riot sheild Palshield being held by riot police
PALSHIELD™
polycarbonate shielding Palshield being used in a Security area
PALSHIELD™
PALSHIELD™

PALSHIELD™ BALLISTIC-GRADE FLAT POLYCARBONATE SHEET

Ballistic-grade polycarbonate for security applications

The PALSHIELD ballistic polycarbonate product line is available with different levels of ballistics and forced-entry protection to meet a variety of safety and security applications. Due to its layered, laminated structure, PALSHIELD sheets can withstand both physical attacks and multi-shot ballistic assaults by absorbing impact energy without shattering or spalling.  Architects, engineers, and building owners trust PALSHIELD to withstand extreme threats even while maintaining its aesthetic quality.

Nearly half the weight of glass, PALSHIELD also features an abrasion-resistant coating, which ensures long-term, glass-like clarity.

Reinforced, Layered Polycarbonate Structure

Reinforced, Layered Polycarbonate Structure

Product Details

Product Availability*

Forced Entry ProductsProtection LevelThickness in. (mm)Plieslbs./ft² (kg/m²)Light Transmission
Palshield FE 375ASTM F1915-05 Security Grade Level 2.375" (9.5mm)22.4 (11.7)86%
Palshield FE 500ASTM F1915-05 Security Grade Level 2 HPW 0500.03 Level A Ballistics (.38 special).500" (12.7mm)33.3 (16.1)83%
Palshield FE 750ASTM F1915-05 Security Grade Level 1 HTW 0500.03 Level B Ballistics (9mm).750" (19mm)34.9 (23.9)77%

Ballistic ProductsProtection LevelThickness in. (mm)Plieslbs./ft² (kg/m²)Light Transmission
Palshield UL1-750*UL 752 Level 1** - 9mm 3 shots.750" (19mm)34.9 (23.9)88%
Palshield UL2-1000UL 752 Level 2** - .357 3 shots1.0" (25.4mm)46.5 (31.7)72%
Palshield UL3-1250UL 752 Level 3** - .44 Mag 3 shots ASTM F1915-05 Security Grade 1 ASTM 1233-08 Class V (Body)1.25" (32mm)48.1 (39.5)67%
Palshield UL6-1250*UL 752 Level 6** - High Velocity 9mm 5 shots Supplemental shotgun 1 shot1.25" (32mm)48.1 (39.5)78%

 

* Contains Acrylic

 

** Tested by an accredited independent lab according to UL specs.

Colors

ColorsClear, Bronze, Grey
PropertyConditions
(U.S. Customary)
ASTM MethodUnits - SI
(U.S. Customary)
Value
(U.S. Customary)
Physical
DensityD-1505g/cm³ (lb/ft³)1.2 (75)
Water Absorption24 hr. @ 23°CD-570%0.15
Mechanical
Tensile strength at yield10 mm/min (0.4 in./min)D-638MPa (psi) 62 (9,000)
Tensile strength at break10 mm/min (0.4 in./min)D-638MPa (psi)65 (9500)
Elongation at yield10 mm/min (0.4 in./min)D-638%6
Elongation at break10 mm/min (0.4 in./min)D-638%110
Tensile Modulus of Elasticity10 mm/min (0.4 in. /min)D-638MPa (psi)2,378 (345,000)
Flexural Modulus1.3 mm/min (0.05 in./min)D-790MPa (psi)2,378 (345,000)
Flexural Strength at Yield1.3 mm/min (0.05 in./min)D-790MPa (psi)93 (13,500)
Notch Impact Strength Izod23°C (73°F)D-256J/m (ft·lbf/in.)800 (15)
Notch Impact Strength Charpy23°C (73°F)D-256J/m (ft·lbf/in)800 (15)
Impact Falling Weight3 mm (0.12 in.) SheetISO-6603/1bJ (ft·lbf)158 (117)
Rockwell HardnessD-785R scale / M scale125 / 70
Abrasion (Taber Process)100 Cycles, CS-10S Wheel, 500gD-1044% Haze<4.0
Compressive Strength1.3 mm/min (.05 in./min)D-695MPa (psi)86 (12,500)
Compressive Modulus1.3 mm/min (.05 in./min)D-695MPa (psi)2378 (345,000)
Shear strength at Yield1.3 mm/min (.05 in./min)D-732MPa (psi)41 (6000)
Shear strength at Break1.3 mm/min (.05 in./min)D-732MPa (psi)68 (10,000)
Shear Modulus1.3 mm/min (.05 in./min)D-732MPa (psi)786 (114,000)
Thermal
Long Term Service Temperature°C (°F)-75 to +100 (-175 to +212)
Short Term Service Temperature°C (°F)-75 to +120 (-175 to +250)
Heat Deflection TemperatureLoad: 1.82 Mpa (264 psi)D-648°C (°F)132 (270)
Vicat Softening TemperatureLoad: 1 kg (2.2 lb)D-1525°C (°F)150 (300)
Coefficient of Linear
Thermal Expansion
D-69610-⁵/°C (10-⁵/°F)6.5 (3.6)
Thermal ConductivityC-177W/m°K (Btu-in./hr-ft²-°F)0.21 (1.46)
Specific Heat CapacityC-351kJ/kg°K (Btu/lb°F)1.26 (0.31)
Optical
Light TransmissionD-1003%See Product Data Sheet
Refractive IndexClear SheetD-5421.59
Electrical
Dielectric Constant50 HzD-1503
1 MHzD-1502.9
Dissipation Factor50 HzD-1500.9
1 MHzD-15011
Dielectric Strength Short Time500 V/sD-149kV/mm (V/mil)>30 (>770)
Surface ResistanceKetleyD-257Ohm5.1x10^15
Volume ResistanceKetleyD-257Ohm-cm1.3x10^17

