How to Make a Bulletproof Glass?
The use of bulletproof glass is all the rage in the modern world. But do you really think there is something like this glass? If you are excited to know more about this, this is it. Gear up and find out about the making of bulletproof glasses and whether they truly work or not.
Can a Glass actually be Bulletproof?
Yes, glass can actually be a bulletproof one. Obviously, its ability to protect and complete its purpose depends on its quality. But its manufacturing also matters. For example, if the manufacturers use inadequate substances to create such a glass, it might not work. Similarly, the thickness of the bulletproof glass also decides how protective the glass really is.
So, for example, one glass has less thickness, it may be able to give adequate protection against certain types of bullets only. However, other kinds of bullets may still be able to penetrate through. On the flip side, a thicker glass assures complete and utmost protection against most kinds of bullets. A bullet released from a rifle would require thicker glass. Whereas, a handgun bullet may not require a super thick glass because a normal one can suffice too. It is important to realize that no glass is a hundred percent bulletproof. Depending on the speed of the bullet and the kind of weapon used, bullets may penetrate through a bulletproof glass too.
What happens when a bullet hits the bulletproof glass?
They are produced to withstand several shocks. But does such a glass ever break? Well, mostly they are made of polycarbonate. The process of lamination makes the glass sturdier and stronger. And, the layering up of materials within this glass allows is to become thick and extra sturdy. A bullet breaks the external layer of glass upon release. Yet, the polycarbonate inside the glass has the capacity to soak up the bullet’s intensity, thereby stopping it from proceeding further.
Remember, glass can only have a certain amount of thickness. Ultimately it becomes difficult to look through a bulletproof glass if its thickness increases too much. So, a bullet’s speed/energy diffuses throughout the multiple skins of the glass as soon as it hits the surface. This energy diffuses through multiple layers; hence, it really slows down. Technical, right? Imagine this! These multiple layers have the power to make the bullet sluggish enough to stop further penetration.
Pondering why the bulletproof glass still does not shatter? This is because of the plastic aspect of the glass. It prevents the glass from shattering all over and holds it together. So, next time slow down a movie. The one where a president in a bulletproof car is attacked. Watch the video in a slow-motion and you will figure out exactly what we are talking about. Visuals are one of the best ways to understand the entire process.
How to make a bulletproof glass?
Time and again, a bulletproof glass’s protection is contested. We often hear about such glasses installed in cars for political leaders. The true word for a bulletproof glass is a “bullet-resistant glass”. This is of two different kinds, namely, a solid acrylic one and a laminate polycarbonate one. A solid acrylic bullet-resistant glass is, in essence, a firm overspread of acrylic in varying thicknesses. The thickness of the acrylic sheet is according to the intensity of the security necessary.
A laminated polycarbonate is as simple as the name implies. Place polycarbonate within two spreads of glass and Voila! You have bulletproof glass. In these all three layers are laminated. Again, even for laminated polycarbonate, the thickness of the polycarbonate is dependent upon the intensity of the security necessary. The more the security required, the thicker the polycarbonate will be.
So, in essence, different polycarbonate plastics combine to form the middle layer of bulletproof glass. Some examples of these polycarbonate plastics are Makroclear and Cryolon. These are some of the finest polycarbonate plastics used to manufacture bullet proof glass. They are valuable especially because they truly slow down the energy of the bullet and gives a quality glass. To make a top-notch bulletproof glass lot of pressure and heating mechanisms are required.
Types of Bullets that a Bulletproof Glass Can Stop?
There is a plethora of bullets in the world. They can easily stop only some. The ballistic levels of these bullets determine their strength too. So, a bullet of a ballistic level 3, perhaps, with magnum rounds can be easily stopped by bulletproof glass. A ballistic level 4 bullet is easy to stop too. Bullets with ballistic levels 5 and 6 can also be stopped. Bullets are able to stop or penetrate through a glass depending on their ballistic levels. However, for further protection, one might need a thicker glass which can provide intense protection.
What are the Limits of Bullet-resistant Glass?
They may sound all appealing to almost anyone. However, like all things in life with their pros and cons, they have certain limitations too. For example, they can be super expensive. If you usually get your car insured, it might even add up to your insurance costs. For everyone trying to be on a budget, a bulletproof glass may not be the right choice. We recommend stick to ordinary glass.
Such a glass is also way thicker than an ordinary one. When placed on the windows of a car it adds quite some extra weight to the car. People with smaller cars should refrain from the bulletproof glass. The thickness of these glasses makes it difficult to see through it. So, for people with eyesight problems, it is even more difficult to drive.
Remember they are useful only when you need it direly. For example, a famous celebrity or a political figure using bulletproof cars makes sense. Choosing a normal glass is always easier, safer and cheaper option.