Bullet Resistant Polycarbonate

High-Impact Security Glazing Solutions from Emco Plastics

When safety is non-negotiable, material selection matters. Bullet-resistant polycarbonate provides lightweight, high-impact protection for demanding security applications. At Emco Plastics, we supply premium bullet-resistant polycarbonate sheets designed to meet rigorous ballistic standards while delivering clarity, durability, and long-term performance.

Whether you're protecting financial institutions, government buildings, schools, retail environments, or industrial facilities, Emco Plastics delivers the materials and expertise to help you build safer spaces.

What Is Bullet-Resistant Polycarbonate?

Bullet-resistant polycarbonate is a high-performance thermoplastic engineered to absorb and dissipate ballistic impact energy. Unlike traditional glass, polycarbonate does not shatter. Instead, it flexes and disperses force across the surface, reducing fragmentation and maintaining structural integrity.

In many security glazing systems, polycarbonate is used:

• As a laminated layer with glass
• As a solid polycarbonate panel
• In multi-layer ballistic assemblies

The result? Superior impact resistance at a fraction of the weight of traditional armored glass.

Why Choose Bullet-Resistant Polycarbonate?

1. Lightweight Protection

Polycarbonate is approximately 50% lighter than glass of comparable thickness. This makes it easier to install and reduces structural load requirements.

2. Exceptional Impact Strength

Polycarbonate is up to 250 times stronger than standard glass, offering reliable protection in high-risk environments.

3. Optical Clarity

Modern bullet-resistant polycarbonate provides high light transmission, ensuring visibility without compromising safety.

4. Enhanced Durability

With proper coatings, polycarbonate offers:

• Abrasion resistance
• UV protection
• Weatherability for exterior applications

5. Custom Fabrication

At Emco Plastics, we provide:

• Cut-to-size panels
• CNC machining
• Edge finishing
• Drilling and routing
• Custom thickness configurations

Bullet resistant polycarbonate is available in a variety of grades and strengths. While no material is truly “bulletproof”, it is a great option for added safety and protection. Bullet resistant polycarbonate meets all security requirements with regard to protection against forced entry and ballistic impact. The CG (containment glazing) grades are particularly suitable for protection against forced entry with heavy tools such as sledgehammers and axes. The BR (bullet-resistant) and the MS (multiple shots) grades were specially developed for ballistic protection and withstand even sustained fire from heavy automatic firearms. 

There are 8 different levels of protection when it comes to bullet-resistant polycarbonate.

Level 1	Level 2	Level 3	Level 4-8
Able to withstand shots from small caliber handguns, most commonly used in armed robberies. Most small businesses use Level 1 bullet resistant glass as a crime deterrent.	Withstands assaults from larger caliber handguns, and is made for buildings with increased security concerns.	Recommend for larger buildings that have a higher threat level and a greater number of employees or occupants. This level is suitable for environments where threats are potentially more severe and there is a greater level of occupant endangerment.	Designed to withstand assault rifles and automatic weapons. Materials rated for Levels 4-8 are cost-prohibitive for many types of jobs and are custom-manufactured on a case by case basis
Typically used in places such as: • Gas stations • Retail stores • Pharmacies	Typically used in places such as: • Banks • Financial Institutions • Businesses with security concerns	Typically used in places such as: • Schools • Police Stations • Government Facilities	Typically used in places such as: • Overseas Embassies • Military Bases • Government Buildings

 Features:

• Highly resistant. Even when exposed to violent impact, they form no dangerous slivers or “spider webs”
• An alternative to bullet-proof glass, owing to their low weight and good price/performance ratio
• Extremely durable. They are characterized by superior abrasion resistance, resistance to extreme temperatures and outstanding UV protection
• Equivalent transparency and light transmission to bulletproof glass
• Low weight—nearly half the weight of glass equivalents
• Complies with various ballistic and forced entry standards
• Colors: clear, bronze, grey

Brands:

Hygard CG 375 - .375" Containment Grade Polycarbonate Laminate
Hygard CG 500 - .500" Containment Grade Polycarbonate Laminate
Hygard CG 750 - .750" Containment Grade Polycarbonate Laminate
Hygard BR 750 - .750" Ballistic Grade Polycarbonate Laminate
Hygard BR 1000 - 1.000" Ballistic Grade Polycarbonate Laminate
Hygard BR 1250 -1.250" Ballistic Grade Polycarbonate Laminate
Hygard MS 1250 -1.250" Ballistic Grade Polycarbonate Laminate
Hygard MS 1250 -1.250" Ballistic Grade Polycarbonate Laminate
Hygard EX - Explosion resistant polycarbonate glazing

Ballistic Ratings & Standards

Bullet-resistant polycarbonate systems are typically tested to UL 752 ballistic standards, which define protection levels based on firearm type and ammunition.

Common UL 752 Levels:

UL Level	Protection Against
Level 1	9mm Handgun
Level 3	.44 Magnum
Level 8	7.62mm Rifle

Emco Plastics works with customers to identify the appropriate protection level based on threat assessment and building requirements.

Applications for Bullet-Resistant Polycarbonate

Bullet-resistant polycarbonate is widely used in:

• Bank teller windows
• Government and municipal buildings
• Courthouses
• Police stations
• Schools and universities
• Retail and convenience stores
• Cash handling stations
• Secure transaction windows
• Detention facilities
• High-security manufacturing environments

Polycarbonate vs. Traditional Laminated Glass

Feature	Bullet-Resistant Polycarbonate	Laminated Glass
Weight	Lightweight	Heavy
Shatter Resistance	Extremely High	Moderate
Spall Protection	Excellent	Can fragment
Installation	Easier	Requires structural support
Long-Term Durability	Excellent with coating	Can delaminate

For many applications, polycarbonate provides superior performance, especially where weight and impact resistance are critical.

Custom Fabrication & Machining Services

Need more than a sheet? Emco Plastics provides value-added services, including:

• CNC machining
• Precision cutting
• Edge finishing
• Fabrication for framed assemblies
• Drilled mounting holes
• Custom shapes and panels

Our fabrication team ensures your material arrives ready for installation.