Is Plexiglass bullet-resistant? Not inherently, but it can be manufactured to be. Plexiglass is the brand name for polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), more commonly known as acrylic. The thermoplastic is durable, shatter-proof, and easy to manipulate, making it easy to work with. It can also be manufactured to be bullet-resistant.
Here, we answer five questions about Plexiglass and bullet-resistant acrylic.
Is Plexiglass Bullet-Resistant?
Not all Plexiglass is bullet-resistant. But it can manufactured to offer protection from projectiles such as bullets. For Plexiglass to offer Level 1 protection, it has to “protect against complete penetration, the passage of fragments of projectiles or spalling (fragmentation) of the material to the degree that injury would be caused to a person standing directly behind the bullet-resisting barrier,” according to Underwriter’s Laboratories.
How is Bullet-Resistant Plexiglass Made?
Bullet-resistant Plexiglass is designed to withstand one or more rounds of bullets (that’s where the level of protection comes in). This protection comes from the thickness of the material and how it’s layered. Acrylic Plexiglass sheets can be made bullet-resistant in one of two ways.
Cast Acrylic
The casting process involves a solution of a methyl methacrylate monomer poured into glass molds and allowed to cool and harden to the desired shape and thickness.
Extrusion
Acrylic granules are heated and then extruded into the desired shape and thickness, such as a sheet or rod.
Are There Different Types of Bullet-Resistant Plexiglass?
Yes, there are different types of bullet-resistant plexiglass. Since the acrylic can be manufactured to be bullet-resistant, different types of acrylic can be made bullet-resistant. The decision depends on use and preference.
Clear Plexiglass
A popular choice due to the optical clarity of Plexiglass, clear bullet-resistant Plexiglass is used in retail environments. This helps to ensure visibility as well as protection.
Colored Plexiglass
Like other Plexiglass options, bullet-resistant acrylic sheets are available in a variety of colors. The sheets are dyed during the manufacturing process.
Opaque Plexiglass
Used as an added layout of protection, opaque acrylic sheets block out light to provide privacy as well as protection.
Is It Possible for Plexiglass to Be Bulletproof?
No bulletproof glass is guaranteed to protect against all ballistics. And that includes Plexiglass. However, as a strong, sturdy plastic, bullet-resistant Plexiglass offers Level 1 protection. That means it can sustain an impact from 3 bullets from a small caliber handgun, such as 9mm or a .357 Magnum.
Why Bullet-Resistant Plexiglass Over Bulletproof Glass?
A few reasons: Bullet-resistant Plexiglass is less expensive. In fact, it’s more than 30% the cost of laminated, or bulletproof glass. And while Plexiglass is not bulletproof, per se, it’s still an effective deterrent against ballistics. Plexiglass is also lighter and has better shatterproof properties if a blunt object is used to smash the “window.”
Tackle Your Bullet-Resistant Needs with Acme
Bullet-resistant acrylic sheets are available in a wide range of sizes and thicknesses or can be custom-ordered to your specifications. Acme manufactures bullet-resistant acrylic level 1 sheets to help you tackle your bullet-resistant needs. Contact us with your specific requirements and we’ll help you find the security you need
