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The Science Behind Bullet Resistant Glass: How Does It Work?

At a glance, bullet-resistant glass may appear no different from regular clear glass. However, it is crafted to deliver unmatched protection in high-risk environments. Made with multiple layers and advanced materials, this specialised laminated glass is designed to withstand the impact of bullets and offer security and clarity.

At AIS Glass, we understand safety and aesthetics go hand-in-hand. Hence, with our bullet-resistant glass, we offer a solution that delivers uncompromised security seamlessly blending in your space.

What is a Bullet Resistant Glass?

Bullet-resistant glass is specially engineered glass that can withstand the impact of a bullet shot towards the glass. It is a thick layer of glass made from layering of glass with PVB (Polyvinyl Butyral) or polycarbonate.

This combination ensures unobstructed visibility with high-grade protection. The laminated glass absorbs its energy and redistributes its force, reducing the overall impact and preventing the glass from shattering.

Materials Used to Produce Our Bullet-Resistant Glass

Bullet-resistant glass is made with several layers of glass and PVB. The materials used to manufacture this glass include:

  • Laminated glass
  • Polycarbonate
  • Polyvinyl Butyral (PVB)
  • Acrylic
  • Polyurethane
  • Glass-Clad Polycarbonate (GCP)

Polycarbonates and solid acrylic are the most commonly used materials for manufacturing ballistic glass. Placing these materials in systematic layers forms an impenetrable glass structure.

The Science Behind Bullet-Resistant Glass

The workings of a bullet-resistant glass are fascinating. Since it is made with multiple interlayers, all of them react to the bullet’s energy to stop it from passing through the other end of the glass.

As mentioned, AIS Bullet Resistant Glass is made from a combination of glass and PVB interlayers. To understand the science behind it, let us understand how it works using an example:

  • Let us assume that a handgun was shot at bullet-resistant glass. The bullet first hits the outer layer of the toughened glass layer, shattering it and entering the polycarbonate layers.
  • These plastic layers, made from multiple other components, change shape, absorb the energy from the bullet and redistribute it over a large area, reducing its impact.
  • This reduces the bullet’s speed, which then stops in the layers before exiting the glass material and hitting the object/person beyond the glass. Thus, the interlayers and thickness of the glass are important to stop bullets fired from different types of guns.

There are two types of universal standards to determine performance and bullet-resistance abilities. We conform to the European Norm EN 1063, set by the European Committee for Standardisation.

Based on European standards, the glasses are divided into classes ranging from BR1 to BR7, which tells us the type of ammunition the glass can handle.

Applications of Bullet Resistant Glass

Ballistic or bullet-resistant glass is a product made for specialised applications. This glass is made to ensure high-priority safety and defence. Some areas that find application of bulletproof glass include:

  • High-security buildings like government institutions, embassies, and military offices may be at a high-security risk.
  • Financial institutions like banks or cash handling areas can be at risk, and so can leverage bullet-resistant glass.
  • The windows of armoured or military vehicles typically use bullet-resistant glass. This glass can also be applied to the windows of vehicles carrying cash, VIP transport and other significant purposes.
  • Retail stores that deal with valuables like jewellery or high-end products can also leverage this glass for safety.

Conclusion

Bullet-resistant glass is a critical component in enhancing security in high-risk environments. Its strength and durability provide an added layer of safety, ensuring the protection of individuals and assets from potential harm.

If you are looking for ballistic glass options, AIS Glass is a renowned manufacturer of reliable security glass solutions. We ensure proper standardisation, precise engineering and high-grade security. Contact us today to learn more about our diverse product range and put your safety first.

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