Automotive Armor is currently submitting shields for ASTM certification.

ASTM’s Role in Ballistic Shield Testing

ASTM develops and publishes voluntary consensus standards for a wide range of materials and products, including protective equipment like ballistic shields. While ASTM is not the only standards body (others include NIJ, ISO, and NATO), it provides guidance relevant to material performance, impact resistance, and testing procedures that may be referenced during testing.

ASTM E3347/E3347M-25 is the latest standard specification for ballistic-resistant shields used by law enforcement officers. This standard outlines the minimum performance requirements and test methods to evaluate the ballistic resistance of shields designed to protect against handgun and rifle ammunition.

Scope and Application:

• Applies to hand-held or hand-carried shields, including single or multiple panels, multi-fold shields, and person-portable shields with wheels.
• Covers both stand-alone shields and those incorporating in conjunction with (ICW) armor appliques.
• Excludes fixed or mobile barriers not intended to move during an operation and flexible shields that drape across surfaces (e.g., ballistic blankets).
• Addresses ballistic performance in terms of resistance to penetration (RTP) of the shield body, edges, viewports, fasteners, and weak points.
• Classifies shields into ASTM shield ballistic protection levels.
• Applicable for certification testing, verification testing, or research and development testing.
• Provides guidelines for product documentation, labeling, and test reporting.

For detailed information and to access the full standard, you can visit the ASTM International website: ASTM International | ASTM

Additional Standards Often Referenced:

NIJ (National Institute of Justice) standards are also commonly used for ballistic materials and shields in North America. Particularly:

NIJ Standard 0108.01 – For ballistic-resistant protective materials, including shields