Ballistics, science and regulations
Ballistics is the science that studies projectile behavior and material resistance upon impact. Glass formulation requires deep knowledge about it with the purpose of constantly improving performance.

Therefore, Optima armored glass is periodically submitted to the most rigorous testing in compliance with international standards, to obtain certifications from the most prestigious independent laboratories around the world such as HP White, Beschussamt Munchen, Beschussamt Mellrichstadt , Chesapeake Testing.

We think it is important to explain some basic concepts related to ballistics regulations so as to make it clear to our customers and users.

Regulating International Organisms
For Europe we consider the regulation granted by the CEN (European Committee for Standardization) and for the United States of America the regulation given by NIJ (National Institute of Justice). Both these organisms check for the clarity quality and reliability of the products available in the market.

Ballistic Regulations
These regulations specify the performance requirements and test methods used to classify in levels the projectile impact resistance of the glass. In Europe the rule is CEN 1063. In the US the rule is NIJ NORM 0108.01

Ballistic Tests
Each norm specifies conditions for each different test, specifying an acceptable range for several variables, such as: Type of Gun, caliber, Type of Ammo, weight (G), distance of the shot (M), speed of the bullet (M/S), number of shots, and distance between shots (MM)