Bullet Resistant Glass

Bullet-resistant glass is a strong but optically transparent material that is cannot be penetrated when struck. However, they are not completely impenetrable.

Applications

  • Glass is brittle and it does not have a good orderly crystalline structure. If it did, it would be like metal steel, where it dents and deforms instead of shattering.
  • This allows the glass to absorb the bullet’s energy by transferring the kinetic energy of the bullet into shattering the glass.
  • The softer plastic layer reinforces the glass by holding it in place and allowing the glass to flex back as it absorbs the impact.
  • The polycarbonate and laminate also spread the force of the bullet laterally across the entire glass surface.
  • Layering these in multiple sheets allows the window to use properties of both materials more effectively; such as the glass on the backside shattering while the undamaged glass holds together the window. This also allows the glass to stop more that one bullet.
  • Since polycarbonate is very strong and does not shatter like glass it is an excellent candidate for bullet-proofing.

Bullet Resistance Classification According To European Norms EN 1063

RN – Round NoseSC – Soft Core (lead)AP – Armour PiercingFJ – Full Metal JacketCB-Cone BulletLB – Lead Bullet
SCP – Soft Core (lead) & Steel PenetratorAPI – Armour Piercing IncendiaryFN – Flat NosePB – Pointed BulletHC – Hard core, steel hardness > 63 HRC

 ClassWeaponCaliberTypeWeight (g)Range (m)Velocity (m/s)Impact EnergyShots
BR1Handgun/Rifle0.22 LRLB/RN()2.6 ± 0.110.00 ± 0.5360 ± 10170 J3
BR2Handgun9×19mm ParabellumFJ/RN/SC8.0 ± 0.15.00 ± 0.5400 ± 10640 J3
BR3Handgun0.357 MagnumFJ/CB/SC10.2 ± 0.15.00 ± 0.5430 ± 10940 J3
BR5Rifle5.56×45mm NATOFJ/PB/SCP4.0 ± 0.110.00 ± 0.5950 ± 101800 J3
BR6Rifle7.62×51mm NATOFJ/PB/SC9.5 ± 0.110.00 ± 0.5830 ± 103270 J3
BR7Rifle7.62×51mm NATOFJ/PB/HC9.8 ± 0.110.00 ± 0.5820 ± 103290 J3