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UL TEST RESULTS - LEVELS 1,2,3,4

File BP8910
Project 99NK09073

April 1, 1999

REPORT

On

BULLET-RESISTING MATERIALS AND PLASTICS

Waco Composites
Waco, TX

Copyright © 1999 Underwriters Laboratories Inc.

Underwriters Laboratories Inc. authorizes
the above named company to reproduce this Report provided it is reproduced in its entirely.

DESCRIPTION

PRODUCT COVERED:

Bullet resisting fiberglass material Models ArmorCore Level 1 rated Level 1, ArmorCore Level 2 rated Level 2, ArmorCore Level 3 rated Level 3 and ArmorCore Level 4 rated Leve 4.

ENGINEERING CONSIDERATIONS (NOT FOR FIELED REPRESENTATIVE’S USE):

The products covered are bullet-resisting plastic armor materials intended for use indoors or outdoors. These materials are intended to be used in bullet-resisting enclosures, armored vehicles and teller fixtures. This material is a fiber reinforced plastic comprised of a number of fabric plies bonded with a rigid plastic resin.

CONSTRUCTION DETAILS:

General – ArmorCore is a fiberglass reinforced plastic material consisting of multiple layers of Woven Roving fiberglass cloth impregnated with a thermoset polyester resin and compressed into rigid flat sheets.

  Model                   Rating        Thickness (in.), min.
  ArmorCore Level 1       Level 1        0.288
  ArmorCore Level 2       Level 2        0.404
  ArmorCore Level 3       Level 3        0.478
  ArmorCore Level 4       Level 4        1.341

Minimum Size – The minimum overall dimensions shall not be less than 12 by 12 in.

Marking – Each product shall be marked with the manufacturer’s name and/or identifying symbol, date of manufacture, model number, and bullet-resisting rating.

TEST RECORD NO. 1

SAMPLE:

Four samples of Models ArmorCore Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 material rated for Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3, respectively, were submitted by the manufacturer and subjected to the following test program.

General – The ammunition used for the investigation was:

Level 1 – 124 grain (8g) 9mm full metal copper jacket with lead core, minimum velocity 1175 fps (358 mps)

Level 2 – 158 grain (10.2g) .357 Magnum jacketed soft point, minimum velocity of 1250 fps (381 mps)

Level 3 – 240 grain (15.6g) .44 Magnum lead semi-wadcutter gas checked, minimum velocity of 1350 fps (411 mps)

All tests were conducted at close range, approximately 15 ft (4.6 m), using the ammunition and weapon specified. The test samples were mounted in a rigidly fixed frame, with 1/8 in. (3.2 mm) thick corrugated cardboard indicator panels placed approximately 18 in. (467 mm) behind the protected side of each test sample. During the test, each bullet velocity was monitored and recorded.

The samples were subjected to two different shot patterns: 2-shot and 3-shot.

The 2-shot pattern consists of two shots fired at the approximate center of the test sample, with the shots spaced between 1-1/4 to 1-3/4 in. (31.8 to 44.5 mm) apart. For both the single-shot and 2-shot pattern, spalling of bullet-resisting material from the protected side of the test sample is acceptable. However, there shall be no penetration of the projectile through the material such that damage to the indicator panels occurs, nor breaking apart of the sample which allows an unobstructed path for additional projectiles through the sample.

The 3-shot pattern consists of three shot spaced 4-1/2 in. (102-12.7 mm) apart in a triangular pattern in the approximate center of the test sample. With this shot pattern, there shall be no penetration of the projectiles through the test sample, nor spalling of the material on the protected side of the test sample, to the extent that fragments embed in or damage the cardboard indicators.

OUTDOOR RATING:


METHOD

Four samples were subjected to various ambient conditions. Two separate samples at room temperature, 22 ± 3ºC (72 ± 5ºF), were subjected to the 2-shot and 3-shot patterns. A third sample, after exposure to a temperature of 49ºC (120 ºF) for a period of 3 h to the complete sample, and a fourth sample after exposure to -32ºC (-25ºF) to the side receiving the shots for a period of 3 h were subjected to the 3-shot pattern. The sample were tested immediately following the exposure to the indicated temperature conditions.

