The use of bullet proof glasses gained prominence in World War II and since then they've been extensively used in government buildings, corporate offices, banks, shopping stores, post offices, churches and schools for security reasons. In movies, we all must have seen such strong and bullet resistant suits, cars and vehicles. In several incidents, bullet proof glass has been able to abort chances of loss of lives and property. Generally, there is a confusion about structure of glass. Is glass a liquid or a semi solid? Generally, when glass in molten form is cooled and given a definite shape, it gets the required structure.
What is Bullet Proof Glass
Although these glasses are just like normal window panes and glasses, there is a striking difference in the composition of bullet proof and normal glass. Mostly, we come across two popular types of bullet proof glass viz.,
- Laminated Glass: This is a very heavy and thick glass that became popular during World War II and was used to safeguard soldiers. Laminated bullet proof glass is made by putting two silicate glasses over amorphous polyamide sheeting and joining all the three by the help of adhesive polyvinyl butyral. Thin layers of glass sheets are also joined together using laminating Polyurethane or ethylene-vinyl chemicals. Tempered glass is also an essential component of bullet resistant glasses. The thickness of laminated glasses is between 4 to 5 inches and it can even be extended to 8 inches.
- Polycarbonate Thermoplastic: Sold under trade names like Lexan, Armormax and Makroclear, this glass is made between layers of glass sheets that repel the object that makes an impact with it. Polycarbonate is a very hard resistant material for bullets. Usually, these glasses are 70 - 75 mm (2.8 - 3.0 inches) thick.
Both, the laminated glass sheets and polycarbonate glasses, reduce the impact and inertia of the object that hits these glasses. It has to be noted that bullet proof glasses can't work with bullets of very high intensity. The ability of bullet proof glasses to prevent penetration decreases with increase in the intensity of bullets fired.
Bullet Proof Glass Cost
For correct and reliable information on the pricing of bullet proof glasses, one has to contact manufactures of these glasses and have to visit their shops. Since the overall pricing depends on certain factors, depending on size and thickness, the cost of bullet proof glasses vary significantly. Since competition among various manufactures have increased, competitive pricing has been main the key factor to attract consumers. In general, the cost of per square inch of a bullet is rated and then the area of glasses used is multiplied to get price of bullet proof glass. The US air force since the year 2005 has been in an endeavor to develop a new type of bullet resistant glasses that are made from aluminum oxynitride or more commonly known as ALON. Using this chemical has been said to construct a bullet proof glass that is stronger than the normally used glasses in daily life.
Bullet proof glasses have become a reality in today's world and the companies involved in the manufacturing of such products have started coming up with a wide range of bullet resistant products for usage in a variety of set ups. For instance, security concerns in financial institutions, corporate groups and even in shopping malls have increased and hence these glasses have been used extensively. In various car décor and care shops, you can get your car bulletproofed in case you wish to enhance your car safety standards. Generally, glasses like bullet proof are required in high crime areas and such areas where security is required extensively. With manufacturing of high tech bullet proof suits becoming popular these days, it is certainly going to be an integral part of various security up-gradation steps.
