24/07/2012
Bullet proof glass refers to any type of glass that is built to stand up against being penetrated by most bullets. Although the public uses the term bullet proof glass, generally within the industry itself it is referred to as bullet-resistant glass, because there is no feasible way to create consumer-level glass that can truly be proof against bullets. There are two main types of bullet proof glass: that which uses laminated glass layered on top of itself, and that which uses a polycarbonate thermoplastic.
Laminated bullet proof glass has been used since World War II, and although quite effective, it is also relatively heavy and thick. Generally it is about four inches (100 mm) thick, although it may be as thick as eight inches (200 mm) for some applications. Thin sheets of glass are laminated together using a bonding agent, usually polyurethane or ethylene-vinyl.
The more common type of modern bullet proof glass uses a polycarbonate thermoplastic layered between glass. This layer, which comes under many trade names, including Lexan, Armormax, and Makroclear, is built to withstand blunt force. It distributes the force relatively evenly, so that if it is hit with a hammer, a fist, or an axe, it would repel the object easily.