What is Bulletproof Glass?
Information for the residents of Ehrenberg, Gadsden, Gila Bend and Lukeville: The term "bulletproof" though commonly used, is misleading. Bullet-resistant is the correct terminology used within the glass industry. Bulletproof glass would actually be too heavy and too thick to be of any practical use, but bullet-resistant glass can withstand significant impacts.
The first impact-resistance glass discovered by accident in 1903, by a French chemist named Eduoard Benedictus who dropped a glass beaker onto the floor. It had a coating of plastic cellulose nitrate and though the glass beaker broke the broken pieces stuck together. This new application for glass did not really catch on until World War I, when this application was utilized for the eyepieces of gas masks. World War II created new needs for the use of what we now call bullet-resistant glass. The glass laminates used at this time were much thicker and heavier than the modified versions we use today. There are two types of bullet-resistant glass, one is laminate glass and the other is the version in use today, called polycarbonate thermoplastic glass.
Super Strong!
Drivers of Ehrenberg, Gadsden, Gila Bend and Lukeville: Laminated glass consists of various layers of glass. The outer layer of glass is brittle so it breaks easier, but it flattens and slows bullets. Adding more layers will create a laminate that can withstand greater impact, but at some point becomes impractical due to weight and thickness. Tempered glass breaks into small, equally shaped pieces as opposed to standard glass that breaks or cracks and produces irregular shards, which are more dangerous.
Super Complex!
Polycarbonate thermoplastic glass is manufactured using a specific variety of ingredients and is recognized by many different brand names such as Lexan, Armormax and Makroclear, among others. The outside layer of glass is harder than the inside layer and is used to slow down and flatten the bullet. Conversely, the inside layer must be softer to give it more flexibility. The polycarbonate thermoplastic layer is sandwiched between two layers of glass to lessen the intensity of the impact by spreading the force out sideways.
Super Safe!
Since the polycarbonate thermoplastic distributes blunt force relatively evenly, it can withstand the impact of a fist or a hammer, whereas the glass layer alone can easily be penetrated. Oddly enough, so could the polycarbonate thermoplastic if used without glass because they work synergistically. As with the older version of laminate glass, the more layers that are bonded together, the greater impact polycarbonate thermoplastic glass can withstand. Polycarbonate thermoplastic glass is between .25 to 3 inches thick, because it weighs less and is thinner; more layers can be put to use and therefore can withstand greater impact than the older version of bullet-resistant laminate glass. If it is anything thicker than that, it is considered armored glass.
Super Expensive!
Bullet-resistant windshields are expensive to make because the thickness required makes the flexibility needed to form and fit a windshield highly difficult. Bulletproof/resistant glass alone costs between $25.00 and $100.00 per square foot. It would be difficult to find any company who would install a bullet-resistant windshield without making the entire vehicle bullet-resistant, because it would be useless if done otherwise. The cost to have this type of windshield would actually raise the overall price. While windshields are what we typically think of when we think of bulletproof glass, a vehicle consists of many windows, which can be utilized, as well as places you may not have thought of. For instance, in police stations, banks, schools, prisons, anywhere security is an issue.
Did You Know?
Residents of Ehrenberg, Gadsden, Gila Bend and Lukeville: Did you know that Bullet-resistant glass has eight levels in which it is rated. The higher the level, the greater the protection. In the US, bullet-resistant glass is tested and rated by the U.S. Department of Defense and the U.S. National Institute of Justice along with the Underwriter’s Laboratory. Europe also has rating and testing organizations to regulate glass.
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SunTec Auto Glass is a family-owned business located in Arizona, serving most of Maricopa and Pinal counties. We are windshield replacement and auto glass repair professionals and specialize in windshield replacement, auto glass repair, window tinting and glass etching. The expert installers at SunTec Auto Glass are perfect for the job. SunTec Auto Glass understands the importance of using only the best quality auto glass available for your vehicle and for the safety of you and your family. Anywhere in Ehrenberg, Gadsden, Gila Bend or Lukeville and the Valley of the Sun look no further. For professional help and premium quality automotive glass, parts, and moldings. Contact SunTec Auto Glass today to handle all of your auto glass repair and windshield replacement needs.
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(480) 782-5489