Security protection from ballistic (bullet) attack
Standard float glass provides little to no protection against ballistic attack. But when configured with multiple layers of PVB film, it can serve as bullet-resistant security glass. The interlayers in bullet-resistant glazing help keep the mass of the glass configuration together, providing bulk against multiple shots. Interlayers also help prevent shards from flying or spalling off and causing further injury.
With Saflex or Vanceva color PVB interlayers, architects can specify tailored security glass that may help impede or stop a bullet from penetrating glazing. In fact, laminated security glass can be designed and tested to provide protection against specific weapons or ballistic projectiles. Actual performance of glazing interlayers may vary in attacks from unforeseen weapon systems.
Most Saflex interlayers can be successfully incorporated into a bullet-resistant construction. Interlayer adhesion, thickness and type bring different attributes to the performance of a ballistic-resistant system. Some security glazing uses such an interlayer throughout, while other constructions use a mix of conventional and composite materials. The design of ballistic-resistant construction is considered proprietary in the glazing industry.
Protection against different weapons (e.g., rifle, handgun and shotgun) and rounds (armor-piercing or hollow-point ammunition) requires different glazing constructions, but multi-ply laminated compositions of different glass thickness and multiple PVB interlayers are required in all cases.
Ballistic-resistant security glass is often found in:
- Banks
- Post offices
- Prisons
- Embassies
- Courthouses
- Government facilities
- Police departments
- Convenience stores
- Office buildings
- Educational facilities
Saflex can also protect against forced entry attempted as a result of an active shooter attack. An assailant can use bullets to “break away” or “shoot out” the glass to gain entry or cause additional harm. Interlayers increase the protection, as the attempt weakens the glazing, and such incursions typically require using direct impacts on the pre-weakened glass to gain entry to the building. Saflex Clear and Saflex Storm PVB interlayers have been tested in various combinations to meet multiple forced-entry testing standards.