Many people don’t realize how many different ballistic glass products are on the market today. You see them everywhere: pharmacies, banks, shops, schools, government buildings, community centers, houses of worship, and more. Each type of bulletproof glass has advantages and drawbacks, depending on your application, threat level, and budget. In this blog, we break down all your options.
There Are Five Primary Types of Bulletproof Glass
- Acrylic
- Polycarbonate
- Insulated ballistic glass
- Glass-clad polycarbonate
- Traditional laminated glass
Acrylic Bulletproof Glass
Monolithic acrylic is the most popular type of bulletproof glass. Composed of a single piece of 1 1/4″ to 1 3/8″ solid thermoplastic, acrylic has a remarkably high level of optical clarity. Bulletproof acrylic is tested to UL 752 Levels 1 and 2. At these levels, bulletproof acrylic can stop three shots from a 9mm handgun, or three shots from a .357 Magnum. As these are some of the most common handgun levels, ballistic acrylic is a practical, affordable solution.
Acrylic bulletproof glass is also remarkably easy to work with compared to other types of ballistic materials; it can be drilled, routed, cut, slotted, and even formed into custom curved windows. Rough-cut edges can be flame-polished clear, making acrylic the go-to material for the attractive, unobtrusive installations favored in most public buildings.
Acrylic is suitable for indoor applications. Like all plastic-based transparencies, acrylic bulletproof glass can experience crazing and hazing when exposed to UV light. Traditional, harsh window cleaners can also damage the surface of acrylic bulletproof glass.
Polycarbonate Bulletproof Glass
Polycarbonate is typically laminated between two sheets of acrylic, creating a laminated polycarbonate ballistic glass barrier. This offers a higher level of protection than either product on its own. Laminated polycarbonate products are tested to UL Levels 1, 2, and 3.
Polycarbonate is slightly less optically clear than acrylic, but using the products together helps improve the product’s visual qualities.
Insulated Ballistic Glass
Ballistic insulated glass is made up of two or more laminated glass panes separated by a sealed airspace, forming a complete insulated glass unit. Insulated glass units combine the best qualities of several different kinds of glazing. At just 1” to 1 ¼” thick, they have a slim profile. Ballistic insulated glass is tested to resist forced-entry and carries a UL Level 1 rating.
Ballistic insulated glass can be used in both interior and exterior applications; the glass caps make it easier to maintain than an acrylic or polycarbonate product. Plus, as an insulated product, ballistic insulated glass has excellent light transmission and a high r-value. These enhance occupant comfort and lower building cooling costs, but don’t carry the maintenance burden of a sensor-based or electronic window treatment.
Glass-Clad Polycarbonate Bulletproof Glass
Glass-clad polycarbonate (GCP) is made of layers of glass, polycarbonate, and an interlayer film that acts as an adhesive. It’s the most robust variety of bulletproof glass available, and is tested to UL Levels 1 through 8. Its thickness ranges from 1” to 2 ½” depending on the UL level of protection, stopping shots from handguns to AK-10s, as well as offering blast protection. Glass-clad polycarbonate can be used in interior and exterior applications.
Because of its complex construction, GCP is impossible to modify in the field. All pieces must be industrially water jet cut or hand-polished by the original manufacturer—a labor intensive process requiring special facilities.
Traditional Laminated Bulletproof Glass
Laminated glass is the original bulletproof glass. Crafted from layers of glass and resin, laminated glass is extremely heavy and difficult to work with. The experienced team at TSS does have the equipment and know-how to work with laminated glass, but these projects are rare, and typically for organizations looking for forced-entry resistance.
Choosing the Right Type of Bulletproof Glass
Your threat level, application, and budget all influence which type of bulletproof glass is right for you. If you want to protect an interior location and you’re most worried about handgun fire, an acrylic or polycarbonate glazing might be right for you. If you’re worried about rifle fire, your best option will likely be a GCP product. However, the best way to understand your options is to speak with a TSS representative who can walk you through the different types of glass.
Download the Ballistic Glazing Solutions Guide to Learn More
To learn more about ballistic glass options, download our Ballistic Glazing Solutions Guide. This free, comprehensive ebook explains the ins and outs of bulletproof glass, complementary products like framing, taking care of your bulletproof glass, and more. Download today and get started learning.
FAQs
The most common include acrylic, polycarbonate, glass-clad polycarbonate, and laminated glass.
What are the different types of bulletproof glass? ›
The most common include acrylic, polycarbonate, glass-clad polycarbonate, and laminated glass.
