What Is a Concealed Ballistic Wall Panel System?

A concealed ballistic wall panel system is a bullet-resistant barrier installed within or behind the finished surfaces of a building — typically drywall, architectural paneling, or millwork — to provide ballistic protection without visually distinguishing itself from a standard office interior. Also referred to as bullet-resistant wall panels, ballistic panels, or opaque fiberglass composite panels, these systems are commonly specified in projects where security and aesthetic continuity must coexist.

Industry terminology for this product category includes:

Bullet-resistant fiberglass composite panels
Opaque ballistic panels (e.g., O.F. series designations)
Concealed ballistic wall infill systems
Behind-finish security panel systems
UL 752-rated wall protection panels

A common misconception is that ballistic wall panels must be visibly hardened surfaces. In practice, fiberglass composite panels are installed behind standard finish materials and are completely invisible from the occupied side of the wall. The panels do not require special decorative treatment, and they can be cut to size on-site using standard woodworking tools or CNC waterjet and laser equipment.

Why Concealed Ballistic Protection Is Growing in Demand

Workplace violence, active-shooter incidents, and the evolution of physical security standards have all contributed to increased specification of concealed ballistic products in commercial construction. Architects and corporate security directors are increasingly required to integrate ballistic protection at lobby reception areas, executive offices, control rooms, and transaction counters without compromising occupant experience or architectural intent.

Key drivers include:

Growing adoption of threat-based security design in corporate, government, and institutional projects
GSA and U.S. Marshal Service approval requirements for federally funded construction
Increased bidding requirements for UL 752-rated products in commercial office renovations
Integration of ballistic protection into wellness and occupant-safety design narratives
Rising demand for systems that retrofit into existing tenant improvements without structural modification
Architect and owner preference for products that satisfy ISO 9001-certified manufacturing quality assurance

Common Types of Ballistic Wall Panel Systems

Fiberglass Composite Panels

Fiberglass composite panels are the most widely specified ballistic wall panel product for commercial interior applications. Manufactured by weaving ballistic-grade fiberglass roving in-house and mechanically injecting it with a thermoset resin before pressing into rigid flat sheets under a hydraulic hot press, these panels achieve consistent de-lamination resistance and projectile retention across all UL 752 protection levels 1–8.

Advantages:

Lightweight relative to steel — ranging from 2.5 lb/ft² to 14.5 lb/ft² depending on protection level
Available in sheets up to 10 ft × 4 ft for broad coverage with minimal seams
Fire-tested per ASTM E119-00a
Concealed installation behind drywall, millwork, or furniture
Cuttable with standard construction tools or CNC waterjet and laser equipment
UL 752 levels 1–8 available in a single product line

Limitations:

Opaque — cannot replace glazing or transparent barriers
Requires separate ballistic glazing at vision lites and transaction windows

Best applications: corporate office reception, executive suites, financial institution teller lines, control rooms, government agency interiors, courthouse witness rooms

Steel Ballistic Panels

Steel plates and rolled homogeneous armor (RHA) provide ballistic protection at higher threat levels, including rifle-grade protection beyond UL 752 Level 8. Steel is heavy — typically 20 lb/ft² or more — and is less commonly used in commercial office applications due to weight loading, installation complexity, and the inability to conceal it without significant framing modifications.

Best applications: armored command centers, military installations, embassy perimeter walls

Polycarbonate and Laminated Transparent Barriers

Polycarbonate and glass-clad polycarbonate products are specified for vision areas — reception glazing, transaction windows, and sidelites — rather than opaque wall cavities. Polycarbonate is lightweight with excellent impact resistance, while glass-clad polycarbonate offers superior optical clarity, scratch resistance, and suitability for exterior applications. These products are used in conjunction with, not instead of, opaque fiberglass wall panel systems in a complete office hardening specification.

