Creating secure environments in which police officers and other members of staff can work effectively is critical. However, this is area of law enforcement is sometimes overlooked.

Whilst police officers in the US always carry firearms for protection, other law enforcement staff who are non-sworn employees do not. These members of staff can be desk staff, correctional officers, records clerks and radio dispatchers as well as civilians who may be present in police stations for a variety of reasons. These people are subject to the risk of working in a police station and it is critical that they are protected by their surroundings. This blog post explores the importance of bulletproof protection for police stations and how they can protect those using them.

Does Bulletproof Protection Inhibit Communication?

Often, it is thought that bulletproof protection barriers inhibit communication and connection. However, using modern designs and materials this is no longer the case. Bulletproof protection systems are designed and installed in a way that means they aren’t noticeable and blend in to their surroundings.

It is important that communication is kept clear and that the police station lobby does not look too intimidating whilst the staff are also kept safe.

Armortex Solutions for Bulletproof Protection

In a police station, day-to-day tasks such as conducting interviews, moving evidence and booking perpetrators is subject to a higher level of threat. This is why premium security solutions should be part of the general make up of police stations.

Bulletproof Windows

Our bulletproof windows are ideal for police stations as they protect from an outside attack. These bulletproof solutions can also be used inside, such as creating a screen in front of the booking clerk or receptionist. Clear transaction windows can also have a mechanical speak through technology, which means officers and office employees can carefully interact with members of the public or perpetrators without being open to physical threats.

These windows offer maximum protection against security threats, being engineered using the best quality ballistic-grade glass and framing materials. Bulletproof solutions like this provide an outstanding level of defense without looking bulky.

Fiberglass Panels

Bulletproof protection for police stations can also come in the form of fiberglass panels. These lightweight panels add functionality, forming strong points of protection for law enforcement personnel without changing the overall look of the environments and can be used as cladding to reinforce walls.

At Armortex, our fiberglass composite panels are formed in-house, forming ballistic grade panels. This allows us to maximize the bulletproof protection of our fiberglass panels, using proper de-lamination and dependable projectile retention.

At Armortex, we don’t create solutions that transform police stations into fortresses. We design and manufacture our bulletproof protection products to be easy to integrate and functional. This leads to protection for law enforcement personnel without altering the ability of staff to communicate with others.

If you would like to find out more about our bulletproof solutions, contact our team today.

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Commercial security doors are often overlooked, but they’re an essential part of any property’s safety plan. Without proper protection against break-ins, a business doesn’t have the time it needs to react to robbery or other intrusions. Who doesn’t want to minimize the chances of burglars accessing their store?

Whether you own a retail shop, mall, or store, knowing how to secure your doors can make all the difference. At Armortex, we provide proven and trusted bullet-resistant doors for malls and stores. This article digs deep into the benefits and features of our bullet-resistant doors.

Armortex Bullet-Resistant Security Doors

Our simple, yet effective door security systems are made from a veneered composite and an internal fiberglass core. The boards are sanded smooth and hand-fit with industrial-grade hardware. We design the inlaid steel areas to withstand high-explosion forces, gunshots, and impacts without buckling or warping.

We grade our door systems to UL (Underwriter’s Laboratory) specifications. Our team of experts has created an effective commercial security door that will stop just about any would-be intruder through testing and real-world field use. They are all effective in a wide range of markets.

Benefits of Armortex Bullet-Resistant Security Doors

Doors are the first impression in a building. Whether your mall building has glass or wood doors, they communicate an image of security. In addition, doors convey a sense of style–regardless of whether the design is traditional or modern.

Remember, criminals are likely to target a store with weak doors. Avoid such inconveniences by opting for reliable commercial security doors systems. Here are some benefits of Armortex bullet-resistant security doors.

Secure

Security is the first benefit that comes to mind when thinking about bulletproof doors. Of course, you want to ensure your employees are safe and comfortable. You also want to be assured security of your merchandise in-store. Our bullet-resistant doors are equipped with steel mesh security features to help repel intruders and weatherize frames to withstand drops, accidents, extended pick-up time, or many forms of assault.