What is the toughest bulletproof glass? ›
The strongest bulletproof glass used in typical commercial construction is UL 752 Level 8. Typically, this product is made using glass-clad polycarbonate glazing and is strong enough to stop five, closely-spaced shots from an 7.62mm rifle from a distance of 15 feet.
How much does Level 1 bullet-resistant glass cost? ›
How Much Does Bulletproof Glass Cost? Level 1 bullet-resistant security glazing starts at $50 per square foot, not including framing or installation. For the average comprehensive bulletproof security system, you may pay anywhere from $15,000 to $25,000.
Is there glass that can stop a 50 cal bullet? ›
The latest lightweight armoring and bulletproof glass can offer a level of protection that can make sure your vehicle remains unimpeded by bullets even from a 50-caliber round.
What is level 8 ballistic protection? ›
UL 752 Level 8 are AK 47 bullet resistant panels primarily used in military defense. These are the primary protection against multiple shots against military assault rifles, such as an M-14 and similar weapons with a muzzle energy of up to 2519-3048 foot-pounds.
Is it illegal to own bulletproof glass? ›
In the United States, procuring and installing bulletproof glass systems is entirely legal, and there is no requirement for a police or government permit. However, the bulletproof glass must adhere to specific standards to ensure optimal protection.
Can a gun break bulletproof glass? ›
Bulletproof glass (known more accurately as ballistic glass) is designed to absorb the force of a bullet rather than breaking apart. If you're determined to break through the glass, you can do so by shooting the glass multiple times in the same location or by shooting the glass with a high-powered rifle.
What is the thinnest material that can stop a bullet? ›
The thinnest material is going to be steel or titanium.
Can bullet proof glass be cut? ›
Cutting bulletproof glass presents a unique set of challenges. Traditional cutting methods often fall short, either damaging the material or failing to deliver the required precision. Heat-based methods such as laser or plasma cutting can cause the layers to separate or the glass to crack due to thermal stress.
Can Lexan stop a bullet? If the Lexan is over 1'' thick, it is considered bullet resistant. Is all Plexiglass bullet resistant? No, but it can be manufactured to be bullet resistant.
How thick does bulletproof glass need to be? ›
The index of refraction for all of the glasses used in the bulletproof layers must be almost the same to keep the glass transparent and allow a clear, undistorted view through the glass. Bulletproof glass varies in thickness from 3⁄4 to 31⁄2 inches (19 to 89 mm).
How much does it cost to put bullet proof glass in a car? ›
General Cost Estimates: Window and door bulletproofing ranges from $12,000 to $50,000, with full bulletproofing averaging around $70,000, and higher for luxury cars. Detailed Part Costs: There are specific costs for bulletproof doors, windows, tires, engine, floor, and gas tank.
Can a hammer break bullet proof glass? ›
Not quickly. Bulletproof glass is usually some kind of transparent, flexible, thick plastic. That being said, hit it enough and it can break free of its moorings if they are less sturdy.
Can bullet proof glass stop an AK 47? ›
It will resist gunfire from even the most common weapons used in mass shootings: the AR-15 and AK-47 rifles. The bulletproof glass includes a proprietary countermeasure technology called BallistiSHOCK.
Can a sniper bullet break bulletproof glass? ›
Can a sniper bullet penetrate a bulletproof glass? - Quora. The short answer is Yes it can. It depends on a bunch of factors. (Caliber, range, glass type etc.)
What is the difference between bulletproof glass and tempered glass? ›
While bullet-resistant glass protects against bullets, tempered safety glass is even more sensitive to sharp objects, such as the tip of a bullet. After a blow with a pointed object, tempered glass falls apart in thousands of tiny glass particle. It offers no protection.
What is the difference between impact resistant glass and bulletproof glass? ›
Bullet-resistant glass is often thicker than impact windows, as it doesn't reflect bullets, but it absorbs the energy to embed the shell within the glass. On the other hand, hurricane proof windows use laminated materials to stop projectiles. The glass comes treated to resist shattering - not stop a bullet.
How thick is Level 3 bullet proof glass? ›
Standard overall thicknesses depend on threat level. So, for example, we generate level 3 with a 1.10″ interlayer thickness. Furnished in clear and a range of shades, we manufacture bullet resistant glass in standard sizes up to 48” x 96” and custom sheets up to 60” x 96”.
Can bullet proof glass be broken by a hammer? ›
Due to differences in their construction, some types of bulletproof glass are vulnerable to blunt objects, while others aren't. Blunt objects like sledgehammers will not be able to break through polycarbonate or glass-clad polycarbonate bulletproof glass, but can break through acrylic material.