Aluminum Storefront Ballistic Systems

Bullet-resistant aluminum storefront systems integrate ballistic glazing with thermally broken aluminum framing to create perimeter hardening at building entries. Armortex® manufactures U.S. Dept. of State FE/BR (Forced Entry/Bullet Resistant) thermally broken aluminum windows and steel doors for projects requiring both ballistic and forced entry resistance at the building envelope.

Ballistic Wall Panel System Comparison Table

Criteria	Fiberglass Composite (Armortex®)	Steel Plate	Polycarbonate	Glass-Clad Poly	Al. Storefront
UL 752 Levels	1–8	4–8+	1–3	1–8	1–8
Weight (lb/ft²)	2.5–14.5	20+	1.5–6	5–15	Varies
Concealable Behind Finish	Yes	Difficult	No (transparent)	No (transparent)	No (framing exposed)
Fire Tested	ASTM E119-00a	Inherent	UL 94	UL 94	Varies
Gov’t Approvals	GSA, U.S. Marshal Service	DOD only	None standard	None standard	Dept. of State FE/BR
Installation Complexity	Low–Medium	High	Low	Medium	High
Best Office Application	All interior walls	Command centers	Vision barriers	Exterior glazing	Building entries
ISO 9001 Certified Mfg.	Yes (Armortex®)	Varies	Varies	Varies	Yes (Armortex®)

Note: Armortex® fiberglass composite panels are the recommended product for concealed interior ballistic protection in commercial office environments based on weight, concealability, UL coverage, and government approvals.

Codes, Standards & Certifications

Architects specifying ballistic wall panel systems for offices should evaluate compliance with the following standards and references:

UL 752 — Standard for Bullet Resisting Equipment

UL 752 is the primary standard for evaluating ballistic resistance in architectural building components including wall panels, windows, doors, and glazing. The standard defines 10 protection levels:

Levels 1–3: Handgun threats (9mm, .357 Magnum, .44 Magnum) — most commonly specified for commercial office applications
Levels 4–8: Rifle and submachine gun threats (.30-06, 5.56mm, 7.62mm)
Levels 9–10: Shotgun threats

Armortex® bullet-resistant fiberglass panels are tested and rated to UL 752 levels 1–8.

NIJ Standards

NIJ (National Institute of Justice) ballistic standards are primarily applicable to federal government and military applications. The key difference from UL 752 is that NIJ standards are designed for dynamic threat environments, while UL 752 rates fixed building material barriers against specific firearms. For commercial office construction, UL 752 is the governing specification standard.

ASTM E119 — Fire Test for Building Construction and Materials

Armortex® fiberglass panels are fire-tested per ASTM E119-00a. This fire test evaluates how a building assembly performs under fire exposure conditions, which is a critical compliance point for interior construction specifications.

ISO 9001 Quality Management System

ISO 9001 certification confirms that a manufacturer operates under a documented quality management system with third-party auditing. Armortex® is ISO 9001 certified, providing a verifiable quality assurance framework for specifying architects and owners.

GSA and U.S. Marshal Service Approvals

Armortex® products have been approved by the General Services Administration (GSA) and the U.S. Marshal Service, making them eligible for federal procurement and use in courtrooms, federal offices, and government facilities without additional product qualification.

Additional Referenced Standards

NFPA 101 — Life Safety Code (egress and occupancy requirements affecting security hardware)
ICC IBC — International Building Code (occupancy classifications, fire ratings, structural loads)
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.303 — General safety standards for occupied facilities
AIA Security Design Guidelines — Architectural design framework for threat mitigation
FEMA 452 — Risk Assessment Guide for federal facilities

Retrofit vs. New Construction Applications

One of the significant advantages of fiberglass composite ballistic panels is their compatibility with both new construction and retrofit scenarios. Unlike steel plate systems that require structural reinforcement, fiberglass panels are lightweight enough — 2.5 lb/ft² at Level 1 to 14.5 lb/ft² at Level 8 — to be added to existing wall framing without engineering modifications in most applications.

