Ultra-High Hardness (UHH) armor steel is the best performing steel alloy for protection against armor piercing (AP) bullets. Thanks to a 578 to 655 HBW hardness, UHH steel panels are able to break AP projectiles’ core and provide efficient protection with reduced weight compared to High Hard (500HB) material.
Mars® 300 is Industeel’s grade for appliqué armor, available in thickness ranging from 3 to 50 mm which can be used for a wide range of applications:
- Individual protection, light armor for helicopter protection
- Detachable for vehicles, add-on armor
- Heavy protection components for main battle tanksprotection against kinetic projectiles and shaped charges
Mars® 300 is also available as perforated plates with various configurations. The holes or slots are designed to interact with the diameter of the threat: when a bullet impacts the side of a hole, the incoming projectile’s core is broken or at least the projectile is deviated from its trajectory and thus its penetration capability is reduced. For the same protection level, perforated Mars® 300 is a lightweight solution equivalent to composite ceramic solutions with a much better multi-hit capability and easier integration.
Mars® 600, Industeel latest innovation, is a multipurpose UHH with an impressive ballistic behaviour in terms of deformation capability and resistance to multi-impacts combined with a workability (mainly bending) close to a 500HB steel. Its great properties suggest unlimited possibilities for add-on armor as well as vehicle structure.
Industeel UHH grades comply with the most stringent standards, including US MIL-DTL-32332 and NF A36-800. They are supplied with Industeel unequalled flatness and low internal stress and are available with tight tolerances (+0.4/+0.5) for thicknesses up to 10mm.
Industeel solutions for ballistic and blast protection applications were showcased during Eurosatory, the world leading Defense and Security Exhibition, from 11 to 15 June in Paris.
FAQs
Moving further up in hardness we have ultra-high hardness armor steel (UHH) and extreme high hardness armor steel (XHH) with hardness of 600 HBW and 650 HBW. These steels give additional protection against projectiles at the expense of bendability and other forms of processing.
What is the best steel for bullet proofing? ›
Typically, abrasion resistant (AR) steel is the most “bulletproof” type of steel — a high-carbon alloy steel plate.
What metal will stop a bullet? ›
Steel bulletproof materials are heavy duty, yet at just a few millimeters thick, extremely effective in stopping modern firearm rounds. The steel deforms under the stresses from the bullet's energy but prevents the rounds from reaching their intended targets.
How thick of steel to be bullet proof? ›
1/8 of an inch hardened up to 40 cal or so, 3/16th non hardened up to a typical assault rifle. 1/4 inch hardened resistance to armor penetrating 556 rounds. 1 inch thick resistant to 50 cal bmg when hardened through to 58. 4 feet thick hardened plates to stop a M1A2 Abrams round.
Is steel armor bulletproof? ›
Remember, steel armor defeats the threat by disintegrating the bullet. That's called bullet fragmentation, and that shrapnel must go somewhere. The concern is that it will injure the wearer's neck, face, and arms.
What is the best material to stop a bullet? ›
Bullet-resistant materials (also called ballistic materials or, equivalently, anti-ballistic materials) are usually rigid, but may be supple. They may be complex, such as Kevlar, UHMWPE, Lexan, or carbon fiber composite materials, or basic and simple, such as steel or titanium.
What is the cheapest bullet proof material? ›
Ballistic Fiberglass
It is the most cost-effective and convenient option for bulletproofing walls.
What is the new bulletproof material? ›
The company describes the new material, known as Kevlar® EXO™ aramid fiber, as “the most significant aramid fiber innovation in over 50 years,” “our biggest innovation in life protection since Kevlar was invented” and “an entirely new technology.”
What is the thinnest material that can stop a bullet? ›
Despite graphene being remarkably thin, it's strong enough to protect from a bullet, according to a statement describing the new research. Scientists found that by arranging two layers of graphene together, it becomes durable enough to handle impact at room temperature.
Will cinder blocks stop a bullet? ›
Some common building materials can resist gunfire. For example, cinder blocks and bricks can stand up to gunfire, but most buildings only incorporate these materials on the outer walls.
One sheet of plywood will barely slow down common handgun rounds. They can go through several sheets and keep going. Unless they're made of brick or some other masonry, the same is probably true of your exterior walls, so fortifying the windows is pointless.
What is better than steel armor? ›
Despite being a lightweight material, Kevlar is five to six times stronger than steel. If you need comfortable, flexible armor that can provide everyday protection against ballistic, physical, stab and slash hazards, Kevlar can deliver. Since Kevlar is a synthetic fiber, it's also cut-resistant.
What are the disadvantages of steel armor? ›
First, steel plates tend to be heavier than other materials such as ceramic or aramid fibers. This can be a significant disadvantage for individuals who require agility and mobility in their line of work. Also, steel body armor is susceptible to spalling.
Why is bulletproof armor illegal? ›
California. In California, civilians can purchase and use a bulletproof vest, unless he or she has been convicted of a felony. Bulletproof vests and all other body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face.
What is the best material for bullet proof plates? ›
Ceramic materials, such as alumina, silicon carbide, and boron carbide, are commonly used as ballistic plates. They have a high hardness and can absorb and deflect bullets effectively. Ceramics can also be designed to break apart on impact, reducing the impact force on the wearer.
Which metal is used in bullet proof jacket? ›
Abstract. Kevlar is the most commonly used material as armour for protection against bullets used in hand guns because of its impact resistance, high strength and low weight. These properties make Kevlar an ideal material to be used in bullet-proof vests as compared to other materials.
What steel is used for ballistic protection? ›
Ballistic protection steel
High hardness armour steel (HHA) with a hardness of around 500 HBW is the most common grade. They can be bent and welded and have good fatigue resistance. HHA with a thickness of 6.5 mm is usually enough to give protection against a NATO standard 5.56 mm calibre bullet SS109.
What metal is best for bullet casings? ›
Brass-cased ammo offers a balance of durability, reliability, and performance, making it the preferred choice for many shooting enthusiasts. The consistent performance and reload capabilities of brass outweigh the cost difference when compared to aluminum or steel cased alternatives.
