All-Glass Bullet-Resistant
Thompson Innovative Glass manufactures several Bullet-Resistant Glass (also called Bullet Proof Glass) options under our Defender® line.
- Levels
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 7
Glass Clad – All Glass
This low spall bullet resistant laminate is a combination of glass and layers bonded together with adhesive interlayers. Most bullet-resistant glass clad products include a polycarbonate layer(s), but there is no polycarbonate layer in these laminates. The All Glass designs offer higher visual clarity when compared to constructions that include polycarbonate but are generally heavier than designs that incorporate polycarbonate.
This low spall product is fabricated with a layer of glass on the protection side (or interior surface) of the unit. The glass interior surface is a much harder surface than polycarbonate and therefore less likely to be damaged from improper cleaning or neglect. The benefit of glass clads include being glass cleaning user-friendly, excellent resistance to impact and penetration, and enhanced resistance to forced entry.
Make-Up Features
Glass
The glass layers provide structural integrity and rigidity of the unit. Glass causes the bullet to flatten upon impact and consequently reduces its velocity and disperses the kinetic energy over a broader area. The glass properties (thickness, annealed, heat-treated etc.) and number of layers varies by product. Available glass options vary by offering and include tints, reflective, bird-friendly, low-e, and low iron.
Adhesive Interlayers
Thompson uses both high optical grade polyvinyl butyral (PVB) and other proprietary interlayers to bond multiple layers of glass. The interlayers act as the “glue” that hold the various glass layers together.
Bullet Resistant Glass Levels 1–7
The below chart refers to how much ballistic protection the Thompson Innovative Glass product provides, based on standardized testing. In the U.S., bullet-resistant glass is rated by UL 752 the standard for bullet-resistant materials set by Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
It defines testing methods and performance criteria for Level 1-8 Bullet Resistant Glass, doors, panels, and other protective materials, classified into a range of levels.
9mm Pistol 
9mm Full Metal Copper
.357 Magnum Pistol 
.357 Magnum Jacketed Lead Soft Point 
.44 Magnum Pistol 
.44 Magnum Lead Semi-Wadcutter 
.30 Caliber Rifle 
.30 Caliber Lead Core Soft Point 
7.62 Rifle 
7.62mm Full Metal Copper Jacket Military Ball 
5.56mm Rifle 
5.56mm Full Metal Copper Jacket with Lead Core Get Expert Guidance on Defender Glass
Check with the Thompson Innovative Glass team for more details and options from our Defender line to find the right one for you and your application.
Options
Clear
Thompson Innovative Glass works with only best in clear float glass featuring high quality and aesthetic appeal.
Tints
Available tints include a variety of grays, bronzes, blues, and greens. Contact Thompson Innovative Glass for more specific details and samples.
Reflective
Thompson Innovative Glass carries reflective glass with varying performance & reflectance. Contact us for more specific details and samples.
One-Way Mirror
Where clear vision is required, and specific lighting conditions can be achieved. It offers an effective means of providing undetected surveillance and one-way vision to achieve privacy.
Thickness
Thompson Innovative Glass carries glass thicknesses from 1/8” to 3/4” giving you the best range to meet your products specifications.
Applications-Security and Protection
Bullet-resistant and forced entry glass are critical components in protecting people and property across a wide range of high-risk environments. These specialized glazing solutions are trusted wherever enhanced security and peace of mind are essential, from public institutions to private facilities. Common applications include:
Places of Worship
Houses of worship often require protective glazing that balances aesthetics with security, helping safeguard congregants while maintaining natural light and architectural beauty.
Airports
Airports demand durable, high-performance glazing for passenger safety, blast resistance, and operational security in high-traffic terminals and control areas.
Schools
Security glazing enhances school safety by resisting forced entry and delaying intruders, providing critical response time without compromising light, visibility, or design.
Corporate Offices
Modern offices benefit from glass that provides energy efficiency and acoustic comfort—along with optional forced-entry and ballistic resistance for high-security needs.
Correctional Facilities
Glazing in correctional environments must meet rigorous standards for containment, safety, and visibility while withstanding impact and tampering.
Data Centers
Mission-critical data centers require fortified glass to secure sensitive infrastructure from both physical threats and unauthorized access.
Maximum Size
Maximum size for All Glass
72″ x 140″
Your Guide to Bullet-Resistant Glass Options
Discover all bullet-resistant glass options in our brochure.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bullet-Resistant Glass
How do I choose between bullet resistant glass suppliers?
When comparing bullet resistant glass suppliers, look at certification levels offered, glass-clad vs. all-glass construction options, custom sizing capabilities, and manufacturing location for lead times. Thompson Innovative Glass manufactures glass rated Level 1-8 at our Jenison, MI facility.
What makes Glass Clad – All Glass different from other bullet-resistant glazing?
Unlike many bullet-resistant glass-clad products, Thompson’s All Glass construction does not contain a polycarbonate layer. Instead, multiple layers of glass are bonded together with high-performance interlayers. This construction typically provides greater visual clarity than systems incorporating polycarbonate, although the finished units are generally heavier.
What are the advantages of having glass on the interior surface?
The protection-side surface of the unit is glass rather than polycarbonate. Because glass has a harder surface, it is less susceptible to damage caused by improper cleaning or everyday maintenance. The construction also provides excellent resistance to impact and penetration along with enhanced forced-entry resistance.
What levels of ballistic protection are available with Thompson’s All Glass products?
Thompson Innovative Glass offers All Glass configurations tested for multiple UL 752 ballistic protection levels, including Levels 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7. Available configurations can address threats ranging from common handguns through specified rifle ammunition. As one of the leading bullet proof glass suppliers, Thompson can help determine the appropriate Defender® solution based on the security and performance requirements of the application.
What do Bullet Resistant Glass Levels 1–7 resist?
Each level is tested against a specific weapon and ammunition type under the UL 752 standard:
- Level 1 bullet resistant glass - stops 9mm pistol rounds (9mm full metal copper jacket with lead core).
- Level 2 bullet resistant glass - rated for .357 Magnum pistol rounds (jacketed lead soft point).
- Level 3 bullet resistant glass - withstands .44 Magnum pistol rounds (lead semi-wadcutter).
- Level 4 bullet resistant glass - rated for .30 caliber rifle rounds (lead core soft point).
- Level 5 bullet resistant glass - stops 7.62mm rifle rounds (full metal copper jacket military ball).
- Level 7 bullet resistant glass - rated for 5.56mm rifle rounds (full metal copper jacket with lead core), the highest protection in this configuration.