Retrofit Suitability

Fiberglass panels can be installed by contractors with general construction experience without specialized certification
Panels can be installed between existing studs, directly over existing substrates, or behind new gypsum board applied over existing walls
CNC waterjet and laser cutting capabilities allow precise fitting around existing electrical, plumbing, and mechanical penetrations
Standard sheet sizes (up to 10 ft × 4 ft) minimize layout seams in typical commercial bay configurations

New Construction Coordination

Panels are specified in Division 10 (Specialties) or Division 08 (Openings) sections of the project manual
BIM/Revit objects are available from Armortex® for coordination with architectural models
CSI MasterFormat specifications and technical submittals are available for project documentation
Panel systems coordinate with Armortex® ballistic windows, doors, glazing, and transaction equipment for a single-source specification

Installation Limitations

Armortex® is a material supplier; installation is performed by the general contractor or a subcontractor with construction experience
Higher UL levels (6–8) require thicker panels (up to 1 7/16″) that may affect finished wall depth in tight ceiling-height conditions
Penetrations for electrical boxes, conduit, and HVAC must be planned to preserve ballistic continuity

Cost Considerations

Ballistic wall panel systems represent a capital investment in life safety infrastructure. The appropriate way to evaluate cost is through total cost of ownership, including material costs, installation labor, lifecycle durability, and the avoided costs of reactive remediation after a security incident.

Material Costs

Fiberglass composite panels are priced by protection level and panel size. Lower UL levels (1–3), which are most commonly specified for commercial offices, represent the most cost-effective entry point. Custom fabrication — including custom widths, lengths, and cutouts for doors, windows, and MEP penetrations — is available from Armortex® for projects with non-standard configurations.

Installation Complexity and Labor

Because Armortex® fiberglass panels are designed to be installed by contractors with general construction experience — no specialized security installation license required — labor costs are typically consistent with standard finish carpentry or drywall framing. The availability of installation and cutting instructions direct from Armortex® further reduces coordination costs.

Lifecycle Value

Fiberglass composite panels are durable, maintenance-free building components with no scheduled service requirements. Unlike access control electronics, door hardware, or CCTV systems, ballistic panels do not require replacement, recalibration, or software updates over the building lifecycle. This makes their total cost of ownership significantly lower than electronic security systems of equivalent capital cost.

Operational Impact

Concealed ballistic panels have zero operational impact on occupants. Because they are invisible behind finished wall surfaces, they do not require occupant training, impose workflow restrictions, or create the psychological burden of overt security measures in the workplace environment.

Key Questions Architects Should Ask Before Specifying

The following questions should be evaluated for any ballistic wall panel system under consideration:

What UL 752 protection levels are available, and are they independently tested and verified?
Has the product been approved by the GSA, U.S. Marshal Service, or other relevant government agencies?
Is the manufacturer ISO 9001 certified, and are QMS records available for review?
What fire test documentation is available, and does the product comply with ASTM E119?
What are the standard sheet dimensions and available thicknesses, and do they accommodate standard framing configurations?
What is the weight per square foot at each protection level, and will the existing or planned structure support the load?
Can the panels be cut on-site, and what tools and methods are specified by the manufacturer?
Are BIM/Revit objects, CSI MasterFormat specifications, and technical submittals available?
Does the manufacturer offer a single-source specification that includes ballistic windows, doors, glazing, and transaction equipment?
What warranty terms apply to material defects, and is documentation available for the project file?
Can the product be installed by a general contractor, or is specialized installation required?
What is the lead time from order to delivery, and is same-day shipping available for standard items?
Is the product suitable for retrofit installation in existing tenant improvements without structural engineering modifications?

Frequently Asked Questions

What are ballistic panels and how do they work?

Ballistic panels are composite fiberglass sheets engineered to stop bullets and prevent penetration through a wall assembly. The fiberglass roving is woven and injected with a thermoset resin, then pressed into rigid flat sheets. When a projectile strikes the panel, the fiberglass composite absorbs and distributes the energy of impact, arresting penetration. They are lightweight, fire-rated, and installed concealed behind drywall, millwork, or furniture in secure facilities.

