Resilient, durable, and aesthetically pleasing security glazing solution.
Polycarbonate security windows, while not made of actual glass, are optimal for interior use with a high resistance to forced entry; a sheet of polycarbonate security glazing can withstand repeated strikes from a sledgehammer. Its unique construction includes a soft layer that gives it the ability to “catch” a bullet without shattering. The laminated layers absorb the bullet’s momentum instead of forcing a bullet to dangerously ricochet off its surface.
Product | Thickness | Level | Composition |
Laminated Polycarbonate | 3/4" | ![]() |
All Poly |
Laminated Polycarbonate | 3/4" | ![]() |
Poly / Acrylic |
Laminated Polycarbonate | 1" | ![]() |
All Poly |
Laminated Polycarbonate | 1" | ![]() |
Poly / Acrylic |
Laminated Polycarbonate | 1-1/4" | ![]() |
All Poly |
Laminated Polycarbonate | 1-1/4" | ![]() |
Poly / Acrylic |
Visit our Product Specifications Page for Data Sheets, 3-Part Specs, and more.
Ballistic polycarbonate that passes the Level 1 requirements will be able to withstand an assault from a typical 9mm handgun used in an armed robbery. Windows that pass the Level 2 test will weather an attack from the more serious .357 Magnum while polycarbonate tested to Level 3 standards can withstand shots all the way up to a .44 Magnum.
While people often search for polycarbonate unbreakable glass, it’s important to understand that no glazing material—whether glass, acrylic, or polycarbonate—is truly unbreakable. Each material offers unique advantages depending on the application. Polycarbonate stands out for its ability to flex and absorb energy upon impact, much like a tree bending in a storm. This flexibility not only helps it resist breakage from ballistic threats but also contributes to its forced-entry resistance qualities. Harder materials like glass and acrylic provide superior scratch resistance and a clearer optical finish, which can be beneficial in certain environments.
The right choice depends on your specific security and aesthetic needs—and our experts at TSS are here to help you make that decision with confidence.
Many modern bulletproof systems are fabricated with laminated polycarbonate ballistic glass. Polycarbonate glazing’s light transmission values are not as high as acrylic glazing; however, using the two products together results in a product that transmits light effectively and delivers effective protection from both forced-entry and ballistic attack. For facilities looking for more forced entry-resistant capabilities, our all-poly option offers it but at the expense of a lower light transmission value.
Glass Type |
UL Level |
Application |
Acrylic |
1-2 |
Interior |
Polycarbonate |
1-3 |
Interior |
Insulated Glass |
1-3 |
Exterior |
Glass-Clad Polycarbonate |
1-8 |
Interior and Exterior |
To increase durability, polycarbonate can also be coated with an abrasion-resistant coating. This gives it increased protection from solvents, weather, and UV light.
Polycarbonate’s unique makeup results in a noticeable tint that results in roughly 80% light transmission. Most facilities managers find the safety benefits outweigh the difference in light transmission. However, if a high level of visual clarity is a priority, this factor should be taken into consideration.
If you’d like to learn more about the advantages of protecting your facility with polycarbonate bullet-resistant windows and glazing, please reach out! One of our ballistic barrier experts is ready to learn about your project and discuss how bulletproof polycarbonate can meet your needs.
If you’d like to learn more about each product’s advantages, please reach out! One of our ballistic barrier experts is ready to learn about your project and discuss how acrylic bullet-resistant security glass can meet your needs.
Both our all poly and polycarbonate and acrylic glazing options are independently tested to UL Levels 1, 2, and 3. These levels of protection offer resistance to shots from the most common types of handguns, including 9mm pistols, .357 Magnum pistols, and .44 Magnum pistols. Level 3 glazing is one of our most popular levels of protection; it’s strong, budget-friendly, and often the right choice for many types of companies.
If you’re not familiar with bulletproof products or you aren’t sure what protection class you need, you’re in the right place. TSS’ team of ballistic experts is passionate about connecting you with complete security solutions. Once you have a plan in place, our project team works with you to ensure your entire project goes off without a hitch.
Our live fire demonstrations give you the opportunity to see how our bulletproof barriers stand up to handgun and rifle fire in a controlled environment.
If you’re not familiar with bullet-resistant products, determining your level of threat can be tricky. If you’d like to learn more about your bullet-resistant glass options, our Ballistic Glazing Solutions Guide outlines everything you need to know about bulletproof glass. This comprehensive guide walks you through all our product options so you can feel confident about your safety, security, and aesthetics.
Polycarbonate is an incredibly versatile and durable ballistic security product. Because we fabricate all of our bulletproof solutions in-house, we can create the bulletproof polycarbonate panels, windows, package passers, and doors you need—and more.
While no material is 100% indestructible, ballistic polycarbonate is one of the toughest glazing options available. It’s up to 250 times stronger than traditional glass and can absorb the energy of a bullet or repeated sledgehammer strikes without turning into broken glass. Instead of shattering into pieces like a standard glass pane, it flexes and “catches” the impact, making it an excellent choice for bullet resistance and forced-entry protection.
Polycarbonate and acrylic are stronger and lighter than standard glass, but they perform differently:
Polycarbonate is more impact-resistant, flexing to absorb bullets and pressure waves without shattering. It’s softer than acrylic and can scratch more easily, but it’s also less likely to crack or ricochet bullets.
Acrylic is harder and more scratch-resistant, with greater clarity, but it can chip or crack under extreme force. When struck by a bullet, acrylic may deflect it unpredictably, increasing risk on the threat side.
For ballistic applications, polycarbonate is generally the choice thanks to its resilience and ability to stop both bullets and forced-entry attempts.
Polycarbonate is used in several types of bullet-resistant windows:
All-polycarbonate windows – Lightweight, easy to fabricate, and available in UL Levels 1–3. They also carry forced-entry ratings, making them ideal for interior security.
Acrylic + polycarbonate windows – Combine the clarity of acrylic with the strength of polycarbonate. They offer up to Level 3 protection with a polished appearance.
Glass-clad polycarbonate (GCP) windows – Layer glass and polycarbonate for higher protection (Levels 1–8). Common in exterior windows, with options for tinting, mirroring, or energy efficiency.
For higher-level threats, insulated ballistic glass units often incorporate GCP to deliver both rifle resistance and thermal insulation.
Proper framing is essential to ensure any of these window types perform to their certified rating.
Backglazing is the process of adding a ballistic polycarbonate layer to the inside of an existing window. This creates a transparent material backstop to catch bullets while leaving the exterior facade untouched.
It’s a cost-effective and less disruptive way to upgrade security. For example, instead of removing and replacing exterior window frames—which often requires cranes, permits, and even street closures—backglazing can usually be installed from inside the building with minimal downtime.
This makes backglazing an attractive option for securing upper floors, historic facades, or any space where preserving the exterior look of the building is important.
Yes, polycarbonate is sometimes used in consumer products like wine glasses and tumblers because it won’t easily turn into broken glass if dropped. However, this is not a use case for TSS products.
At Total Security Solutions, we focus exclusively on ballistic-rated polycarbonate designed for bullet-resistant windows, doors, and panels in commercial, government, healthcare, financial, and educational facilities.
For decades, TSS has provided all types of businesses, organizations, and companies with the bulletproof glass they need to protect themselves and their customers. If you’d like to get started with polycarbonate bulletproof glass or any of our other products, please don’t hesitate to contact us or request a quote.