Customizable

Our door systems offer retail shoppers an additional layer of protection to easily pop open and close. Besides stopping bullets, they add an aesthetic touch to any retail space. They enhance the character of the interior. We also have other convenient features like gunports in our commercial security doors.

Tailored for specific ballistics grading

Our experts incorporate high-quality materials which are strong and can withstand significant blasts. This feature creates a significant difference in reducing death and injury cases in case of emergencies.

Looking for Security Doors?

The best commercial security doors are one of the essential investments your company can make. They protect not only you but also everyone who works and shops at your location. So, if you’re looking for a bullet resistance door that will help keep out intruders while respecting customer privacy, we have what you need. Our team of experts is ready to answer questions about our products. Contact us today. We would love to work with you on securing your malls and stores.

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Across the USA, a high frequency of shooting incidents and security risks happen in schools each year. Elementary and high school security is of critical importance for this reason, protecting students and staff and providing parents with the peace of mind that the threats are being taken into consideration. This article will provide a guide to some of the key ways in which high school security can be increased.

Ballistic Resistant Windows

One way in which high school security can be increased is in the reinforcement of windows so they are able to withstand ballistic attacks. At Armortex, we sell ballistic-resistant windows and doors which have been engineered to be strong, robust and provide secure access control to any school. This means that schools can be sure there are no unidentified visitors to the school without disrupting daily operations. Ballistic resistant windows and doors act initially as a deterrent, meaning individuals are less likely to carry out acts of violence in schools. It also means that if shots are fired from outside the school, students and staff are protected.

Fiberglass Panels for Enhanced High School Security

Fiberglass panels can strengthen the ballistic resistance of your school in the event of an active shooting incident. These panels can be used as cladding to reinforce walls. At Armortex, our fiberglass composite panels are woven in-house, to create a  ballistic-grade fiberglass panel. This means we can maximize the ballistic performances of our fiberglass panels, through proper de-lamination and reliable projectile retention.

Bullet-Resistant Furniture

Bullet-resistant furniture is another way in which schools can give added protection to their staff and students. Fiberglass can reinforce standard furniture which in turn adds enhances high school security in an active shooter event.

High School Security Solutions  from Armortex

Armortex is an industry leader in the fabrication of bulletproof products tailored for high school security. We understand the complex needs and unique budgetary constraints that impact what level of security schools are able to implement. We can collaborate closely with school management to ensure that we have the safety equipment that works for your school and with your budget.

If you would like to learn more about high school security and how we can help, contact us today for more information.

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When replacing the windows and doors in a commercial building, the first consideration is always cost. Does a potential replacement provide tangible benefits to the business? New window frames can refresh the look of your building, particularly if you opt for uPVC fittings. Unplasticized polyvinyl chloride, typically abbreviated to uPVC, is the go-to material for refurbishing tired windows and doors. It can lend a refreshed feel to building exteriors while improving the insulation considerably. Yet uPVC windows leave something to be desired from the perspective of security.

uPVC Vs. Aluminum Windows: Comparing Durability

Aluminum window frames are often preferred over uPVC in commercial settings for a number of reasons – first of which is their enhanced security. Compared to polyvinyl chloride, aluminium is extremely durable. Rigid uPVC has a nominal tensile strength of around 34 – 62 MPa, while the strength of aluminium extends as high as 700 MPa.

What Higher Strength Means for Window Design

The exceptional strength of aluminium window frames means they can usually be fabricated in a slimmer format without compromising durability. This allows architects to expand glass surface areas for larger window designs without dramatically increasing cost. Additionally, aluminum windows can accommodate heavier glazing than uPVC frames, which translates to enormous security benefits.

Bulletproof windows are heavier than traditional glazing solutions as they comprise multiple panes of glass interposed with layers of resin – typically polyvinyl butyral (PVB). Given this added weight, the frame itself must be reinforced to bear the load. Aluminum window frames are subsequently the natural choice for commercial properties looking for the optimal intersection between aesthetics, cost, and security.

Why Choose Armortex Aluminum Windows

Some security window manufacturers may offer purely acrylic glazing solutions, but at Armortex, we recommend glass-clad polycarbonates as they can be engineered for customer-defined levels of ballistics resistance, covering the entire Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL) range of bulletproof ratings. Additionally, all our aluminum window frame are  are bulletproof as well.

