Bullet Proof Security Systems, News, Information | Demand TSS

While the industry term for our line of products is bullet-resistant, the more common term is bulletproof. Things like bulletproof vests, however, are not actually bulletproof, but bullet-resistant.

So what does it take to be truly bulletproof? In researching this topic, we found several people asking just that question. Six inches of lead sheathing or one foot of solid concrete could be called “bulletproof,” but the bullet-resistant products available through Total Security Solutions provide excellent stopping power against most common handguns, shotguns or rifles and can be employed in ways that are almost invisible to the undiscerning eye.

So now that we know the correct term is “bullet-resistant,” let’s analyze the phrase “bullet-resistant glass.”

Bullet-resistant glass isn’t really glass, well not completely. There are three types of “bullet-resistant glass,” but only one is actually made with regular glass. Glass-Clad Polycarbonate is made from a piece of polycarbonate that is sandwiched between two pieces of regular glass. The other forms of “bullet-resistant glass” are actually made from a solid sheet of acrylic or laminated polycarbonate.

Image taken from www.technical-discovery.com.

While we sometimes flip flop between our use of the words “bulletproof” and “bullet-resistant,” the industry term is bullet resistant glass because it would be difficult to create a piece of glass the thickness needed to make it truly bulletproof while still maintaining visibility and communication.

There are two types of bullet resistant glass – solid acrylic and laminated polycarbonate. Solid acrylic is just as its name suggests – a solid sheet of acrylic either 1-1/4” or 1-3/8” thick depending on the level of protection required. Laminated polycarbonate is made by layering polycarbonate, a heavy-duty clear plastic, between two sheets of glass and laminating it all together. It can be ¾”, 1” or 1-1/4” thick depending on the level of protection. While a bullet will pierce the exterior glass layer of laminated polycarbonate, the inner layers absorb the bullet’s energy stopping it from penetrating through the entire piece of glass.

The newest form of bullet resistant glass is one-way bulletproof glass, commonly used in armored vehicles. One-way bulletproof glass is composed of two layers. The outside layer – on the threat side – is made of a brittle glass and the inside layer is a flexible polycarbonate. A bullet that strikes the brittle external layer first causes the glass to break inward toward the polycarbonate layer. The glass breaking absorbs some of the bullet’s energy by spreading the force over a larger area and the flexible polycarbonate stops the bullet.

Bullets shot from the inside of an armored car are able to penetrate the bullet resistant glass because they strike the polycarbonate layer first with more focused energy. The brittle glass layer then breaks outward allowing the bullet to pass through with minor energy loss.

Cleaning and maintaining abrasion resistant or uncoated bullet proof acrylic.

DUSTING: Dust bullet resistant acrylic with a soft cloth or chamois, wiping gently. NO paper towels.

WASHING: Wash bullet resistant glass with a mild soap or detergent and lukewarm water solution. Use a clean soft cloth or natural sponge and as much solution as possible. Rinse well. Dry by blotting with a damp cloth or chamois. Grease and oil are best with hexans, kerosene or aliphatic naptha. AROMATIC COMPOUNDS MUST NOT BE USED.

ANTI-STATIC COATING:  The anti-static coating on bullet proof acrylic successfully prevents the accumulation of electrostatic charge. Between applications of the anti-static coating, bullet resistant glass only needs to be dusted with a soft damp cloth or chamois. Mild detergents (for example 1% Joy in water) provide good anti–static properties while serving as excellent cleaners for bullet proof acrylic.

POLISHING: After cleaning and polishing, the bullet resistant acrylic may be waxed with a good grade of commercial wax. Waxing will improve the appearance of the bullet proof glass by filling in minor scratches. The wax should be applied in a thin even coat and brought to high gloss by rubbing lightly with a soft dry cloth.

SCRATCH REMOVAL (for uncoated bullet proof glass): Most minor scratches can be removed by hand polishing. The polish should be applied with damp pads of soft cotton flannel and rubbed parallel to the scratch in a straight back and forth motion. Excessive rubbing at one point should be avoided. Electric buffers should not be used; they will form depressions in the surface of the bullet resistant acrylic causing optical distortions.

DO NOT USE:

• Window cleaning fluids
• Scouring compounds
• Gritty cloths
• Leaded or ethyl gasolines
• Strong solvents such as alcohol, acetone, carbon tetrachloride, lacquer thinners, Windex, etc.
• NO PAPER TOWELS

The following is a list of items to consider when researching and selecting a bullet resistant barrier system.

1. Level of protection: UL Level I to Level III.
2. Type of system: arch, baffle, or secure sound.
3. Type of material: acrylic or polycarbonate.
4. Type of coating: uncoated or abrasion resistant coating intended to prevent scratching during general cleaning.
5. Provide a friendly access portal for staff/customer interface by selecting a bullet proof barrier system that promotes natural voice transmission.
6. Your bullet resistant barrier system should be free-standing to provide clean, unrestricted site lines enabling surveillance cameras clear access through the system to eliminate check fraud.
7. All acrylic or polycarbonate edges should be sanded and polished for a clear, professional finish.
8. For increased security, add ballistic fiberglass in knee spaces and risers.
9. Slot Louvers added above your bullet resistant barrier system can increase air flow.