Blast & ballistic films
Maximum protection for critical infrastructure. Resistance to explosion shockwaves, blasts and projectiles. ISO 16933 and EN 13541 standards.
The highest protection level on existing glazing
Blast: containing the shockwave
An explosion generates a shockwave that throws glass shards at tens of metres per second. In buildings, glazing is among the first elements to fail. Glass fragments become projectiles that cause the majority of injuries during an explosion near a building.
Blast film keeps the glazing as one piece and absorbs part of the shockwave energy. The glass may crack, but the film prevents shards from dispersing into the building. Occupants are protected from the primary cause of injury. Glazing can deform under pressure, but the film and anchoring system keep it held within the frame.
Blast films are tested to ISO 16933, which simulates explosive loads at various distances and power levels. The resulting classification, from ER1 to ER4, indicates the level of blast the filmed glazing can withstand. Our technical datasheets specify the classification for each reference.
Ballistic: resisting projectiles
Ballistic film pushes protection even further. Combined with glazing, it forms a system capable of resisting projectile impacts. Resistance depends on film thickness, glazing type and anchoring system. These are not films installed on their own: they are part of a complete ballistic protection system that includes glazing, film, anchorage and framing.
Ballistic classifications are defined by EN 1063 and NIJ standards. Each project is subject to a performance study that determines the configuration suited to the identified threat level.
Anchoring system: the key component
At blast and ballistic protection levels, film alone is not enough. Peripheral anchoring is essential. It is a structural system that bonds the film edge to the window frame using a mechanical or chemical joint. Under blast, the film-glass-frame assembly works as one solid block. Without anchoring, filmed glazing can be torn from the frame by the shockwave pressure.
Anchoring is designed project by project. It depends on framing type, glazing size, required protection level and architectural constraints. Our technical team designs the system for each site.
Which sites and which risks?
Embassies and consulates are the first prescribers. Diplomatic security standards require specific protection levels on glazing for representative buildings.
Government buildings, ministries, prefectures and military buildings include blast protection in their security specifications.
Energy plants, petrochemical installations and Seveso-class industrial sites protect glazing in control buildings against explosion risks related to their activity.
Control towers, airports, stations and high-traffic transport infrastructures protect glazing against terrorist risks. Data centres and trading floors protect glazing to ensure business continuity in the event of a major nearby incident.
A project, not an off-the-shelf product
Blast and ballistic films are not ordered like a roll of frosted film. Each installation is preceded by a study assessing threat level, existing glazing types, frame configuration and architectural constraints.
Our technical team sizes the solution: film choice, anchoring design and installation protocol. Installation is performed by installers trained in high-performance security protocols. An installation report documents each treated glazing unit.
