Insulated Ballistic Glass
Thompson Innovative Glass manufactures several Bullet-Resistant (also sometimes called Bullet Proof) options under its Defender® line.
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Bullet-Resistant Insulating Glass (IGU)
This glass make-up offers high-level protection while also providing energy efficiency and clarity. This configuration consists entirely of glass—no polycarbonates—delivering durability, low maintenance, and excellent optical quality. By combining multiple layers of glass with specialized interlayers, the bullet-resistant unit is designed to absorb and resist ballistic impact while maintaining structural integrity.
The insulating glass design also improves thermal performance, reduces sound transmission, and supports daylighting goals, making it an ideal choice for security-sensitive applications such as schools, government buildings, and commercial storefronts.
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 thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) to bond multiple layers of glass 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. Ratings are 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 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
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.
Bird-Friendly
Thompson Innovative Glass offers a full range of bird-friendly glass options.
Low-E
We have Low-emissivity glass with varying performance. We can find the right one for you. Contact us for more specific details and samples.
Low Iron
Thompson Innovative Glass offers “low iron” glass, which has reduced iron content for a lighter blue edge and higher light transmission. Contact us for more specific details and samples.
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:
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.
Data Centers
Mission-critical data centers require fortified glass to secure sensitive infrastructure from both physical threats and unauthorized access.
Museums
Museums depend on specialty glass to protect exhibits and patrons from damage, while maintaining clarity, light control, and architectural beauty.
Retail Storefronts
These retail spaces utilize protective glass to deter crime and protect staff, particularly during overnight hours or high-traffic periods.
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 Insulating 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
What are the advantages of an All Glass Insulated bullet-resistant unit?
Thompson’s All Glass Insulated construction combines bullet resistant protection with the benefits of an insulated glass unit, including improved thermal performance, reduced sound transmission, optical clarity, and daylighting. The construction uses glass on both exposed surfaces with no polycarbonate, providing a durable, low-maintenance ballistic glass solution for security-sensitive exterior applications.
Can All Glass Insulated bullet-resistant glass include Low-E or other performance options?
Yes. Because Thompson is a full-service architectural glass fabricator, All Glass Insulated configurations can incorporate options including Low-E coatings, tints, low-iron glass, reflective glass, and bird-friendly technologies. This allows ballistic protection to be integrated with the energy, aesthetic, and environmental requirements of the overall building envelope.
Where is All Glass Insulated bullet-resistant glass typically used?
This construction is well suited for exterior glazing where both security and building performance are important. Applications can include schools, government buildings, corporate offices, financial institutions, retail storefronts, data centers, and other security-sensitive facilities. Thompson offers All Glass Insulated Defender® configurations across multiple UL 752 ballistic protection levels.