Currently, in the world in which we are immersed, violence increases more and more and seems to have no end, this is the reason why personal security has become one of the main problems of citizens, however, as For every problem there is a solution, today at Textiles Omnes we will show you those fabrics that provide you with security and protection. Have you heard of bulletproof vests? Keep reading and discover the world of ballistic fabrics.
¿How do bulletproof vests work in Colombia?
It is no secret to anyone that the main function of bulletproof vests is to trap the bullet and disperse its energy, however, very few know the textile fabrics that make this garment so valuable for personal safety. This is why it is important that you know that bulletproof vests are designed with multiple layers of aramid fiber, a material that provides heat resistance and is, in turn, characterized by being 5 times more resistant than steel.
When a bullet impact is generated in the vest, all the fibers of the material generate tension and trap the bullet, which causes the projectile to deform upon contact with said fibers, and therefore, speed and energy are reduced. However, although in some cases the bullet can penetrate one or more layers of the vest, the fibers of these are so resistant that they fulfill the function of reducing its energy, which prevents serious injuries.
Likewise, we cannot ignore that this type of protective armor is governed by the standard (NIJ) in the United States that establishes the degree of protection of body armor, which is why, below, we will show you how the vests work. bulletproof in Colombia:
- NIJ IIA level: This is the first level of protection for those ballistic vests that stop impacts from 9 mm metal-coated round nose bullets weighing 124 grams, covering speeds of up to 363 m/s. Without leaving aside the protection against FMJ bullets of the .40 S&W caliber whose speed is equal to or less than 350 m/s.
- NIJ II level: This second level guarantees a degree of protection equal to the NIJ IIA level and is also effective against 158 gram 357 Magnum JSP bullets.
- NIJ III A level: This level is characterized by withstanding impacts from the .357 SIG caliber with FMJ tip.
- NIJ III level: For this level, the bulletproof vest is composed of a ballistic plate made of hard metal and a soft panel designed in Kevlar, polyethylene or ceramic materials. These types of vests provide protection against 147 gram 7.62 mm caliber FMJ bullets traveling at a speed of 878 m/s.
- NIJ IV level: Bulletproof vests that belong to level IV are those that provide greater protection, since they are effective against 7.62 mm caliber AP bullets with 166 gram tips at a speed of 878 m/s.
¿What material are bulletproof vests made of?
Aramid fiber is the most frequently used synthetic fiber, as this type of textile fabric is composed of long, thin molecules that are strong and heat-resistant, which is why it provides protection and withstands extreme temperatures.
Types of bulletproof vests
Did you know that bulletproof vests not only provide protection but that there are also different types? Below we will show you the two types of bulletproof vests that exist:
- Soft bulletproof vests: These types of vests are characterized not only by being comfortable, since they offer excellent ergonomics, but they are also designed with resistant fibers such as polyester, nylon, aramid or polypropylene.
- Hard bulletproof vests: This type of vest is characterized by having thicker textile fabrics than soft fabric vests, as these have rigid ceramic or metal ballistic plates.
Now, we must not leave aside that just as there are levels of protection, there are also types of bulletproof vests according to their usability, an example of this is bulletproof vests for police, military use and civil use. Without a doubt, thanks to ballistic fabrics such as aramid fibers, today we can feel free, safe and protected. If you want to know a little more about ballistic fabrics, do not hesitate to contact us, the experts in technical textiles in Colombia.