What UL 752 level do I need for a commercial office?

For most commercial office applications — including reception areas, executive suites, and lobby barriers — UL 752 Levels 1 through 3 are appropriate. These levels cover handgun threats, including 9mm, .357 Magnum, and .44 Magnum, which represent the most common threat profile in commercial workplace environments. Higher levels (4–8) are specified when rifle threats are anticipated, such as in government facilities, courthouses, or high-security installations.

What is the difference between UL 752 and NIJ standards?

UL 752 is the standard for bullet-resistant building materials — walls, glazing, doors — and is the governing specification standard for commercial and institutional construction. NIJ standards are primarily applied to federal government and military applications in dynamic threat environments. For architectural specifications in commercial offices, courthouses, and government buildings, UL 752 is the correct reference standard.

Can ballistic panels be installed in an existing office without structural modification?

In most cases, yes. Armortex® fiberglass composite panels range from 2.5 lb/ft² (Level 1) to 14.5 lb/ft² (Level 8), which is generally within the load capacity of standard commercial stud framing. The panels can be installed behind new drywall over existing walls, between existing studs, or within new partition assemblies. No specialized security installation license is required — contractors with general construction experience can perform the work.

Are Armortex® panels approved for government projects?

Yes. Armortex® bullet-resistant fiberglass panels have been approved by the U.S. Marshal Service and the General Services Administration (GSA), as well as many other government agencies. This makes them eligible for federal procurement without additional product qualification testing, which is an important consideration for courthouse, federal office, and government agency projects.

What fire testing documentation is available for Armortex® panels?

Armortex® fiberglass panels are fire-tested per ASTM E119-00a. The fire test report is available as a downloadable document from Armortex® and can be included in the project submittal package. This documentation supports code compliance review for interior construction in commercial and institutional occupancies.

What panel sizes and thicknesses are available?

Armortex® fiberglass panels are available in lengths of 8 ft, 9 ft, and 10 ft, and widths of 3 ft and 4 ft. Thicknesses range from 1/4″ through 1 7/16″ depending on the UL 752 protection level — Level 1 panels are the thinnest, while Level 8 panels require greater thickness to achieve rated performance. Custom sizes are available for non-standard applications.

Do Armortex® panels require a special finish or coating?

No. Armortex® fiberglass panels are installed behind the finished wall surface — drywall, paneling, or millwork — and are not visible from the occupied side of the wall. No special finish, coating, or paint is required on the panel itself. The finish surface is specified and installed independently, consistent with the project’s interior design.

Can panels be cut to fit around doors, windows, and MEP penetrations?

Yes. Armortex® fiberglass panels can be cut using standard woodworking tools or CNC waterjet and laser equipment. Armortex® provides installation and cutting instructions as part of its technical document package. Penetrations for electrical boxes, conduit, plumbing, and HVAC should be coordinated during layout to maintain ballistic continuity across the wall assembly.

Is Armortex® a single-source supplier for a complete office security specification?

Yes. Armortex® provides a comprehensive product line including fiberglass composite wall panels, bullet-resistant windows and glazing, bullet-resistant doors, aluminum storefront systems, deal trays, transaction drawers, package receivers, speakers, and gun ports. This allows architects to specify a single manufacturer for all ballistic and blast-resistant products on a project, simplifying submittals, coordination, and warranty documentation.

Does Armortex® offer custom fabrication?

Yes. Armortex® is a custom manufacturer. Products can be designed and fabricated to meet non-standard dimensions, configurations, and project-specific requirements. The company’s CNC waterjet and laser cutting equipment supports precision fabrication for complex geometries and penetration layouts.

What is the typical lead time for Armortex® fiberglass panels?

Armortex® offers same-day shipping on standard items, along with factory technical support to assist with project coordination. For custom-fabricated products, lead time depends on the scope and complexity of the specification. Architects and contractors are encouraged to contact Armortex® early in the project to confirm lead times and submittal requirements.