Returning to the title question of this article: How secure are aluminum windows? Well, this depends on your manufacturer. Aluminum is the natural successor to uPVC when security is an issue, and is a budget-friendly solution compared to steel windows. Yet some designers will recommend sub-par glazing and may not offer the peripheral benefits necessary to your business that Armortex can provide.

We not only offer aluminum security windows that are inherently safer than the competition, our engineering team can also customise our solutions for maximum ease of usability in real-world settings. Want to learn more? Explore our aluminum security windows for yourself to see the full range of design options on offer. Or, if you have any questions, contact us today.

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School security is an often controversial topic of conversation, with the lengths that faculties go to protect students being open to intense debate. More security guards? Armed teachers? All of these questions have been asked in the wake of increasingly panic-inducing security issues on school campuses.

What if schools and the students therein could study safely with peace of mind without extremely overt and often disconcerting defense measures? At Armortex, we believe that discrete solutions like our bullet-resistant panels are ideal for creating safe and inviting learning environments.

Armortex Bullet-Resistant Panels

Lighter and easier to install than metal armour plating, our fiberglass protective panels provide value-added security to safeguard school classrooms and corridors. They are relatively  thin and can be integrated into walls where their protective capabilities are concealed and hopefully never needed.

The Production Process

Our fiberglass panels are manufactured via a meticulous process. Each panel comprises a tightly-woven fiberglass mesh that is treated with a thermoset resin and hot-pressed into flat, rigid sheets. The finished part is designed to  delaminate in response to localised impacts, such as high-velocity projectiles, resisting penetration to block incoming gunfire.

Premium Protection at a Reasonable Price

Hot-pressing of fiberglass panels is an extremely effective and productive method of producing large-area sheets from ballistic-grade textiles. It presents numerous cost-saving benefits over the production of armour plating composed of virtually any other material (ceramic, steel, etc.).

Superior Strength

Fiberglass is among the toughest construction material on the market by strength-to-weight ratios. This superior strength with little-to-no impact on weight makes it both durable and easy-to-integrate into existing structures.

Made and Modified to Order 

Though our experts are happy to recommend one of our commonly requested fiberglass panel systems, detailed consultation and customization are what we specialize in.

We find that the custom-made nature of our panels gives us the capability to compatibly meet our customers’ needs and requests. Armortex bullet-resistant panels come in a wide variety of sizes with widths of 3‘ and 4’, and lengths of 8‘, 9‘, or 10‘.

Quality Assurance as Standard 

None of our products leave the production floor without undergoing the most rigorous testing procedures and testing. All of our bullet-resistant panels and products are UL compliant having been given the stamp of approval by highly-esteemed international standards agencies, as well as the U.S. Marshal Service, the General Services Administration. Approved by a wide range of authorities and government agencies, the ability of our panels to repel and resist projectiles means you can rest easy.

A Safer Future with Fiberglass

Unfortunately, the security threats on school grounds are not dwindling. Discrete security measures can provide peace of mind to faculty members, pupils, and parents alike. If you would like to learn more about integrating our bullet-resistant panels into school property, why not contact a member of the Armortex team today?

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We are living through politically turbulent times, both domestically and around the world. Regrettably, the polarization of Americans has forced many to reconsider how they protect themselves and their property. This stems from the individual level right up to the federal scale.

The Urgent Need for Greater Governmental Security

Recent events in the U.S. capital, though shocking, have underlined the inescapable need for more stable and soundly constructed security barriers and stronger entryways. Whether in a senate building, a municipal government setting, or the office of a local representative, the doorway is the most common point of intrusion. As such, a bullet-resistant door that can withstand an assault from a solitary insurgent, as well as a mob of intruders has sadly become a necessity.

At Armortex, we know that our tried and trusted bullet-resistant doors have to be produced to the highest grade because workplace protection and the preservation of our nation’s political leaders is the highest priority of any functioning and flourishing democracy.

