Photo courtesy of Hammacher Schlemmer

First up, for canoe/kayak enthusiasts, Hammacher Schlemmer offers a Transparent Canoe Kayak. Boasting a $1,600 price tag, the clear polycarbonate hull offers you a whole new perspective of the waters below. It can accommodate two people.

Photo Courtesy of MLive.com; Matt Gade

If that weren’t enough, featured on MLive.com, is  the “Clear Car” or “Lexi” as builder Tim Horvath II calls it. The car body is made completely from a polycarbonate resin thermoplastic enabling “fans to see the tires going up and down in the fender walls. They can see the driveshaft, engine pulleys, shocks, suspension and springs at work. And when the car bottoms out, the rear end lights up because sparks are shooting everywhere.” The car made its debut at the 25th annual Super Shoe Nationals at Kalamazoo Speedway.

TRADITIONAL BULLET RESISTANT PLASTICS

Traditionally, “bullet proof glass” has been dominated by either monolithic acrylic or laminated polycarbonate. Although both plastics stop bullets, each does so in a very different fashion, and has a very different impact on the overall feel of an interior.

Most bullet proof installations rely heavily on hard, inch-thick acrylic. Skilled craftsman can cut, route, drill, and polish this material to fit any space and blend with any decor. When a bullet strikes acrylic, it pancakes against the hard face of the plastic, and transfers an enormous amount of force to the acrylic. Instead of breaking, the acrylic absorbs this force by cracking across its surface in a dense spider web, and throwing off many small chips and shards (called “spall”). This looks ugly–and those flying shards could hurt someone–but the action saps the bullet of its driving force, and keeps everyone behind the bullet proof glass safe.

Polycarbonate, on the other hand, is a more pliable bullet resistant plastic. It’s manufactured in thinner sheets (usually 1/4 to 1/2-inch thick), which are built up into thicker layers in an industrial lamination process. Polycarbonate barriers can offer comparable bullet-resistance to acrylic at almost half the thickness and weight. When a bullet strikes the face of a polycarbonate barrier, it pushes in, like a finger into Jell-o. The dense, pliable polycarbonate sucks the bullet in, locking it up inside the layered plastic. This combination of durability and pliability means that a polycarbonate window can endure an obscene amount of physical battery–either from assailants or the elements. Subsequently, polycarbonate carries a forced-entry rating, which acrylic–despite its strength–does not.

Bullet Resistant Acrylic from Total Security Solutions

But each of these materials has its downsides: the acrylic’s tendency to spall is . . . → Read More: LP1250 vs All-Polycarbonate vs. Monolithic Acrylic]]> In most cases business owners have many options when it comes to choosing a bullet resistant plastic. Most robberies in retail and bank settings are committed using handguns, and there are a variety of transparent ballistic plastics which can ably stop these smaller-caliber bullets. This gives business owners, architects, and designers latitude to focus on creating pleasant environments for workers, customers, guests, and staff.

TRADITIONAL BULLET RESISTANT PLASTICS

Traditionally, “bullet proof glass” has been dominated by either monolithic acrylic or laminated polycarbonate. Although both plastics stop bullets, each does so in a very different fashion, and has a very different impact on the overall feel of an interior.

Most bullet proof installations rely heavily on hard, inch-thick acrylic. Skilled craftsman can cut, route, drill, and polish this material to fit any space and blend with any decor. When a bullet strikes acrylic, it pancakes against the hard face of the plastic, and transfers an enormous amount of force to the acrylic. Instead of breaking, the acrylic absorbs this force by cracking across its surface in a dense spider web, and throwing off many small chips and shards (called “spall”). This looks ugly–and those flying shards could hurt someone–but the action saps the bullet of its driving force, and keeps everyone behind the bullet proof glass safe.

Polycarbonate, on the other hand, is a more pliable bullet resistant plastic. It’s manufactured in thinner sheets (usually 1/4 to 1/2-inch thick), which are built up into thicker layers in an industrial lamination process. Polycarbonate barriers can offer comparable bullet-resistance to acrylic at almost half the thickness and weight. When a bullet strikes the face of a polycarbonate barrier, it pushes in, like a finger into Jell-o. The dense, pliable polycarbonate sucks the bullet in, locking it up inside the layered plastic. This combination of durability and pliability means that a polycarbonate window can endure an obscene amount of physical battery–either from assailants or the elements. Subsequently, polycarbonate carries a forced-entry rating, which acrylic–despite its strength–does not.

Bullet Resistant Acrylic from Total Security Solutions

But each of these materials has its downsides: the acrylic’s tendency to spall is obviously dangerous, and its lack of forced-entry durability makes it unsuitable to some settings. Meanwhile the polycarbonate, owing to its density, doesn’t transmit light very well. While acrylic absorbs less than 10 percent of the light that strikes it–ideal for bright, business-like lobbies and transaction areas–polycarbonate absorbs more than 20 percent of the light passing through it, and tends to make interiors seem a little dim.

