Bulletproof Acrylic & Plexiglass
Thompson Innovative Glass manufactures several Bullet-Resistant (also sometimes called Bullet Proof) options under its Defender® line.
- UL Levels
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 6
All Plastic
As a no spall bullet-resistant laminate, an All Plastic laminate is made entirely of specially engineered plastics that are bonded together with adhesive interlayers. There are two types of All Plastic constructions: (1) acrylic plastic core with a polycarbonate layer laminated to each side or (2) polycarbonate core(s) with a polycarbonate layer laminated to each exterior side. The exposed polycarbonate layer has an abrasion resistant coating on its surface for the purpose of providing excellent abrasion and chemical resistance. These offer exceptional bullet-resistance and support applications that require no spalling.
The benefits of All Plastic laminates include high clarity, lightweight construction, improved resistance to forced entry, and minimal risk of injury from flying debris. This type of laminate is designed for use in buildings or structures and is not suitable for outdoor environments or applications where it might be exposed to the elements. All Plastic laminates are often used in areas like school and office reception areas, security checkpoints, shopping malls, and gas stations where safety is a concern.
Make-Up Features
Acrylic
Thompson utilizes an optical grade bullet-resistant Acrylic plastic, a thermoplastic material known for its clarity, durability, strength and ability to withstand a bullet. Acrylic goes by various other trade names, such as Plexiglas or Lucite, and like Polycarbonate is a high transparent thermoplastic material. The acrylic properties are designed to deform and dissipate the energy of a bullet and prevent it from passing through.
Polycarbonate
Thompson utilizes an optical grade Polycarbonate, a thermoplastic material known for its clarity, durability and strength. They are responsible for absorbing and dispersing the energy of the bullet or projectile upon impact. Compared to a regular glass product, Polycarbonate’s strength makes it less likely to shatter upon impact which is an essential factor in the performance of the glass and the application. The exposed polycarbonate layers have an abrasion resistant coating on its surface for the purpose of providing excellent abrasion and chemical resistance. Take special care and follow specific instructions when cleaning polycarbonate as permanent damage may result if cleaned incorrectly.
Adhesive Interlayers
Thompson uses high optical grade thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) to bond multiple layers of acrylic and/or polycarbonate. The interlayers act as the “glue” that hold the various layers together. TPU is known for its adhesion, flexibility and ability to absorb impact energy, making it appropriate for use in bullet-resistant glass constructions.
Ballistic Protection
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 bullet-resistant glass, doors, panels, and other protective materials. and 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 
9mm Uzi/Rifle Ready to talk solutions?
Our team is here to help you navigate specs, codes, and standards with the right protective glass and glazing products for your project.
Options
Clear
Thompson Innovative Glass works with only best in clear float glass featuring high quality and aesthetic appeal.
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:
Gas Stations
Security glazing at gas stations protects against theft and vandalism while allowing for clear visibility and customer interaction at transaction points.
Convenience Stores
These retail spaces utilize protective glass to deter crime and protect staff, particularly during overnight hours or high-traffic periods.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies benefit from secure transaction windows and interior glazing that prevent theft and ensure controlled access to medication.
Ticket Counters
Secure glazing at ticket windows protects staff while allowing for efficient and safe customer interaction in arenas, transit stations, and entertainment venues.
Drive Up Windows
Glass at drive-thru locations must offer clear communication, impact resistance, and ease of service—often with ballistic or security ratings.
Financial Institutions
Banks and financial offices rely on secure glazing for transaction windows, teller areas, and entry points to protect employees and assets.
Maximum Size
Maximum size for All Plastic
72″ x 120″
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
What makes All Plastic bullet-resistant glazing different from glass-based options?
Thompson’s All Plastic construction is made entirely from specially engineered plastics bonded with adhesive interlayers. Depending on the configuration, it uses an acrylic core with polycarbonate on each side or polycarbonate cores with exterior polycarbonate layers. The result is a high-clarity, lightweight bullet-resistant solution with no-spall performance.
What are the advantages of All Plastic bullet-resistant glazing?
All Plastic laminates offer a combination of high clarity, lighter weight, bullet resistance, improved forced-entry resistance, and minimal risk of injury from flying debris. The exposed polycarbonate also incorporates an abrasion-resistant coating to improve abrasion and chemical resistance.
Where is All Plastic bullet-resistant glazing best used?
All Plastic is designed primarily for interior or protected applications and should not be used where it will be directly exposed to outdoor elements. Typical applications include school and office reception areas, security checkpoints, shopping malls, and gas stations. Thompson offers All Plastic configurations for UL 752 Levels 1, 2, 3, and 6.