Armortex’s Bullet-Resistant Door Characteristics 

Our experts have developed a range of advanced security solutions suitable for the most safety-critical applications in the U.S. Held to the highest global standards, all our doors and doorframes are put through the most rigorous testing procedures in the research and development phases of production. Every bullet-resistant door we send out is certified to UL levels 1—8 and above, offering substantial security against blasts, impacts, and physical assaults.

A high-spec door without a solid and sturdy doorframe would be practically useless. Our assemblies are supported by resilient doorframes connected to the doors by robust gear hinges of heavy-duty clear anodized aluminum.

These ballistic-grade solutions can be custom-made to custom specifications without appearing any more intimidating than a standard office door. It has always been important to us that our bullet-resistant doors preserve the true atmosphere of the building they are installed in, without imposing an overly militaristic aesthetic.

Interested in government security solutions?

With that in mind, we offer bullet-resistant doors in two materials: veneered wood or cold-rolled steel. Both the wood and metal models cannot be beaten in their robust ability to rebuff any attack, whether from an active shooter or a polarized mob.

Armortex: A Cut Above

Our diverse range of bullet-resistant doors is designed to offer security solutions that align with your ideal level of security, without impacting a sense of normalcy in the workplace. From the initial design phase right through to the fitting, we are well-versed in the manufacture and repeated modification of our bullet-resistant door models so that the concept our customer has in mind can be made into a reality. To find out more about our bullet-resistant doors, as well as the multitude of other security measures we can offer, contact a member of the Armortex team today.

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Bulletproofing is the latest iteration in a long line of systems designed for damage prevention. It reflects the complex relationship between innovations in weaponry and defence, where advancements in one typically lead to steps forward in the other. But the underlying protection concept of bullet resistance is unique in that it went against centuries of conventional wisdom in armouring and led to something of a paradigm shift in warfare.

A Brief History of Armour: Building Up to Bullet Resistance

The history of humans exploiting materials to protect ourselves from harm extends back beyond record. But we know that developments in personal protection arose as a result of specific threats. Leather armour offered little protection from forged metal weapons. Likewise, chainmail might stop a cutting edge but offered little support against a blunt force.

The consensus with each of these developments was that hard armour performed best. Steel plates, for instance, were the gold standard in plating for centuries as they were heavily resistant to localized deformation and could readily resist deformation from cutting, indentation, or scratching. These excellent mechanical properties came at the expense of weight, which would prove fatal on a 20^th Century battlefield where mobility was critical.

Bullet Resistance: What’s the Difference Between Hardness & Toughness?

Hardness is not an intrinsic property. It is a quality we use to define materials as a function of how well they resist localised deformation. To find out how hard a material is, you expose a small portion of it to a load using a hard implement (i.e. an indenter) and measure the resulting impression left in the material. This gives you a good indication of how well it will perform in given conditions; in this case, its degree of bullet resistance. The goal with hard bulletproofing materials is to resist penetration by shattering incoming projectiles. Success here depends on a complex range of interconnected factors, including bullet calibre, velocity, and plate thickness. Abrasion-resistant (AR) steel grades composed of a medium-carbon alloy perform well at minimum thicknesses of ¼”, but—again—this all depends on the situation.

Additionally, deliberately shattering the projectile means there is a risk of peripheral shrapnel generation which can harm bystanders. In some scenarios, plates may completely fragment a bullet but not prevent penetration, meaning shrapnel is projected through to the perceived “safe side” of the plate.

So, hardness has its merits but it isn’t the be-all-and-end-all. Toughness, by contrast, describes the property of being able to absorb energy and deform plastically without succumbing to fracture. This is a better measure of bullet resistance is it can be defined as the amount of energy per unit volume that a material can absorb before it ruptures. As bullet resistance is energy-dependent, this provides greater insight into performance under dynamic conditions; such as those presented by an active shooter.

Hardness and toughness are discrete but connected qualities that, together, provide a good level of bullet resistance. But they are often induced at the expense of one another, with high toughness AR grades of steel typically losing a degree of hardness to promote greater toughness.

The solution to the problem of bullet resistance is to leverage a lightweight composite designed specifically for high hardness and toughness in the event of impacts by rapid projectiles.

Interested in details about our bullet resistant products?