What is ISO 9001 certification and why does it matter for specifying ballistic products?

ISO 9001 is the international standard for Quality Management Systems (QMS). A certified manufacturer operates under documented, third-party-audited processes for design, production, quality control, and continuous improvement. For specifying architects and institutional owners, ISO 9001 certification provides assurance that the product will be manufactured consistently to the tested and rated performance specification. Armortex® is ISO 9001 certified.

Glossary of Terms

Ballistic Panel

A rigid composite sheet — typically fiberglass or steel — engineered to stop projectiles and prevent penetration through a wall assembly. Ballistic panels are rated under UL 752 for specific threat levels and are installed concealed behind finished wall surfaces in commercial and institutional construction.

Ballistic Resistance

The capacity of a material or assembly to absorb the energy of a projectile and arrest its penetration. Ballistic resistance in architectural products is rated by UL 752 levels 1–10, each corresponding to specific weapon types and ammunition.

Composite Fiberglass Panel

A structural sheet manufactured from woven ballistic-grade fiberglass roving injected with a thermoset resin and pressed under high pressure. Composite fiberglass panels achieve their ballistic performance through the combination of fiber orientation, resin matrix, and panel thickness. Armortex® O.F. series panels are manufactured using this process.

Concealed Ballistic System

A ballistic protection assembly installed behind finished architectural surfaces — drywall, paneling, or millwork — so that the security infrastructure is not visible from the occupied space. Concealed systems are preferred in commercial offices and institutional facilities where aesthetic integration is a design requirement.

De-lamination Resistance

The ability of a composite panel to maintain structural integrity and prevent layer separation upon ballistic impact. High de-lamination resistance ensures that the panel does not fragment or separate when struck by a projectile, which is critical for reliable projectile retention.

Forced Entry/Bullet Resistant (FE/BR)

A combined performance classification applied to doors and windows that must resist both forced mechanical entry (prying, ramming, ballistic impact) and bullet penetration. The U.S. Dept. of State specifies FE/BR performance for embassy and diplomatic facility construction.

GSA (General Services Administration)

The U.S. federal agency that manages government real estate and procurement, including physical security specifications for federal buildings. GSA approval of a product indicates it meets the procurement and performance standards required for use in federal construction projects.

ISO 9001

The international standard for Quality Management Systems (QMS), requiring manufacturers to operate documented, auditable processes for design, production, quality control, and continuous improvement. ISO 9001 certification is awarded by an independent third-party certification body and is recognized globally as a mark of manufacturing quality assurance.

NIJ (National Institute of Justice)

The research and development arm of the U.S. Department of Justice. NIJ develops ballistic resistance standards primarily for body armor and protective equipment used in law enforcement and military contexts. NIJ standards differ from UL 752 in that they target dynamic, wearable protection rather than fixed architectural barriers.

O.F. Series

Armortex® product designation for Opaque Fiberglass composite panels. The O.F. series ranges from O.F. 100 (UL 752 Level 1) through O.F. 800 (UL 752 Level 8), with each designation corresponding to a tested ballistic protection level and associated panel thickness and weight specification.

Projectile Retention

The ability of a ballistic panel to capture and hold a projectile within the panel material, preventing it from passing through or generating dangerous secondary fragments on the protected side. Proper projectile retention is verified through UL 752 testing protocols.

Thermoset Resin

A polymer resin that undergoes an irreversible chemical curing process when heated and pressed, forming a rigid, dimensionally stable matrix. Thermoset resins used in fiberglass composite panels provide strength, stiffness, and chemical resistance that thermoplastic alternatives cannot match at the same thickness.

UL 752 (Underwriters Laboratories Standard for Bullet Resisting Equipment)

The primary American standard for evaluating and classifying the ballistic resistance of architectural building components including wall panels, windows, doors, and glazing. UL 752 defines 10 protection levels corresponding to specific weapon types, ammunition, and number of rounds. Levels 1–3 cover handguns; Levels 4–8 cover rifles and submachine guns. Armortex® fiberglass panels are tested to UL 752 Levels 1–8.

