Armor plates are commonly used in military vehicles. They are designed to resist the impact of rifle rounds, bullets, shrapnels, shells, and missiles hence protecting the people inside a vehicle in the event of an attack.
Today, more private citizens are acquiring armored vehicles following the increase of active shooter circumstances. Usually, the vehicle design dictates the quantity of armor plating used. This is because it is bulky and heavy, and using extreme amounts can limit movability.
Researchers are coming up with new materials and material compositions to counter the bulk problem. Some of the materials under research include; aluminium foam and bucky paper. If you have to use armor plates, it is important to know which one to choose.
Contrary to popular opinion, these kinds of shields are not restricted to urban areas as cases of shootings within rural areas are rampant in many parts of the world. Citizens need to be knowledgeable about the available options to shield themselves from danger.
Armor Categories
Armor plates come in two different categories which have been examined and acknowledged by the national institute of justice. They are type 3 and type 4. The former are classified to block rifle rounds while the latter are classified to block armor piercing rounds. In type 3 plates, the plate can only pass after surviving three rifle rounds.
Testing type 4 plates involves shooting one round on it. If the plate gets damaged then it fails the test. Creating both types of armor plates is a complex activity that produces varying results. It is the responsibility of an officer to decide which armor plate type to use for their required protection, and the armor plate material.
Ceramic Plates
These armor plates utilize ceramic tile to moderate bullets. They are made of various types of backing which enhances absorption and safeguards the ceramic from damage or breakage. The role of the ceramic is to rapture the bullet enabling the plate to grasp the pieces with backing materials. Ceramic tiles have in the recent past become robust and lighter due to the materials used in their creation.
Law enforcement ceramic plates are often made of lumina oxide. Other materials used include boron carbide, and silicon carbide. Boron carbide is a heavy density ceramic tile which can also be used to develop type 4 armor plates capable of blocking armor piercing rounds.
However, it is quite costly and is therefore used more in the military as opposed to private citizens and law enforcement. Ceramic armor plates are quite effective which explains why they have been used for many years. However, their designs limit the number of bullets they can take.
Polyethylene Plates
Polythene plates are lightweight and are designed to withstand bullets even though they do not come with a backing. These plates have been used since the early 1980s. However, it was not until recently when technology enabled developers to create thin versions to enhance functionality. Polythene plates are treated using high pressure which reduces weight while enhancing performance.
These plates make use of a bullet spin to moderate its effects. The heat resulting from a bullet’s friction somewhat melts the polythene plate which then stops it. After the bullet has been moderated and stopped, the polythene cools down and becomes hard.
These plates have been designed to stop numerous bullets and are made of strong material meaning that they never get damaged from falling down. However, there is need for continued research in order to establish methods to develop type 4 plates using polythene material.
Finally
Determining the type of plates to buy can be an arduous task which is why buyers should visit tencateadvancedarmor.com, research, and understand the available options. It is important to consider the type of threat one needs shielding against, the appropriate material, and the cost. Weigh the options between wear ability, movability, level of protection, and comfort. In regard to the armor plate build, users should consider both introductory costs and probable replacement expenses.