At Armortex, we design cost-effective security solutions designed to combat threats specific to your field. If you would like to learn more about how we tackle the difficult challenges of selecting materials with the right bullet resistance for the job, contact us today.

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School can be a daunting experience. It is a defining period for all our children, with moments of success, celebration, and – inevitably – embarrassment. We hope that our children leave school a little wiser about the often-unforgiving world.

Despite the stresses of day-to-day school life, safety and security are two concerns that should not be considered a privilege but a basic human right. Sadly, but no longer shockingly, this simply isn’t the case in modern-day America. There have been 575 reported incidents of school shootings since 2013, resulting in 212 deaths. There is little sign of this daunting statistic abating.

Rear View Of High School Students Walking Into College Building Together

Bulletproof Products: Unimposing yet Powerful Protection

At Armortex, we do not believe that more security guards with guns, more cameras and more panic-spreading protocols are a realistic answer to this problem. Such measures can contribute to an oppressive environment on campus. Our line of bulletproof security solutions includes unobtrusive innovations such as bulletproof doors, bullet-resistant windows, and ballistic-resistant fiberglass panels.

Bulletproof Doors

Appearing much like regular doors, coming in wooden or hollow metal models, the bullet-proof and blast-resistant doors we offer can comfortably withstand close-quarter gunfire. Our doors are tailored to your specific security needs and create a last solid line of defense between a crowded class of young students and a would-be attacker.

We utilize high-grade ballistic materials, including those favored by the military in the manufacture of their army bases overseas, you can have faith in our doors’ ability to hold firm.

Bullet-Resistant Windows

Armortex is a market leader in the bullet-resistant windows industry. We have proudly patented some of the sturdiest technology without sacrificing any of the aesthetic quality of a crystal-clear window. Security solutions do not come any tougher while remaining completely transparent.

The untrained eye of a daydreaming student gazing out through one of our bulletproof windows will not notice any difference.

Ballistic-Resistant Fiberglass Panels

The meticulous multi-stage construction of our fiberglass panels involves treatment with a thermoset resin and hot pressing to produce flat, rigid sheets. A composite creation of tightly woven and compact material makes our fiberglass security solutions impervious to most attempted assaults.

Approved by a wide range of authorities and government agencies, the ability of our panels to resist projectiles means you can rest easy.

An Innovative yet Invisible Safety Net

Show your students and their families that their school genuinely cares. Invest in some top-level bulletproof security solutions from Armortex. Set up a solid perimeter of protection in the doors, walls, and windows that separate our sons and daughters from an increasingly unpredictable and worrying outside world.

Find Bulletproof School Security Solutions

Here is your chance to remove some of the anxiety and apprehension surrounding school life. Allow our children to worry about prom dates, popularity, and sports practice being blissfully unaware of the military-grade shell of security they find themselves enshrouded within. Contact us today to learn more.

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As the leading designer of ballistic fiberglass panels and components, Armortex has built a solid reputation as your one-stop shop for bullet- and blast-resistant doors. Our diverse line of anti-ballistic products is built to exceed typical market standards. We go above and beyond our competitors in our willingness to tailor-make solutions that meet every facet of your requirements and specifications.

High Quality Blast-Resistant Doors

All our door styles are first-and-foremost built to perform. Every blast-resistant door that we supply comprises the toughest materials with heavily reinforced inner structures to withstand the percussion of explosives as well as resisting penetration from projectiles like bullets and shrapnel. This requires careful attention to every detail.

Armortex security doors can be fitted to order with shatterproof windows of varying lengths and widths depending on the level of visibility deemed necessary for your line of work. Every blast-resistant door that we produce carries the highest security standards and can be specially modified to meet FEMA certifications.

Blast-Resistant Door Materials

Metal blast-resistant solutions are clearly a heavy-duty solution – you can tell that at a glance. They are designed to guarantee safety and security, first through deterrence and second through actual performance. Armortex metal doors are designed to seem unassailable, to intimidate would-be assailants. Even determined criminals will struggle to break through the door’s cold-rolled steel skin of the door, while the interior core is built to withstand severe impacts.

If you are interested in our security doors and bulletproof solutions, please contact us and we will be happy to answer any questions you may have about design specifications or ballistic performance.

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