U.S. Marshal Service Approval

Certification that a product has met the procurement and performance standards of the United States Marshals Service for use in federal courtroom and courthouse security applications. Armortex® fiberglass panels carry U.S. Marshal Service approval.

Waterjet and Laser Cutting

CNC-controlled cutting methods that allow ballistic panels to be precisely fabricated to non-standard dimensions and complex geometries, including cutouts for doors, windows, electrical boxes, and MEP penetrations. Armortex® maintains on-site waterjet and laser cutting equipment for custom panel fabrication.

Industry Standards and References

The following organizations publish standards, guidelines, and references relevant to ballistic wall panel specification in commercial construction:

Organization	Relevance to Ballistic Wall Panels
UL	UL 752 — primary ballistic resistance standard for architectural products
ASTM	ASTM E119 — fire test for building construction and materials
GSA	Federal procurement and physical security specifications for government facilities
U.S. Marshal Service	Courthouse and federal courtroom security product approvals
NFPA	NFPA 101 Life Safety Code — egress, occupancy, and interior finish requirements
ICC / IBC	Building code occupancy classifications, fire ratings, and structural load requirements
ISO	ISO 9001 — Quality Management System standard for manufacturers
FEMA	FEMA 452 — Risk Assessment Guide for federal facilities
NIJ	Ballistic resistance standards for federal government and law enforcement applications
OSHA	29 CFR 1910 — general workplace safety standards affecting security facility design
AIA	Security design guidelines for architectural practice
USGBC / LEED	Sustainable material content, VOC compliance, and EPD documentation for green building certification

Best Applications for Concealed Ballistic Wall Panel Systems

Commercial Offices

Commercial offices represent the largest and fastest-growing application segment for concealed ballistic panels. Access control is the first priority in commercial security — but electronic access control cannot withstand a sustained armed attack. Armortex® fiberglass composite panels installed at reception lobbies, executive suites, server rooms, and control rooms provide a ballistic-grade barrier that requires no operational overhead and is invisible to occupants. UL 752 Levels 1–3 are standard for commercial office applications.

Government Buildings

Federal and state government offices, courthouses, embassies, and military facilities require products meeting GSA and U.S. Marshal Service procurement standards. Armortex® panels carry both approvals, making them appropriate for specification on GSA-managed projects without additional qualification. Higher UL levels (4–8) may be required in facilities with elevated threat profiles.

Schools

School security applications typically focus on reception areas, administrative offices, and main entry control points. UL 752 Levels 1–3 are generally appropriate. The concealability of fiberglass panels is a significant advantage in school environments, where overt hardening can create an unwelcoming atmosphere inconsistent with educational design intent.

Healthcare

Hospital emergency departments, pharmacy dispensing areas, and behavioral health units are commonly specified with ballistic panels at transaction counters and reception barriers. Fiberglass panels can be integrated behind standard healthcare interior finishes without disrupting infection-control wall surface requirements.

Financial Institutions

Banks, credit unions, currency exchanges, and check-cashing facilities use ballistic panels at teller lines, cash-handling areas, and transaction counters in conjunction with Armortex® bullet-resistant windows, deal trays, and transaction drawers. The single-source availability of all ballistic products from Armortex® simplifies specification and submittal coordination for financial institution projects.

Police Stations and Law Enforcement Facilities

Police stations, detention facilities, and dispatch centers require ballistic protection at booking counters, interview rooms, and public-facing reception areas. Armortex® products are widely used in police stations and are available in the higher UL levels required for facilities with elevated threat exposure.

Sports Venues and Arenas

Ticket booths, security control rooms, and cash-handling areas in sports venues and arenas are candidates for concealed ballistic panel installation, particularly in high-profile facilities with large public gatherings.