LP1250BR: THE BEST OF BOTH BULLET RESISTANT PLASTICS

Total Security Solutions vice president Jim Richards has found that offering a bullet resistant plastic that combines the qualities of acrylic and polycarbonate is a perfect fit for many of his clients. This product is LP1250BR: a one-inch acrylic core with 1/8-inch polycarbonate end caps on either side. With LP1250BR, designers get the excellent light-transmission inherent to acrylic, without having to worry about spalling. Additionally, although LP1250BR does not carry a forced-entry rating, professionals in the field agree that the polycarbonate caps laminated to either side of the monolithic acrylic give LP1250BR windows a forced-entry boost.

KEEPING PRIORITIES

More so than other players in the field, Total Security Solutions is dedicated to aesthetics. Nonetheless, Jim occasionally finds people falling a bit too much in love with how a sheet of acrylic or polycarbonate looks after its been shot. Certainly, it’s impressive to see that sheet of polycarbonate with a bullet caught in it like a fly in amber, or to marvel at the flurry of cracks and shards that totally obscure a sheet of monolithic acrylic, yet still stop the bullet–but these really are details. “Sure, it looks great after its been shot,” he shrugs, “but if the acrylic stops it and the polycarbonate stops it, you’re going to have to replace it either way; who cares how it looks?” What counts is its day-to-day performance, choosing a material that balances daily needs with worst-case-scenario security.

British Columbia, Canada, recently passed a law making bulletproof glass in automobiles illegal.  The move targets gangs and organized crime in the province.

The law also covers secret compartments and armored vehicle plating.

In a quote included in an article on the news site Metro, Solicitor General Rich Coleman explained, “The only reason … to add (these things) is to evade police or other criminals, or to hide guns, drugs or money.  This law establishes significant penalties and will work to discourage gang activity and organized crime.”

The penalty for breaking this new law?  Fines of up to $10,000 and up to six months in jail.

A California-based company has introduced an iPad folio that’s made of polycarbonate plastic, a material most commonly associated with bulletproof glass.  Lapworks‘ new, clear iPad accessory promises to be a durable, shatterproof way to protect the device.

It stands to reason that the folio will indeed protect your iPad from scratches and dents.  No word on whether it’ll actually stop a bullet.

One thing’s certain: Our inner geek loves this latest use of a bulletproof material!

A downside to polycarbonates is that they are prone to scratches. This scratch potential is why you’ll get a cleaning cloth with eyeglasses or sunglasses you purchase, and why computer and TV screens have special cleaning products, too.

A great article on eHow.com explains how to clean bulletproof glass. Our suggestion: Use a soft cloth (not paper towel!) and a mild soap.

Arched Voice Port Bullet Resistant Transaction Window

Starting from the ground up we begin with the counter top that transaction windows often have. The counter top is the foundation for the entire window and they come in two standard forms. The most common counter top material is plastic laminate, which can be provided in a number of different colors. The other is stainless steel. Stainless steel counter tops are often used in exterior applications and upon customer request. After the counter top is constructed then the currency tray must be either cut in or placed on top of the counter to allow money to pass between customers and employees. Most of our currency trays are recessed in to the counter top. Next comes the framing for the transaction window. Attached to the counter top is either a U channel bracket or 2 piece channel to secure the counter and window together along with pieces of 2 piece channel along the sides and top to hold the bullet proof glass in place.

Before the bullet proof glass is put in place the determination of what type of voice transmission needs to be decided. If you have chosen a baffle system, arched voice port or voice around then this is already decided; however other voice port systems are available such as the hole in backer, MK1 and MK2. Now that the counter top, frames and voice transmission system are chosen we move on the most important piece, the Bullet Proof Glass. Most transaction . . . → Read More: The Anatomy of a Bullet Proof Transaction Window]]>  Bullet Proof Transaction Windows are the most common item of protection when it comes to bullet resistant products. At a glance they seem very simple; it’s just a piece of bullet resistant acrylic and some frames right? In theory that would be a good analogy but in actuality there are a lot of components that go in to engineering and ultimately building a transaction window. Depending on if you’re looking at a Baffle System, an Arched Voice Port or a Hole in Backer System the amount of work that goes in to each transaction window to make it secure is anything but simple.

Arched Voice Port Bullet Resistant Transaction Window

Starting from the ground up we begin with the counter top that transaction windows often have. The counter top is the foundation for the entire window and they come in two standard forms. The most common counter top material is plastic laminate, which can be provided in a number of different colors. The other is stainless steel. Stainless steel counter tops are often used in exterior applications and upon customer request. After the counter top is constructed then the currency tray must be either cut in or placed on top of the counter to allow money to pass between customers and employees. Most of our currency trays are recessed in to the counter top. Next comes the framing for the transaction window. Attached to the counter top is either a U channel bracket or 2 piece channel to secure the counter and window together along with pieces of 2 piece channel along the sides and top to hold the bullet proof glass in place.

