It’s an unfortunate truth, but active shooter situations are becoming more common in schools and workplaces. When an active shooter situation arises, you will only want thehighest-rated bulletproof materialsstanding between you and the individual threatening your safety. You have many different types of bulletproof material to consider in your search for the best ballistic defensive structures.
The best type of material to use will depend on your unique application and desired level of protection. Read on to learn about the differentbulletproof material optionsbefore you forge ahead in the improvement of your workplace safety.
Types of Bulletproof Material
Custom tailored bullet-resistant panels and other protective structures are made from materials designed to stop bullets and shrapnel from penetrating its surface. These materials can effectively absorb the bullets’ energy, preventing the rounds from reaching their target.
Commonbulletproof materialsinclude:
Steel
Steel bulletproof materials are heavy duty, yet at just a few millimeters thick, extremely effective in stopping modern firearm rounds. The steel deforms under the stresses from the bullet’s energy but prevents the rounds from reaching their intended targets.
Ceramic
As a material made from clay heated to extremely high temperatures, ceramic sits just below diamonds on the hardness scale, far above the metal used for bullet making. When layered with Kevlar, ceramic can effectively dissipate the energy from rounds of all sizes. When impacted, the ceramic layers disintegrate into a powder under the bullets’ forces.
Fiberglass
When at the appropriate thickness, fiberglass can easily deflect bullets by absorbing the energy through its layers. When placed between steel plates, this ultra-lightweight material effectively distorts the rounds and delaminates to capture the bullets within the structure.
Wood
By increasing the density of wood threefold, seemingly ordinary lumber has the potential to halt a bullet in its tracks. In addition to the strength improvements, the density also increases the durability of the wood to keep it from deforming under the stress of the bullets’ forces.
Kevlar
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.
Polyethylene
Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (say that ten times fast) is a plastic that can be found in Tupperware. The ballistic material is remarkably reliable and affordable. Some reports even show that this inexpensive plastic is better than Kevlar at stopping certain bullets because it’s impervious to moisture.
Polycarbonate
The final bulletproof material on our list is Polycarbonate, a strong, transparent material that is used to make glass ballistic resistant.
Material Testing for Ballistic Defensive Structures
Each material undergoes strict ASTM testing to determine its UL Rating, or NIJ level, which directly relates to its ability to stop certain types of ammunition. UL Level one rated ballistic materials may stop 9mm bullets, for example, while UL level eight structures can bring 7.76mm rounds to a halt. You can speak to our defense system experts to determine your ideal level of protection and the materials that will help you achieve your security goals.
Acquire Ballistic Defensive Structures for Your Peace of Mind
If you are ready to achieve true peace of mind with ballistic defensive structures, you cancontact the RRDS teamat 949-482-6200 to learn about how we can help. We pride ourselves on our ability to outfit our clients’ workplaces with the most effective bullet resistant panels in the industry. Using our knowledge and expertise, we will customize the panels to meet your unique workplace security needs.Contact us today to get started.
FAQs
The company describes the new material, known as Kevlar® EXO™ aramid fiber, as “the most significant aramid fiber innovation in over 50 years,” “our biggest innovation in life protection since Kevlar was invented” and “an entirely new technology.”
What is the new bullet proof material? ›
The company describes the new material, known as Kevlar® EXO™ aramid fiber, as “the most significant aramid fiber innovation in over 50 years,” “our biggest innovation in life protection since Kevlar was invented” and “an entirely new technology.”
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.
What is the most bulletproof metal in the world? ›
Tungsten, which is Swedish for "heavy stone," is the strongest metal in the world. It was identified as a new element in 1781. It is commonly used to make bullets and missiles, metal evaporation work, manufacturing of paints, creating electron and Television tubes, and making glass to metal seals.
What is the strongest bullet proof vest? ›
What will a level IV plate stop? Level IV armor is the highest rating of body armor currently available, and it will stop armor-piercing rifle threats. It can withstand up to 30-06 M2ap steel core armor-piercing rounds with a mass of 166 grains and a velocity of 2880 ft/s.
What is the most effective bullet proof material? ›
Kevlar. Perhaps one of the better-known bulletproof materials, Kevlar is a synthetic fiber that's heat resistant and incredibly strong.
What is the strongest material for bullets? ›
Steel has extremely good ballistic resistance, even at a few millimeters thick. Steel deforms under stress from a bullet's energy and stops rounds from reaching civilians.
What is the cheapest bullet proof material? ›
Ballistic Polycarbonate Shields
Incredibly bullet-resistant, affordable, and easily installable both from scratch & onto existing glass paneling, ballistic polycarbonate shields are the number one option for “bulletproof” material.
Can a 1 inch plexiglass stop a bullet? ›
How thick does Plexiglass need to be to stop a bullet? Around 1.25”, depending on the caliber of the bullet. This thickness can stop bullets from 9mm, . 44 Magnum or .
What fabric can stop bullets? ›
Bullet-resistant materials (also called ballistic materials or, equivalently, anti-ballistic materials) are usually rigid, but may be supple. They may be complex, such as Kevlar, UHMWPE, Lexan, or carbon fiber composite materials, or basic and simple, such as steel or titanium.
Bullets easily puncture most walls, doors, and floors. However, brick, concrete, and cinder blocks effectively stop most common calibers.
What thickness of steel will stop a 9mm? ›
Litterally any grade of steel that is quarter inch thick will stop 9mm pistol rounds at any range. I have 5150 stainless targets that are 1/8th inch thick that 9mm barely puts a dent in. Body armor plates 1/4 inch thick of AR500 armor will stop anything but armor piercing rifle rounds, up to . 30–06.
What will replace Kevlar? ›
Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE)
UHMWPE, a subset of the thermoplastic polyethylene, has emerged as a formidable alternative to Kevlar. Its high strength-to-weight ratio makes it ideal for body armor, offering protection against high-velocity projectiles while maintaining lightness and flexibility.
Why is bullet proof vest illegal? ›
The rationale for prohibiting many felons from possessing body armor or bulletproof vests is similar to that of prohibiting felons from possessing firearms. These laws aim to protect public and officer safety by keeping "weapons" away from those who've shown they're capable of committing a crime.
What is level 7 body armor? ›
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” Nominal Weight. 11.7 lbs per square foot.
Can an AR 15 penetrate a bulletproof vest? ›
An AR-15 fires a . 223 caliber round which can penetrate some types of body armor. Typically, only Level III and IV armor can stop rifle rounds like those fired by an AR-15.
What is the newest body armor technology? ›
New body armor, exoskeleton innovation designed for military, police. The ExoM Exoskeleton is designed to protect the military and police in high-risk situations. There's a new body armor and exoskeleton innovation that could be a game changer for those who serve and protect. It's called the ExoM Exoskeleton.
What is the new Kevlar material? ›
Kevlar® EXO™ is a completely reimagined, next-generation aramid fiber with unequaled levels of performance. Developed and tested by leading materials experts at DuPont, it's the largest leap forward in soft body armor in decades.
Can titanium stop a bullet? ›
Titanium can take single hits from high-caliber bullets, but it shatters and becomes penetrable with multiple hits from military-grade, armor piercing bullets.
Can graphene stop a bullet? ›
Layers of graphene sheets are positioned to provide NIJ Level 3A ballistic protection. That means they can stop up to a . 44 magnum. While other types of armor can do the same, they weigh more and often cannot take multiple impacts.