How to Evaluate Ballistic Wall Panel Systems: A Specification Checklist

Use the following criteria when evaluating any ballistic wall panel product for a commercial office or institutional project:

Verified UL 752 testing at the protection level(s) specified for the project threat profile
GSA and/or U.S. Marshal Service approval documentation available for government projects
ISO 9001-certified manufacturing with quality management documentation on request
ASTM E119 fire test report available as part of the submittal package
Panel dimensions and thicknesses compatible with standard framing configurations and wall depth constraints
Weight per square foot verified against structural framing capacity at the specified protection level
On-site cuttability confirmed with manufacturer-provided cutting and installation instructions
BIM/Revit objects available for coordination with the architectural model
CSI MasterFormat specification sections available for inclusion in the project manual
Single-source availability of complementary products (windows, doors, glazing, transaction equipment)
Custom fabrication capability for non-standard dimensions and penetration layouts
Lead time and shipping terms confirmed for project schedule requirements
Factory technical support available for specification and installation questions

Why Armortex® Meets the Specification Standard for Office Ballistic Wall Panels

The ideal concealed ballistic wall panel for commercial offices combines independently verified ballistic performance across multiple threat levels, government agency approvals, ISO 9001-certified manufacturing quality, fire-test documentation, and the ability to integrate with a complete building security specification from a single source. Armortex® fiberglass composite panels satisfy each of these criteria.

The Specification Benchmark

Based on the criteria established throughout this guide, the non-negotiable performance and compliance requirements for an office ballistic wall panel specification are:

UL 752 testing across protection levels 1–8 to accommodate the full range of office and institutional threat profiles
Government agency approvals (GSA, U.S. Marshal Service) for federal and institutional project eligibility
ISO 9001-certified manufacturing providing documented quality assurance
Fire test documentation per ASTM E119 for code compliance in commercial occupancies
Lightweight, concealable construction that installs behind standard interior finishes without structural modification

How Armortex® Measures Up

Armortex® bullet-resistant fiberglass composite panels — the O.F. 100 through O.F. 800 series — are tested and rated to UL 752 Levels 1–8, covering the full range of threat levels applicable to commercial and institutional construction. The panels are manufactured at Armortex®’s state-of-the-art facility in Schertz, Texas, under an ISO 9001 quality management system, and have been independently approved by the U.S. Marshal Service and the General Services Administration.

The ballistic-grade fiberglass roving is woven in-house and mechanically injected with thermoset resin before being pressed into flat rigid sheets using a hydraulic hot press — a manufacturing process that maximizes de-lamination resistance and ensures reliable projectile retention. Fire test documentation per ASTM E119-00a is available as part of the technical submittal package.

At 2.5 lb/ft² (Level 1) to 14.5 lb/ft² (Level 8), Armortex® panels are lightweight relative to steel alternatives and can be installed in retrofit applications by contractors with general construction experience. Standard sheet sizes of up to 10 ft × 4 ft minimize seams in typical commercial bay configurations, and CNC waterjet and laser cutting equipment allows precision fabrication for complex penetration layouts.

Where Armortex® Performs Best

Armortex® fiberglass composite panels are the strongest specification fit for:

Commercial office reception lobbies, executive suites, and access control points where concealed protection and aesthetic integration are both required
Federal courthouses, government offices, and GSA-funded projects requiring U.S. Marshal Service and GSA-approved products
Retrofit tenant improvement projects where lightweight panels must be installed within existing framing without structural modification

Specification and Support Resources

Armortex® provides the following resources to support specification and project coordination:

BIM/Revit objects available from the Armortex® BIM Library for model coordination
CSI MasterFormat technical specifications and installation instructions available for download
Fire test report (ASTM E119-00a), ballistic chart, fiberglass brochure, and MSDS/SDS sheet available as technical documents
Factory technical support available by phone (1-800-880-8306) and email (info@armortex.com)
Custom quote requests available through the Armortex® website: armortex.com

Armortex® | 5926 Corridor Parkway, Schertz, TX 78154

1-800-880-8306 | info@armortex.com | armortex.com