The velocity of each bullet was recorded during the test. The velocity values as recorded for multiple shot tests consist of the first value of the 2-shot pattern being the top point, and the second being the bottom point, the first value of the 3-shot pattern is the top point of the triangle, with the next values going in a clockwise direction around the triangle.

RESULT

Acceptable results were recorded for all shot patterns at all ambient conditions as outlined above.

  ARMORCORE (LEVEL 1)
  Bullet Velocities (fps)    First  Second   Third
  2-Shot                            1265     1295*
  3-Shot (Room Temperature)  1244   1196     1262
  3-Shot (High Temperature)  1267   1267     1221
  3-Shot (Low Temperature)   1250   1231     1251
  
  ARMORCORE (LEVEL 2)
  Bullet Velocities (fps)    First  Second   Third
  2-Shot                            1293     1283
  3-Shot (Room Temperature)  1395   1343     1336
  3-Shot (High Temperature)  1294   1286     1316
  3-Shot (Low Temperature)   1270   1342     1375
  ARMORCORE (LEVEL 3)
  Bullet Velocities (fps)    First  Second   Third
  2-Shot                            1455     1443 
  3-Shot (Room Temperature)  1422   1426     1437
  3-Shot (High Temperature)  1422   1437     1417
  3-Shot (Low Temperature)   1435   1435     1432
 

* - Excessive velocity. However, no spalling or penetration of the projectile. Therefore, fair shot.

TEST RECORD NO. 2

SAMPLES:

Three samples of Model ArmorCore Level 4 material rated for Level 4 were submitted by the manufacturer and subjected to the following test program.

BALLISTIC TEST:

Level 4 – The ammunition used for the investigation was 180 grain (11.7 g) .30 caliber rifle lead core soft point, minimum velocity of 2540 fps.

All tests were conducted at close range, approximately 15 ft (4.6 m), using the ammunition and weapon specified. The test samples were mounted in a rigidly fixed frame, with 1/8 in. (3.2 mm) thick corrugated cardboard indicator panels placed approximately 18 in. (467 mm) behind the protected side of each test sample. During the test, each bullet velocity was monitored and recorded.

The samples were subjected to a 1-shot test.

The 1-shot pattern consists of a single shot in the approximate center of the test sample. With this shot pattern, there shall be no penetration of the projectile through the test sample, to the extent that fragment embed in or damage the cardboard indicators.

OUTDOOR RATING:



METHOD

Three samples were subjected to various ambient conditions. One sample at room temperature, 22 ± 3ºC (72 ± 5ºF), was subjected to a 1-shot pattern, center. A second sample, after exposure to a temperature of 49ºC (120ºF) for a period of 3 h to the complete sample, and a third sample, after exposure to -32ºC (-25ºF) to the side receiving the shot for a period of 3 h were subjected to the 1-shot pattern in the approximate center of the sample. The samples were tested immediately following the exposure to the indicated temperature conditions.

RESULTS

Acceptable results were recorded for all shot patterns at all ambient conditions as outlined above.

  ARMORCORE (LEVEL 4)

  Bullet Velocities (fps)

  Single Shot - Center  
  (Room Temperature)     2577

  Single Shot - Center  
  (High Temperature)     2588

  Single Shot - Center  
  (Low   Temperature)    2609

CONCLUSION

Sample of the products covered by this Report have been found to comply with the requirements covering the class and the products are judged to be eligible for listing and Follow-Up Service. The manufacturer is authorized to use the Laboratories’ Mark on such products which comply with the Follow-Up Service Procedure and any other applicable requirements of Underwriters Laboratories Inc. Only those products which properly bear the Laboratories’ Mark are considered as Listed by Underwriters Laboratories Inc.

Report by:
C. A. Prosser
Engineering Assistant

Reviewed by:
R. L. Gray
Staff Engineer