Before the bullet proof glass is put in place the determination of what type of voice transmission needs to be decided. If you have chosen a baffle system, arched voice port or voice around then this is already decided; however other voice port systems are available such as the hole in backer, MK1 and MK2. Now that the counter top, frames and voice transmission system are chosen we move on the most important piece, the Bullet Proof Glass. Most transaction windows come with a level one bullet resistant 1 ¼” acrylic, however there are many other options for levels of protection. Bullet proof Glass Clad polycarbonate is available in transaction windows from bullet resistant levels 1-3 as well as polycarbonate materials. Level three LP1250 contains two 1/8^th layers of polycarbonate sandwiched around an inch of bullet resistant acrylic. LP1250 offers great transparency along with a high level of protection.

There are many other transaction windows that are available such as bullet proof horizontal sliders and exterior transaction windows that can be installed in your place of business. For more information on transaction windows visit our products section of our website.

Read “Inmate who tried to escape pleads guilty” on abclocal.go.com.

So what does it take to be truly bulletproof? In researching this topic, we found several people asking just that question. Six inches of lead sheathing or one foot of solid concrete could be called “bulletproof,” but the bullet-resistant products available through Total Security Solutions provide excellent stopping power against most common handguns, shotguns or rifles and can be employed in ways that are almost invisible to the undiscerning eye.

So now that we know the correct term is “bullet-resistant,” let’s analyze the phrase “bullet-resistant glass.”

Bullet-resistant glass isn’t really glass, well not completely. There are three types of “bullet-resistant glass,” but only one is actually made with regular glass. Glass-Clad Polycarbonate is made from a piece of polycarbonate that is sandwiched between two pieces of regular glass. The other forms of “bullet-resistant glass” are actually made from a solid sheet of acrylic or laminated polycarbonate.

Image taken from www.technical-discovery.com.

Read “In down times, bank robbers sticking up” by Martin C. Daks, www.njbiz.com.

There are two types of bullet resistant glass – solid acrylic and laminated polycarbonate. Solid acrylic is just as its name suggests – a solid sheet of acrylic either 1-1/4” or 1-3/8” thick depending on the level of protection required. Laminated polycarbonate is made by layering polycarbonate, a heavy-duty clear plastic, between two sheets of glass and laminating it all together. It can be ¾”, 1” or 1-1/4” thick depending on the level of protection. While a bullet will pierce the exterior glass layer of laminated polycarbonate, the inner layers absorb the bullet’s energy stopping it from penetrating through the entire piece of glass.

The newest form of bullet resistant glass is one-way bulletproof glass, commonly used in armored vehicles. One-way bulletproof glass is composed of two layers. The outside layer – on the threat side – is made of a brittle glass and the inside layer is a flexible polycarbonate. A bullet that strikes the brittle external layer first causes the glass to break inward toward the polycarbonate layer. The glass breaking absorbs some of the bullet’s energy by spreading the force over a larger area and the flexible polycarbonate stops the bullet.

Bullets shot from the inside of an armored car are able to penetrate the bullet resistant glass because they strike the polycarbonate layer first with more focused energy. The brittle glass layer then breaks outward allowing the bullet to pass through with minor energy loss.

Read “City/County: 1-Stop Domestic Violence Center” by Matt Davis, http://blogtown.portlandmercury.com,

To do so, we’re offering an incentive for the month of October. If you follow Total Security Solutions on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook during the month of October, Total Security Solutions will send you a custom nameplate made from bullet resistant glass!

To receive your name plate, simply follow TSS on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook. Send us an email to info@demandtss.com with what you would like your nameplate to read as well as an address where to ship it. Or, if you find us on Twitter, you can send us a direct message with the above information.

Image taken from http://www.bornrich.org/entry/solitaire-deluxe-watch-winder-another-feather-on-bubenzorweg-s-cap/.

Read “Alleged Robber Trapped in Bank Doors,” myfoxphilly.com

Image taken from myfoxphilly.com.

If you have additional questions on what products UL tests, what they test for, or what UL “standards” mean, read an interview with UL’s Director of Consumer Safety.

Read “Speaking with UL consumer safety director John Drengenberg” by Claude Solnik, http://libn.com.

All sizes come in UL Level 1-3 protection and are available uncoated or abrasion resistant coated. The edges of the bullet resistant acrylic are flame-polished providing a water clear edge ensuring maximum clarity and light transmission.

Evonik CYRO has been manufacturing ACRYLITE® and advancing the plastics industry for the past 75 years. ACRYLITE is UV-stable, won’t yellow over time, has one of the highest light transmission rates of any plastic, and is known for its superior impact strength. ACRYLITE also offers ease of fabrication as it is easily “sawed, routed, drilled, cemented, thermoformed, painted or silkscreened.”