Ballistic Materials Explained: The Science Behind Modern Protection

Ballistic protection is not defined by thickness alone - it is the result of material science, physics, and
engineering working together to stop high-energy threats. From handheld ballistic shields to armored vehicles and
protective barriers, the materials used determine what threats can be stopped, how many hits can be absorbed, and
how usable the armor remains.

Automotive Armor Manufacturing's (AAM) guide explains the most common ballistic materials used today, how they
work, and where each material excels.

Why Ballistic Materials Matter

When a projectile strikes armor, several things happen in milliseconds:

• Energy must be absorbed or redirected
• The projectile must deform, fracture, or stop
• Secondary hazards like spall and fragmentation must be controlled

Different materials solve these problems in very different ways, which is why most modern armor systems are
layered, not single-material.

Ballistic Steel

What It Is

Ballistic steel is a high-hardness alloy steel specifically engineered to resist penetration and deformation
under impact.

How It Works

• The hardness of the steel blunts and fractures the projectile
• Energy is spread across the plate
• Multi-hit durability is very high

Advantages

• Excellent multi-hit capability