Our bullet-resistant panels are specifically designed to absorb the energy of a bullet within the panel's laminate. The composite laminate is made up of woven fiberglass that is reinforced with resin, making it capable of defeating a bullet by absorbing its energy. As the panel delaminates from impact, any additional shots become easier to defeat because the laminate is better able to absorb the energy of the bullet. Unlike steel barriers, our fiberglass laminate is designed to prevent ricochets and spalling on the non-threat side of the panel.
Our bullet-resistant fiberglass panels are commonly used in a variety of architectural facility designs, including commercial, schools, financial institutions, government facilities, grid security, healthcare facilities, law enforcement, military, residential buildings, safe rooms, and more. These panels can be incorporated into wall assemblies, counters, doors, millwork, cubicles, and desks to provide superior protection against potential threats.
The benefits of using bullet-resistant fiberglass panels in architectural designs include:
-
Enhanced safety: The primary benefit of using bullet-resistant fiberglass panels is the increased safety they provide to the occupants of the building. These panels can prevent injuries and even fatalities by stopping bullets from penetrating and causing harm.
-
Versatility: Bullet-resistant fiberglass panels can be used in a variety of architectural designs, including walls, counters, doors, and desks. This versatility allows architects and designers to inc
-
orporate them seamlessly into any building design.
-
Durability: Fiberglass reinforced with resin is a highly durable material that can withstand repeated impact from bullets. This durability makes bullet-resistant fiberglass panels a cost-effective solution for long-term security needs.
-
Reduced ricochet and spalling: Unlike steel barriers, fiberglass laminate is designed to prevent ricochet and spalling on the non-threat side of the panel, further enhancing the safety of occupants.
-
Aesthetically pleasing: Bullet-resistant fiberglass panels are available in a variety of colors and finishes, making them a more aesthetically pleasing option than steel barriers.
Overall, the use of bullet-resistant fiberglass panels in architectural designs can enhance the safety and security of buildings and their occupants while also offering versatility, durability, and aesthetic appeal.
![Armorcore bullet resistant fiberglass wall panels covenant security equipment](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2245/3557/files/Asset_140_aff780ac-fc3f-4eb3-be46-7d3fdec39389.jpg?v=1620838737)
![Armorcore bullet resistant fiberglass wall panels covenant security equipment](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2245/3557/files/Asset_143_4e1bd1f6-e23b-4de5-a625-5432a725d999.jpg?v=1620838771)
![Armorcore bullet resistant fiberglass wall panels covenant security equipment](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2245/3557/files/Asset_142_3aaaf227-c5da-45c5-b7bb-a604dfa42854.jpg?v=1620838793)
UL 752 Industry Standards
The UL752 standard for architectural bullet-resistant building materials was established by Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. This organization is the world's oldest and largest independent testing company, dedicated to not-for-profit endeavors.
Our panels have been rigorously tested according to the UL752 standard by Underwriters Laboratories, Inc., and have earned the "UL Listed" certification. To achieve this certification, the ballistic resistive product must undergo a series of tests, including shooting the materials at -25 degrees Fahrenheit and 120 degrees Fahrenheit. After the initial testing, maintenance testing is conducted by pulling random samples from the manufacturer's routine production on a quarterly basis without prior notice. This strict testing regimen ensures that the product is consistently manufactured to the highest standards of ballistic resistance and integrity, providing assurance to customers that they are receiving a high-quality product that has been thoroughly tested and approved.
The following recommendations are designed to assist in the installation of bullet resistant fiberglass panels, as well as to preserve the ballistic protection the panels are designed to provide. Different elements of working with the product and certain challenges are addressed, in addition to important options and expert tips to consider when ordering the product. The material is manufactured by mechanically injecting woven roving ballistic grade fiberglass cloth with a thermoset polyester resin. The impregnated cloth is then placed in a hydraulic hot press and pressed into flat rigid sheets.
