Bulletproof Stainless Steel FramING
When choosing a steel frame for your ballistic barrier system, you should consider whether its appearance and protection level are right for your facility. Steel frames serve a specialized purpose in many security systems and are most often appealing for public-facing, high-traffic buildings that need to exude an upscale aesthetic. Medical facilities, corporate offices, government buildings, and similar businesses may gravitate toward stainless steel frames for their ballistic doors or windows.
Sophisticated and Durable Ballistic Steel
Our 18-gauge stainless steel can bring the perfect combination of hardiness and style to your work environment. It provides a high level of safety, resists the wear and tear inherent to high-traffic areas, and effectively delivers a feeling of security without intimidation. By choosing steel framing for your system, you can enhance both your safety plan and interior design.
Steel Frame APPLICATIONS
Ballistic steel may be used to secure drywall or masonry openings and can be reinforced with ballistic fiberglass or TSS armor plates to achieve a higher level of bulletproof protection. It can also accommodate bulletproof glazing with a thickness of ¾” to 2 5/16 ” when used to enclose windows or glass barriers.
Finish & Bulletproof Protection
Steel frames from TSS come welded in a #4 finish and can provide bulletproof protection up to UL Level 8 standards. To understand how protection levels are tested and determined, explore this infographic.
View detailed information on our product specifications page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does ballistic framing matter?
Ballistic framing is more than just structural; it’s a critical part of a high-quality security system. It supports the weight of bullet-resistant doors and windows, protects vulnerable seams between components, and ensures the entire system performs as intended under threat.
Why choose stainless steel over hollow metal or aluminum framing systems?
While hollow metal and aluminum are the most common ballistic framing options due to affordability and ease of fabrication, stainless steel offers unmatched aesthetics, durability, and corrosion resistance—making it suitable for high-end or institutional environments like federal buildings, banks, and healthcare facilities. It’s the framing material of choice when design, prestige, or material performance matter just as much as security.
What makes stainless steel framing more difficult to fabricate?
Unlike mild steel, stainless steel is thicker, heavier, and far less forgiving. It requires precise handling during welding and polishing to preserve the directional grain and guarantee a seamless finish. Even fingerprints or welding temperatures can affect the final appearance.
That’s exactly why many manufacturers avoid full stainless framing systems—but not TSS. We've built a dedicated stainless team with advanced training and specialized equipment, including in-house experts.
Can different ballistic protection framing systems be used in the same building?
Yes. In fact, buildings commonly incorporate more than one type of ballistic framing depending on the function and visibility of each area. While stainless steel systems are typically chosen for high-profile or design-driven spaces, other areas may call for a more utilitarian solution.
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