of different magnitudes.
Drawing from advancements in material science and manufacturing precision, companies in this specialized space are incorporating polycarbonates and advanced polymers to produce glazing with less material, superior protection and enhanced aesthetics. Furthermore, ballistic products are incorporating tinted glass, reflective surfaces, ceramic frit printing and bird-friendly glazing solutions.
LEVEL 1 Bullet-resistant glass able to withstand fire from small caliber handguns. It must resist a minimum of three 9mm full metal jackets (FMJ) traveling at a minimum velocity of 1175 feet per second (f/s).
“These options allow for the integration of security features into architectural designs without sacrificing visual appeal,” confirms Chris Grilliot, vice president, sales and marketing NAFTA, Isoclima Specialty Glass and Isoclima Group, Blairsville, Penn.
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ARCHITECTURAL PRODUCTS
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LEVEL 2 Bullet-resistant glass designed to withstand fire from larger caliber handguns. It must withstand at least three shots of .357 magnum soft points traveling at a velocity of 1250f/s. LEVEL 3 This level of bullet-resistant glass can handle a minimum of three shots of .44 magnum rounds at a velocity of 1350f/s.
LEVEL 4 This level represents a jump in ballistic resistance in withstanding at least one shot from a .30 caliber rifle with a minimum velocity of 2540f/s. LEVEL 5 Bulletproof glass designated to withstand at least one 7.62mm rifle FMJ with a velocity of at least 2750f/s. LEVEL 6 Glass capable of withstanding at least five 9mm rounds traveling at an elevated minimum velocity of 1400f/s. LEVEL 7 Bullet-resistant glass designed to withstand multiple hits with 5.56 rifle FMJs with a minimum velocity of 3080f/s. LEVEL 8 Glass tested to withstand at least five shots from a 7.62mm rifle.
09-10 . 2024
9/30/24 6:17 AM