TSS Bulletproof » bulletproof acrylic

Total Security Solutions Manufacturing Level 4 Bulletproof Glass

karenm — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 01:14:06 +0000

Total Security Solutions, the leading manufacturer and installer of bulletproof glass, recently began offering National Institute of Justice-rated Level 4 glass to its customers. This top-rated bullet resistant glass product offers added security for Total Security Solutions’ retail, banking and government customers.

To pass the Level 4 test, bullet proof glass must stop a shot from a .30-06 hunting rifle.

“Customers come to us wanting a product that meets their security and aesthetic needs,” said Jim Richards, president, Total Security Solutions. ”Unlike our competitors, Total Security Solutions can deliver Level 4 protection in a custom product, such as a transaction window that includes a voice port. This new product line is a result of recent investments in our manufacturing facility.”

Total Security Solutions’ Level 4 bulletproof glass is a 4-ply combination of glass and polycarbonate that can be manufactured 1-1/2” thick. The framing system for the glass has a total extrusion of 3” x 5-1/2”.

Bulletproof glass is tested by firing a bullet from a set distance in a set pattern. Levels of protection are based on the glass’ ability to stop a bullet traveling at a specific speed.

In the test environment, the sample is rigidly mounted 15 feet from the rifle muzzle with a 1/8” thick “witness plate” of corrugated cardboard positioned 18 inches behind it. No marking, or impressions are allowed on the witness plate to achieve a pass rating.

Level 4 bulletproof glass provides ideal security for military bases, port of entry checkpoints, government facilities, embassies, and police stations.

A Unique Tribute to Steve Jobs Using Bulletproof Glass

karenm — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 14:34:54 +0000

An article on MyModernMet.com featured one artist’s unique tribute to Steve Jobs, the Apple co-founder who recently passed away. Michael Miller is known for his multi-layer sculptures that when viewed from a certain angle look more like a painting.

His most recent piece depicts the portrait of Steve Jobs featured on Apple.com. “It’s an expanded graphic portrait of Steve Jobs rendered with bulletproof glass that I found in a dumpster,” said Miller. The layers of bulletproof glass are suspended one piece in front of another and when viewed head on, it’s a striking representation of the late Jobs.

Photos Courtesy of MyModernMet.com

Ballistic Acrylic Art and Interior Design

jlopatin — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 20:25:15 +0000

Ballistic acrylic isn’t just being used to stop bullets. Thick, durable sheets of cell-cast acrylic–the same material used in bullet resistant installations–has made a comeback among high-end furniture designers. The idea of sitting on any sort of “glass”–even if it is “bullet proof”–probably seems both nerve wracking and uncomfortable. Acrylic enthusiasts point out that not only is the material very strong and durable–a standard 1.5-inch-thick slab can easily hold 300 pounds–but the plastic qualities make it possible to bend and form these chairs and tables into remarkably comfortable, organic shapes, contrary to their hard, gleaming surfaces.

Take, for example, this space-age recliner made by Aaron R. Thomas, crafted from reclaimed titanium rocket-engine parts and new ballistic acrylic:

BULLETPROOF CRAFTSMANSHIP

In working ballistic acrylic, artists rely on many of the same techniques as bullet proof companies like Total Security Solutions. Aaron R. Thomas stands out among interior designers embracing ballistic acrylic for his mastery of traditional ballistic acrylic fabrication techniques. These skills are on fully display in his Acrylic ‘M’ Desk.

Ballistic Glass Table

Crafted from one-and-a-half-inch-thick American-made ballistic acrylic, this desk started out as standard sheets of acrylic, no different than a bank transaction window. Thomas and his team cut the pieces to size, then heated and bent the large slab into the graceful curve of the single-piece desktop/legs. The pieces to the small pull-out drawer were separately cut, routed, machined, and flame-polished prior to assembly. The results are unconventional, but the techniques are no different from those that go into making a quality package passer.

GOING GREEN WITH RECLAIMED BALLISTIC ACRYLIC

Thomas goes one step beyond the standard techniques of the ballistic-acrylic fabricator when he works with reclaimed ballistic glass. For example, Thomas used a large sheet of ballistic acrylic for this tabletop, working it with a hammer and chisel in order to bring out these beautiful conchoidal fractures (commonly seen in dark stone materials like flint and basaltic glass) in a crystal-clear medium.

reclaimed ballistic glass

Thomas’s crowning achievement in reclaimed ballistic acrylic art is likely his series of Nest chandeliers, such as the one he built for this 2007 installation at Tiger Woods’s 10th annual TigerJam fund-raiser at the Mandalay Bay Casino in Las Vegas (which also featured Thomas’s more conventional ballistic acrylic chairs and coffee tables, similar to the M Desk).

Ballistic Glass Art

Here Thomas has completely transformed the reclaimed ballistic acrylic by heating and pulling it into long graceful curves and spirals, which he and his collaborator, Anne Ewen, then wove together.

