What Are Ballistic Plates?
Ballistic plates are specialized items of body armor designed to protect individuals who find themselves in dangerous circumstances, such as military forces or law enforcement officers. These plates are also extremely critical because they provide protection from bullets and other potential threats that can put them in danger. None of the pieces are attached or glued in place, as they would be in traditional dishes and spoons, which is one of the reasons they have evolved so much over the years as far as design and materials used in making the plates. In this article, we dive into how ballistic plates have evolved over the years and what modern materials are being utilized today for greater protection.
New Materials Aid Ballistic Plates
Historically, many steel ballistic plates were used. It is also extremely strong, so it is excellent for the protection, but it offers some disadvantages too. The important problem is that steel is very heavy, which makes it uncomfortable to wear for many hours. This can be an enormous issue for soldiers and police officers who may need to wear their armor for extended periods of time. Today's manufacturers are utilizing more advanced materials like ceramics and composites. These offers significantly better protection in far lighter and less bulky packages than steel.
The ceramic plates use tough materials including boron carbide, silicon carbide and alumina. But these materials are extremely thick and can catch speeding bullets and other lethal projectiles. One of the great features of ceramic plates is that they are lighter than their steel counterparts. This makes it more convenient to be mobile and comfortable while protected.
In contrast, composites consist of materials such as Kevlar and Spectra mixed in a sticky agent called resin. The result is a material that is light-weight and incredibly durable, the perfect combination for ballistic plates. Composites are commonly used in tandem with ceramic plates. All three combine to afford maximum protection without too much load, allowing for greater, fatigue-free wear time for soldiers and officers alike.
Alternative Processes for Creating Ballistic Plates
This is followed by ballistic plate construction evolving, with manufacturers utilizing cutting edge techniques to create plates as stronger and more reliable than anything before. For instance, some manufacturers are using advanced bonding methods now. In these approaches, a physical and chemical bond is formed between the ceramic and the composite materials of the plates. And that should mean the plates can be held together better and so provide more protection while they are needed most.
Moreover, alternative manufacturers are employing new molding techniques allowing them to produce ballistic plates with more complex shapes and designs. This helps make the plates even better fit to the body, which results in higher comfort and better protection. Knowing that, with properly fitted armor, soldiers and officers can maneuver more freely in a dangerous scenario.
Innovative Concepts in Ballistic Plate Design
The ballistic plates are also evolving, as technology advances. Here are some of the most exciting recent innovations in the industry:
3D Printing: 3D printing is also being used by some manufacturers to develop custom ballistic plates. This allows them to create plates tailored to the dimensions of each individual wearer, guaranteeing a precise fit and utmost comfort.
Smart Plates: A smart plate is embedded with technology, sensors, and such to help monitor what you are eating while you eat. They can notify the user if its plate is damaged or worn. This aspect is crucial given that it guarantees the constant optimal state of the plate, providing the best possible protection.
Liquid Armor — Liquid armor is an interesting new technology currently being developed for ballistic plates. It is made of a special liquid that solidifies when bearing a punch. So, if someone is shot, get the liquid solidified to form another skin for the person.
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It is a dangerous world we live in and it is vital to continue advancing our body armor and other equipment to keep ourselves safe. Here at Newtech we are dedicated to advancing ballistic plate technology. We constantly explore new materials and techniques to develop plates for our users that provide the highest protection and comfort. With talented engineers and designers constantly doing research on new technologies to make our body armor better.
We are constantly looking for new materials to try, new manufacturing methods, and looking at any other means we can to provide our customers with the best ballistic plates on the market. To summarize, ballistic plates are a subject of ongoing development and refinement. And now new materials and techniques are being created to provide even more protection. The newest ballistic plate engineering advances offer you more advanced, lightweight options in materials from steel to composites. Just like at Newtech, we continually seek to explore new frontiers. We aim to develop advanced ballistic plates that protect our valorous service members and policemen.