Bullet Resistant Glass

Thickness: Varies based on protection level, usually ranging from 20 mm to 75 mm (0.78 to 3 inches).

BRG is categorized based on its ability to withstand different types of firearms and bullets, as defined by international standards:

a. UL 752 (Underwriters Laboratories) Standards

  • Level 1: Protection against small arms like 9mm handguns and .38 Special rounds.
  • Level 2: Protection against higher-velocity handguns like .357 Magnum.
  • Level 3: Protection against high-power handguns like .44 Magnum.
  • Level 4: Protection against rifles like .30-06 armor-piercing rounds.
  • Levels 5 to 8: Protection against multiple higher-caliber and armor-piercing rifle rounds.
  • Levels 9 & 10: Protect against military-grade rifles like 7.62mm NATO.

b. EN 1063 (European Ballistic Standard)

  • BR1 to BR7: Based on ballistic threats from handguns and rifles, where BR1 is for small caliber handguns, and BR7 is for high-caliber rifles.
  • SG1 and SG2: Protection against shotguns.

c. NIJ (National Institute of Justice) Standard 0108.01

  • Level I, IIA, II, IIIA: Protection from handguns of different calibers.
  • Level III and IV: Protection from high-powered rifles and armor-piercing rounds.

Different types of BRG are made from various materials and combinations of materials to achieve specific protection levels:

a. Acrylic Glass

  • A lightweight, single-layer solution.
  • Effective against small arms like handguns.
  • Used in low-threat environments (banks, kiosks).

b. Polycarbonate Glass

  • Multi-layered composite with polycarbonate sandwiched between layers of glass.
  • Higher impact resistance than acrylic.
  • Common for moderate threat protection (retail stores, government offices).

c. Glass-Clad Polycarbonate

  • Layers of laminated glass and polycarbonate.
  • Provides superior ballistic protection while maintaining transparency.
  • Used in high-security applications (military facilities, armored vehicles).

d. Laminated Glass

  • Multiple layers of glass bonded with a thermoplastic interlayer (often PVB or SGP).
  • Provides resistance to bullets as well as forced entry.
  • Often used in combination with polycarbonate for higher protection levels.

BRG can be classified based on where it is used and the specific security needs of the application:

a. Architectural BRG

  • Used in buildings for security purposes.
  • Includes installations in government buildings, banks, retail stores, schools, and airports.
  • Usually designed to be both bullet-resistant and aesthetically integrated into the structure.

b. Vehicle BRG

  • Installed in armored vehicles, including military, government, and VIP vehicles.
  • Lightweight versions of BRG designed for mobility.
  • Often includes spall protection to prevent the release of glass fragments inside the vehicle.

c. Residential BRG

  • Used in private homes and properties where enhanced security is required.
  • Often lower levels of protection (handguns, small arms) compared to government and military applications.

d. Specialty BRG

  • Fire-Resistant Bulletproof Glass: Combines bullet resistance with fireproof properties.
  • Explosion-Resistant Glass: Provides protection from both ballistic threats and explosive impacts.
  • Soundproof Bulletproof Glass: Designed for sound insulation alongside bullet resistance, often used in secure meeting rooms or embassies.

BRG can also be differentiated by additional functional features or enhancements:

a. Spall Protection

  • Prevents glass fragments from spalling or detaching inside the building or vehicle when impacted by bullets.
  • Essential in high-security applications like military vehicles and government facilities.

b. Curved Bulletproof Glass

  • Used for aesthetic and functional purposes in vehicles and buildings.
  • Allows for unique architectural designs while maintaining ballistic protection.

c. Switchable BRG

  • Glass that can switch from transparent to opaque while maintaining bulletproof properties.
  • Used in places requiring privacy as well as security, such as conference rooms or luxury vehicles.

d. Insulated Bulletproof Glass

  • Combines the insulating properties of regular double-glazed glass with ballistic resistance.
  • Used in cold climates where temperature control is important alongside security, such as embassies and high-security residences.