GOING BEYOND BUCK ROGERS WITH BALLISTIC DECOR

While ballistic acrylic clearly lends itself to a space-age Buck Rogers decor–especially in the hands of Thomas and Ewen–designers and art critics are quick to point out the ballistic acrylic can be seamlessly integrated into a broad range of aesthetics and setting:

Canadian Province Outlaws Bulletproof Cars

Jim — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 19:35:07 +0000

Photo taken from Metro, submitted by the Province of British Columbia

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.

Prince Charles' Bulletproof Bentley

Jim — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 15:00:18 +0000

After protests occurred in London tied to a recent increase in public college tuition fees, security surrounding Britain’s Prince Charles has increased. Among the new measures: Reinforcements to his Bentley.

The bomb-proof vehicle, valued at $235,000, is outfitted with bulletproof glass. According to published reports, the car also includes GPS tracking and armor plating.

What’s interesting is that the bullet resistant glass used in vehicles like the Prince’s Bentley might be one way, meaning it will stop a bullet from coming into the car, but not stop a bullet from being shot from within the vehicle.

It’s not unusual for dignitaries to ride in vehicles protected by bulletproof glass. In fact, The Presidential State Car of the United States is outfitted with bulletproof glass.

The Many Faces of Bulletproof Glass

Jim — Wed, 12 May 2010 12:19:31 +0000

Bullet resistant glass (better known as bulletproof glass) is referred to very often in this niche industry. However it is a little known fact that in most cases there is no actual “glass” involved. The three most common forms of ballistic security glass are acrylic, polycarbonate and glass class polycarbonate.

Bullet Resistant Acrylic from Total Security Solutions

Acrylic: Bulletproof acrylic is the most commonly used material for transaction windows and ballistic resistant barrier systems. The acrylic material is available in UL ballistic protection levels one and two. The acrylic also has the option to have an abrasion resistant (AR) coating or be standard acrylic. The abrasion resistant coating comes standard on our level two acrylic and provides protection against cleaning solvents and weather, as well as an increased resistance to the effects of ultra violet light.

Polycarbonate: Bulletproof polycarbonate materials are normally composed of an acrylic core with two polycarbonate caps each side of the secure surface. Polycarbonate materials are available in UL ballistic protection levels one thru three and all three come standard with an abrasion resistant coating. All of the polycarbonate materials that Total Security Solutions offers also have a forced entry rating.

Glass Clad Polycarbonate: Glass Clad Polycarbonate (GCP) materials are composed of inter layers of glass and polyurethane with exterior caps of glass and abrasion resistant polycarbonate. GCP comes in UL ballistic protection levels one thru five and level eight as well. All of the GCP materials that Total Security Solutions offers carry a forced entry level in addition to their ballistic rating.

Now when someone is talking about bulletproof glass you can ask them, “what type of ‘glass’ are you talking about”…if it’s even glass at all! For more information on ballistic materials such as bulletproof glass please visit our website or call us at 866-930-7807

Installing a Bullet Proof Transaction Window: It’s As Easy As 1, 2, 3.

Jim — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 13:04:20 +0000

Bullet proof transaction windows tend to be the most commonly asked for and purchased item when it comes to bullet resistant products. Upon purchase the most frequently asked question is, “How do I install it?”

While we would love to be able to install every transaction window ourselves, it’s just not economical for either party. Instead Total Security Solutions has came up with a simple three step process for customers to “do it yourself”:

Transaction Window Install Instructions

Cut and finished an opening in the wall to accept the unit size. The opening should be ¼” wider and taller than the size of the ordered unit.
Place the pre framed window in the opening, shim as necessary, assuring that the item is level and in the correct position desired. Attach the sides to the existing wall with the provided screws (use anchors if the wall is masonry).
Apply trim, molding that can be obtained locally, around the window and your project is finished.

Bullet proof transaction windows come in UL protection levels 1-3 and several different types (such as the baffle and arched voice port). All of Total Security Solutions transaction windows come with a full installation packet which includes the instructions, hardware, caulk, glass cleaner and towels to clean the glass. For more information on transaction windows visit our website or call 866-930-7807.

The Anatomy of a Bullet Proof Transaction Window

Jim — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 18:29:44 +0000

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.

Bullet Proof Glass at its Finest

Jim — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 15:26:45 +0000

There was recently a story in the news that brought smiles to all of our faces here at Total Security Solutions. What was that story about you ask; the use of a bullet resistant barrier to detour a robber away from a bank in Florida. A burglar comically passed a note through the bullet resistant barrier and told the bank teller to “put your hands up”. The bank teller, standing behind a secure sound bullet resistant system, told the thief to “Kick Rocks”, for lack of better word.

Bullet Resistant Barriers

The would be robber was flustered and didn’t know what to do, so burglar took the honorable route (if that’s possible for a bank robber) and turned around then walked out the door. The lawbreaker was found a few hours later after being identified from a missing hubcap on the getaway vehicle. The crook didn’t put up any fight (just like in the bank) and admitted to the crimes immediately.

This just goes to show that bullet resistant systems can prevent crooks and robbers from turning violent in an environment that has a high volume of customers. Systems such as the secure sound bullet resistant system are available from Total Security Solutions to help employees and customers feel safer in a high risk environment.

