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Levels Of Protection

UL 752 Levels of Protection

UL 752 is a standard developed by Underwriters Laboratories that establishes ratings for bullet-resistant barriers. This rating system provides a way to classify the protective capabilities of barriers against different types of firearms and ammunition.


The standard defines several "Levels of Protection" (numbered 1-10), with each level certifying that a barrier has been tested to resist penetration from specific calibers of firearms. Higher levels indicate protection against increasingly powerful weapons.
 

How Testing Is Conducted

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  • Sample barriers are mounted in a test frame

  • Firearms and ammunition specified for each level are fired at the barrier from a standardized distance

  • Multiple shots are fired in a specific pattern

  • The barrier must prevent complete penetration of the projectile

  • Barriers are also tested for "spall" or fragmentation that could cause injury on the protected side

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For my designs I will be using  UHMWPE &

 

Level 3 UHMWPE (ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene) is a type of polyethylene with extremely long molecular chains that give it exceptional strength-to-weight properties. It has a molecular weight typically between 3.5-7.5 million g/mol, which is substantially higher than standard polyethylene materials.

 

This high-performance material features:

  • Extremely lightweight (30-50% lighter than aramid fibers like Kevlar)

  • High tensile strength (up to 15 times stronger than steel by weight)

  • Excellent energy absorption capabilities

  • Resistance to moisture, chemicals, and UV damage

  • Flexible and can be molded into various shapes


Level 3 woven para-aramid fabric is a specialized ballistic textile engineered to provide NIJ Level III protection. This fabric serves as the foundation for Level III body armor, vehicle armor, and other protective applications requiring rifle-threat protection while maintaining flexibility and relatively low weight.


This high-performance material features:

 

  • Multi-layered construction with densely woven para-aramid fibers (such as Kevlar® or Twaron®)

  • Tight plain or basket weave pattern for maximized strength-to-weight ratio

  • Fiber count typically between 1000-3000 denier for optimal ballistic performance

  • Areal density of approximately 7-9 kg/m² depending on specific formulation

  • Capable of stopping rifle rounds including 7.62×51mm NATO (M80) at 847 m/s

  • Enhanced shear resistance through specialized resin treatments

  • UV and moisture resistant coatings for environmental durability

  • Heat-resistant properties withstanding temperatures up to 425-500°C

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Thickness: 3/8" 

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Cost:

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