![Armorcore bullet resistant panels](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2245/3557/files/Asset_124.jpg?v=1620075536)
Panel Sizes and Cutting
Covenant Security Equipment provides panels in any combination of 3’, 4’ & 5’ widths by 8’, 9’ & 10’ lengths. In the field, panels can be cut with a diamond-grit blade. For electrical boxes and other small openings, a diamond grit blade (available through most builder’s supply in the ceramic tile section) on a reciprocating saw should be sufficient. In addition to wearing protective clothing, a fan can be placed behind the cutting area to help blow away fiberglass particles.
Cut using ordinary carpentry tools. Circular saw, table saw, panel saw, saber saw, etc. Use the following blades: RemGrit "Grit Edge": GC703 7" Circular, GC805 8"Circular, GC915 12" Circular, GJ18 Saber Saw or a Tenryu TSD Series 7". The 7” Blade cuts extremely hard abrasive materials.
Fastening and Drilling
Bullet Resistant Fiberglass may be drilled using high speed steel twist drills. Materials should be drilled at a slow speed. Panels may be attached using self-tapping drywall screws. When attaching a panel to a stud wall on which drywall will be the exterior surface, simply use enough screws to hold the panel to the studs, then come back with a complete screw pattern to the studs when hanging the drywall on top. If a different appliqué is to be used over the panels and a flush surface is required, a counter-sink hole may be used before adding the screws. Panels up to 1-1/8” and thicker may require pre-drilling the fastener holes to prevent the screw heads from breaking, as well as to facilitate the installation. It is recommended that you use a carbide or cobalt tip drill bit at medium speed with medium pressure. Low carbon (high-speed steel) bits may be used, but will typically have a shorter lifespan.
Adhesives and Laminating
Panels can also be attached with the use of adhesives. One product available is PL Premium Polyurethane Construction Adhesive. For stronger adhesion to non-porous substrates, such as aluminum, steel and stainless steel, or bonding one panel to another, a 2-part Methyl Methacrylate (MMA) adhesive may be utilized, such as Plexus MA 320. Laminates can be applied with standard contact adhesives and should be thick enough to avoid transfer of texture to the finished surface. Apply adhesive per manufacturer’s instructions.
Wall Assembly
Any butt joints or seams create a ballistic weakness at the seam. To insure ballistic integrity, we recommend that you incorporate 4" overlap strips (battens). These strips insure a 2" ballistic overlap on each side of the seam.
For typical wall and mill work installations, a 4” wide batten strip of the same level material should be specified at the butt-joints to provide a minimal 2” overlap from one panel to the next, or each side of the joint. Batten strips are available as separate items or can be cut in the field from raw panels.
The batten strips can be attached directly to the panels and should be used where any vertical or horizontal joints occur. Battens are not required where a 90˚ corner occurs, in which case a panel should simply overlap to the next panel at the corner (see diagram).
By having the panel joints between the studs, the battens can be attached without pushing out the wall further. In the case of electrical cut-outs, an additional 12” high piece of the same level of material may be installed from stud-to-stud, as close as possible to the hole.
Batten Strips
Any butt joints or seams create a ballistic weakness. To insure ballistic integrity, we recommend that you incorporate 4" overlap strips (battens). These strips insure a 2" ballistic overlap on the back of each side of the seam. Conformity to curved surfaces can be handled by placing 12" to 18" vertical strips following the inside curvature of the surface to be protected. The same 4" overlap strips should be employed at each joint.
The panels easily accept a wood or plastic veneer using contact cement. It may also be upholstered or painted. To paint we recommend "roughing up" the surface with sandpaper. Panels can be used as a drywall supply alternative, but will need to be installed a little differently, so make sure to check out our installation instructions.
Finishing
Panels easily accepts a wood or plastic veneer using contact cement. It may also be upholstered or painted. To paint we recommend "roughing up" the surface with sandpaper.
Curved Desk or Wall
Bending panels around a curved desk or wall is possible using Level 1 panels only. A level 3 rating can be achieved by cutting the panels to size and segmenting them or by overlapping the panels to cover the seams. Using stacked Level 1 panels at 1/4” thick will equal the 1/2” Level 3 desired protection.
Level 1 - 6" Radius Maximum
Level 2 - 12" Radius Maximum
Level 6 - 14" Radius Maximum
Level 3 - 20" Radius Maximum