For more information on systems like the secure sound system follow this link for all of your needs.

Horizontal Slider installed at Marathon Oil Dealer

karenm — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 23:18:35 +0000

A Marathon Oil dealer in an Indianapolis neighborhood that experienced a string of summer robberies knew it was time to play defense when the station was held up twice. While there were no injuries, the cash drawer was cleaned out both times. He called his corporate office and they called TSS. Company representatives took initial measurements at the dealer, then submitted an installation design to Marathon, who approved the design and issued a purchase order. TSS had all materials — new counter top, two horizontal acrylic sliders, ballistic entry door, under-counter ballistic fiberglass on-site in less than two weeks. Installation began at 8 PM and was completed at 2:30 AM, significantly reducing downtime for the dealer.

Bulletproof Glass Can Keep People Out…And In

karenm — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 15:00:42 +0000

Last week, an Illinois inmate attempted to escape from custody at a local courthouse. After being trapped in a skyway, the inmate tried to jump through the bullet-resistant glass smacking his head and enabling police officers to secure him in handcuffs.

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

Bulletproof or Bullet-Resistant?

karenm — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 16:34:45 +0000

While the industry term for our line of products is bullet-resistant, the more common term is bulletproof. Things like bulletproof vests, however, are not actually bulletproof, but bullet-resistant.

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.

Electric Vertical Sliders: Total Security Solutions’ Commitment to Innovation

karenm — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 13:19:55 +0000

While many convenience stores may already have horizontal or vertical sliders installed in their facilities providing varying levels of security at different times of day, Total Security Solutions launched a new product – the Electric Vertical Slider. Demonstrating our commitment to innovation, Total Security Solutions developed the Electric Vertical Slider to provide users ease of opening and closing a transaction window through the use of an electric motor.

In addition, electronic locks are used to ensure maximum security. Photo electric eyes, similar to the operation of a garage door, are installed to ensure safe operation. If an object intersects the laser beam of the photo electric eyes, the slider will stop operation immediately.

The Electric Vertical Slider is available in UL Level 1-3 protection and is ideal for convenience stores, fast food outlets, governmental offices, and other high profile/high traffic facilities.

1-Stop Domestic Violence Center features Bullet Resistant Glass in Reception Area

karenm — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:23:19 +0000

Oregon’s Multnomah County was awarded a $300,000 federal grant to open a new 1-Stop Domestic Violence Center in February 2010. “The new facility [ . . . ] will have a receptionist behind bullet-proof glass, and a security guard on duty at all times.” It will feature facilities for children and provide a central place for people seeking help.

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

Seeking International Distributors for Bullet Resistant Glass

karenm — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:19:08 +0000

Total Security Solutions is in the process of seeking out international partners to distribute its bullet resistant glass products. We have previously completed installations in South America, the Caribbean, Australia, Europe, and India, but are looking to grow our business in these areas. If you are a company in one of these locations and are interested in building a partnership with Total Security Solutions, email
info@demandtss.com or call 1-800-513-1468.

Custom Bullet Resistant Glass Nameplate for All Our New Fans and Followers

karenm — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 14:30:42 +0000

Total Security Solutions is committed to providing the best service and is working toward connecting and building a dialogue with our customers. Earlier this year, Total Security Solutions launched a presence on both Twitter and Facebook. With the goal of keeping customers informed about industry news and trends, as well as what’s going on at TSS, we are now working to grow our fan base.

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.

Thinking Outside the Bullet Resistant Barrier

karenm — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 15:51:33 +0000

Wondering what this picture is of? Read about the many unique uses for bullet resistant glass in our September newsletter, now online.

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

Bullet Resistant Glass Vestibule Traps Would-Be Robber

karenm — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 13:58:45 +0000

An attempted robbery in Philadelphia was foiled on Friday when a bank teller “triggered a trap” which locked the man “into a vestibule made of bulletproof glass. Police say he fired his .357 Magnum trying to get out,” but eventually gave up when they arrived.

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

Image taken from myfoxphilly.com.

Understanding Standard UL Protection Level Ratings

karenm — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 16:03:32 +0000

Security levels for bullet-resistant systems have been established by UL (Underwriters Laboratory), the primary testing organization for materials used in these systems. Each level has been tested and found effective at stopping certain types of projectiles, ones most typically employed during an armed robbery. While ratings extend to Level 8, the needs of most banks, credit unions, and convenience stores are well covered in Levels 1-3. View a chart of standard UL Protection Level ratings.

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.

Bullet Resistant Acrylics from an Industry Leader

karenm — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 12:47:06 +0000

Total Security Solutions is continuously striving to offer the best products and best service to its customers. Our lineup of bullet resistant acrylics is manufactured by an industry leader, Evonik CYRO. We offer bullet resistant acrylic in a variety of standard sizes in-stock and ready to ship, including 4’ x 8’, 5’ x 8’, 6’ x 8’, and 5’ x 6’.

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.”