What are the features and applications of bulletproof fixtures? In which contexts can these particular doors and windows prove to be effective?
Sometimes referred to as simply “ballistic glass”, bulletproof windows and fixtures are the ideal solution for maximum protection in specific residential, professional or public settings. It is, in fact, not uncommon to see this type of doors and windows installed in shopping centers, malls, offices, bank and shop windows, prestigious buildings, historical buildings and even private houses.
That means bulletproof fixtures are not products only used in public buildings, embassies, military settings or jewelry stores, as the need for security is subjective. In various circumstances, bulletproof doors and windows can help protect valuable objects or environments of different kinds, whether they are expensive pieces of jewelry or sensitive documents.
In general, whoever chooses to install this type of doors and windows expects a specially reinforced solution to resist break-in attempts that might be perpetrated using firearms.
The main features of bulletproof doors and windows
Generally speaking, standard window glass is easily damaged – or even shatters completely – when faced with an aggressive attack like that of a firearm.
On the contrary, installing bulletproof fixtures provides protection from this type of event and significantly increases the safety of indoor spaces and what they contain.
Ballistic glasses are usually made of the assembly of two or more glass slabs characterized by different hardness. Alternatively, they can be manufactured by inserting a special plastic laminate (usually polyvinyl butyral of variable thickness between 1 and 3 millimeters, or alternatively ionoplast polymers, ethylene vinyl acetate or polycarbonate, to create sandwiches composed of layers of glass and plastic thick layers separated by thinner films of various plastics, such as PVB or polyurethane) between the different layers of glass. In the first case, the slab will flex without shattering upon direct impact with a bullet. In the second case, which is currently the most used, the transparent plastic laminate will prevent the glass from crashing.
Ballistic glass works relatively simply: following the impact with a bullet, the first layer of glass breaks while the underlying plastic layer – which is more elastic by nature – horizontally absorbs the impact and prevents the bullet’s passage. Obviously, the greater the caliber of the bullet that the glass must tolerate without shattering, the greater the number of layers that create the slab must be.
Depending on the resistance provided, different classification levels certify the “protective strength” of a bulletproof window. In this case, we can refer to the UNI EN 1063 standard – “Glass for building – Safety glazing – Classification and bullet resistance tests” and the following resistance classes:
- BR1 – resistance to penetration by bullets with 170 J kinetic energy
- BR2 – resistance to penetration by bullets with 640 J kinetic energy
- BR3 – resistance to penetration by bullets with 945 J kinetic energy
- BR4 – resistance to penetration by bullets with 1510 J kinetic energy
- BR5 – resistance to penetration by bullets with 1805 J kinetic energy
- BR6 – resistance to penetration by 7.62 NATO caliber bullets with a kinetic energy of 3275 J
- BR7 – resistance to penetration by 7.62 NATO caliber armor-piercing rounds with a kinetic energy of 3375 J
There are two additional classes to add to this list. They relate to the resistance of the slabs to deformable lead bullets typical of hunting rifles with a kinetic energy of 2735 Joules:
- SG1 – resistance to a single impact
- SG2 – resistance to three impacts
In addition to the glass, a bulletproof window will naturally have to ensure the same degree of robustness in terms of fixtures: the latter will therefore be reinforced using special materials such as steel or ballistic steel, depending on the different degrees of resistance. It goes without saying that bulletproof windows will not only withstand shots fired but also the most aggressive break-in attempts using blunt objects – without breaking or, at the very least, always remaining partially intact.
GINKO bulletproof windows and fixtures: a complete range for every need
GINKO has designed and manufactured a range of bulletproof doors and windows with maximum performance combined with top-notch design to satisfy even the highest and most challenging security requirements. That means that protecting spaces does not have to invalidate their aesthetic value.
Furthermore, all GINKO bulletproof fixtures are characterized by clean aesthetics and extraordinary visual impact, very different from that of traditional ballistic glass, which typically is of a quite unpleasant greenish color.
Given the many possible customizations, GINKO bulletproof windows are a versatile solution for different applications: private residences (including those with large windows), military environments, embassies, historical buildings, museums and, more generally, wherever there’s a need for high protection from possible attacks with firearms such as pistols, revolvers, and rifles with standard and special ammunition.
Our bulletproof fixtures ensure a high degree of ballistic protection and resistance against various types of impact, all with exceptional thermo-acoustic performance to reduce energy consumption and improve the indoor microclimate.
Contemporary-looking and designed to perform at the highest level even in the most challenging conditions, GINKO bulletproof windows and doors embody a new definition of security, which is always coupled with the highest aesthetic value.
ATENA110 Bullet is a bulletproof window with outstanding performance. Certified as anti-burglary class 4 (on two leaves) and up to bulletproof class FB6/NS (3300 Joules), this product also obtained excellent evaluations regarding CE certification. In addition, it ensures thermal reduction through its thermal break profile and open joint, while its bespoke construction makes this ballistic window highly customizable in size and design.
On the other hand, IKONA BULLET is the highest expression of our famous IKONA and IKONA WOOD series: it is a collection of bulletproof fixtures that features the addition of special ballistic steels and armored glass. The system obtained showcases a minimalistic design and the highest degree of bulletproof resistance – all without renouncing the look and customizations that have made the IKONA series famous and appreciated globally.
GINKO specialists are always available to provide advice and technical support: all you need to do is get in touch with us and tell us more about your safety and design needs. We will offer you the best advice with no obligation and help you enjoy your space in complete serenity.