What thickness polycarbonate is bullet-resistant?

For Level 1-2 (9mm handgun), use 12-20mm monolithic polycarbonate. For Level 3 (rifle), use 40-75mm laminated PC. For Level 4+, use custom ballistic laminates 80mm+.

Is bullet-resistant polycarbonate better than bullet-resistant glass?

Polycarbonate is 250x stronger than glass by weight and never shatters. Glass is cheaper and more scratch-resistant. For most security applications, laminated PC or PC/glass composites are preferred.

How long does bullet-resistant polycarbonate last outdoors?

UV-coated ballistic PC lasts 8-10 years outdoors. Uncoated PC yellows in 2-3 years. Always specify UV-resistant co-extruded or hard-coated PC for outdoor installations.

How to Select Bullet-Resistant Polycarbonate Sheet for Bank Teller Windows, Jewelry Counters and Vehicle Armor

Choosing the right bullet-resistant polycarbonate (PC) sheet is not a one-size-fits-all decision. A bank lobby, a jewelry store counter, and an armored vehicle each face different threat levels, climates, and installation constraints. This guide walks you through the full buying chain – threat level, thickness, sheet size, support structure, edge finish, fabrication, shipping, installation – so you can specify the right RP ballistic-grade PC sheet the first time.

Step 1: Match the Threat Level to Your Application

Before you specify a thickness, define what you are stopping:

Level 1-2 (Handgun .38 / 9mm): Jewelry store counters, convenience-store cash registers, school reception desks. Typically 12-20 mm solid PC or laminated PC/glass.
Level 3 (Rifle, e.g. AK-47): Bank teller windows, armored guard booths, embassy entry points. Requires 40-75 mm laminated multi-layer PC or PC/glass composite.
Level 4+ (High-power rifle): Armored vehicles, cash-in-transit vans, government checkpoints. Custom ballistic laminates with interlayers, often 80 mm+.

RP River People supplies both monolithic ballistic PC and laminated ballistic panels. We recommend starting with the UL 752 or EN 1063 rating your project is required to meet, then working backwards to the sheet specification.

Step 2: Thickness vs. Panel Size

Thicker does not always mean better – it also means heavier, more expensive, and harder to install. The rule of thumb:

A panel larger than 1.5 m x 2.0 m needs thicker stock because deflection under ballistic impact must stay within the frame tolerance.
A 20 mm monolithic PC stops a 9mm at close range but will visibly bulge on impact; a laminated 20+20 mm panel keeps the front face flat.
RP can cut ballistic PC from 8 mm up to 100 mm thick, with panel sizes up to 2.05 m x 3.05 m in a single sheet.

Step 3: Edge Finish and Support Structure

Ballistic panels fail at the edges long before they fail in the center. The framing and edge detail determine whether a certified panel actually stops the bullet on site.

Specify a minimum 25 mm compression bite on all four sides.
Use aluminum or steel channel frames rated to the same threat level as the panel.
Edge polishing removes micro-cracks that can propagate after repeated impact.
RP pre-machines all holes and notches before shipment – do not drill ballistic PC on site, because drilling creates stress concentrations.

Step 4: Fabrication and Shipping

Ballistic PC is heavy – a 40 mm panel weighs roughly 48 kg per square meter. Plan your logistics early:

RP ships panels on custom wooden crates with edge protection and double masking.
Sea freight is standard for full container loads; air freight is available for urgent replacement pieces but expensive.
Always specify the installation drawing before fabrication. Once holes are routed, the panel cannot be reworked.

Step 5: Installation Notes

On site, remember three things: keep the protective masking on until the frame is sealed, use compatible silicone (avoid acidic cures), and torque the frame bolts to the fabricator specification – over-tightening cracks the panel.

Get a Quote

Send us your required UL 752 / EN 1063 level, panel dimensions, and quantity. RIVER PEOPLE PLEXIGLASS (RP) has been manufacturing acrylic and polycarbonate sheets since 1995, and our ballistic-grade PC lines supply banks, jewellers, and armored vehicle builders in over 80 countries. Contact us for a quote.

How to Select Bullet-Resistant Polycarbonate Sheet for Bank, Jewelry and Vehicle Armor