What Is Spalling In Ballistic Glass? And Why You Should Care

Protecting property and the people inside is a top priority for nearly any individual or organization. In today’s world, where threats of violence and attacks are becoming more prevalent, it is crucial to have the right level of security in place. One of the most effective forms of protection is ballistic glass, which is designed to withstand high-velocity projectiles and bullets. 

For example, one company with its headquarters in Texas is currently installing ballistic glass due to several instances of individuals shooting guns into the windows of their building from the freeway, endangering both employees and visitors. The level of protection of ballistic glass they are installing is based on the threats being faced as a company and the resources available.

This example is but one of thousands that are faced every day in an ever more dangerous society where safety and security are threatened by increasing crime and other threats.

A company that specializes in ballistic glass can make proper recommendations for businesses, schools, homeowners, vehicle owners, places of worship, and anywhere that glass protection is desired. Ballistic glass remains the top transparent protective solution for all levels of threats.

However, when a projectile, such as a bullet, hits ballistic glass, there is a little-known phenomenon that occurs called spalling in ballistic glass. While not a typical result, spalling may cause injury to someone in close proximity to ballistic glass when it is struck.

In this article we will delve into what spalling is and why it is important to understand its cause and results. Spalling is the term used to describe the fragments of glazing that are ejected when ballistic glass is struck by a high-velocity projectile. These fragments are the result of ballistic materials absorbing the impact of the projectile and dispersing the high-level energy of the object, according to the experts at Armitek, a ballistic glass manufacturing company.

More specifically, spalling is a result of the energy transfer that occurs when a bullet hits ballistic glass as the impact of the bullet causes the top glass to shatter, before being stopped by the ballistic materials, then in that moment, the glass fragments are propelled outward at high speeds.

The spalling typically moves in the opposite direction of the strike face of the glass and can travel significant distances from that point. Less commonly, spalling can also occur on the secure side of the ballistic glass up to about a foot and a half. This can happen when the glass is pushed to the limit or beyond its ballistic level for caliber rating and number of shots. In other words, in some cases when the ballistic glass stops the bullet, it is possible for some fragments of glass to break apart and travel a short distance from the secure side of the protective glass.

Armitek recently captured, in super slow motion video, exactly what happens to ballistic glass when stopping a high-caliber bullet from an AR-15 rifle, and a bullet from a 9mm handgun. This clearly demonstrates the spalling of the glass from the strike face with zero penetration or spalling from the safe side of the ballistic glass. Shooting at 110,000 frames per second, the footage is an amazing example of how ballistic glass works and protects life and property on the safe side of the glass. These and more videos are available to the public at: https://www.youtube.com/@armitekllc

Incredibly, Armitek’s ballistic glass also allows bullets to pass from the safe side of the glass out towards the shooter or shooters (who represent a threat) to mitigate the attack while the glass can continue to maintain its ballistic properties and can provide adequate protection. All of this while keeping everyone on the safe side of the glass secure and protected. 

Understanding spalling in ballistic glass is crucial for the safety and protection of individuals and property. The experts at Armitek are dedicated to providing high-quality ballistic glass solutions that meet the necessary standards and offer maximum protection. With their expertise and knowledge, they aim to raise awareness about the importance of how their ballistic glass works and help individuals and organizations make informed decisions when it comes to their safety and protection.