Regulatory Code Compliance Certification

OrganizationStandard
Classification
ANSI
Z97.1-09
Approved Impact and Weathering
CPSC
16 CFR 1201
Category I or II

Testing Std. Reference
Standard and Year
Title / Description
ASTM
F1233-08
Standard Test Method for Security Glazing Materials and Systems
ASTM
F1915-05
Standard Test Method for Glazing for Detention Facilities
HP White
TP-0500-.03
Transparent Material for Use in Forced Entry or Containment Barriers
UL
752
Bullet Resistant Equipment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the protective polyethylene films on certain sheets?
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The protective films in flat (non-corrugated) Palram sheets are for protection against dirt and scratching during the long journey from manufacturing to the job site. In some cases, the film also carries important installation and other product information.

The film will also indicate which side is UV-protected. This side should be installed facing outwards (extremely important).

In most cases, we recommend peeling off the protective films after installation. If this is not possible for practical reasons, always mark the UV protected surface, if there is one, so that the sheet will not be installed upside down.

Important note: The protective films that cover Palram sheets are highly sensitive to heat and direct sunlight. Excessive heat and direct sunlight before taking off the film can cause gluing of that film to the sheet surface, after which it will be extremely difficult to remove it from the sheet.

Do Palram panels keep out heat?
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Palram products are available in a variety of colors, which varies by product. Each has its own heat and light transmission properties. While all Palram panels block virtually 100% of harmful UV radiation, there are variations in heat and light transmission.

Clear panels allow the most solar light and heat through, while lighter, opaque colors are more reflective. If excessive heat buildup is a concern, our "Solar Control" panels are your best bet. Please see each product page for more information on color offerings, light transmission percentages and warranty terms.

How important is it to follow Palram general recommendations on product usage?
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Very. Palram recommendations for the storage, installation and general treatment of products are drafted to ensure that the product’s quality and serviceability is met to full extent, and following these recommendations ensures that product warranty isn't void. Please be sure to view the specific product's documents for more information.

Do Palram sheets expand in heat?
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Can Palram sheets catch fire?
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All plastic materials are flammable to some degree, and will catch fire in presence of exterior flame.

The ignition temperature of polycarbonate sheets is 915ºF (490ºC).

The ignition temperature of PVC sheets is 736ºF (391ºC).

Both materials are self-extinguishing, and fire will decay when the exterior flame source is removed.

Note that compared to polycarbonate and PVC, acrylic sheets (which are not produced by Palram) are more flammable.

Can Palram sheets be curved?
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Bending/forming instructions vary by sheet material. Always check the installation instructions of the relevant sheet material.

But in general, some of our sheets can be cold-curved for arched shapes, provided the relevant Palram specifications for minimum radius in cold-curving are followed.

Rigid flat sheets can be cold-curved in any direction.

Corrugated sheets can be cold arched "along the grain" of the corrugation (lengthwise). Corrugated sheets cannot be curved/arched "against the grain." That is, do not bend perpendicular to the direction of the ribs.

Like corrugated sheets, multiwall sheets can be arched only "along the grain" of multiwall (lengthwise).

Our Palight Trimboard "lumber-style" boards can be heat formed in any direction, with the proper heating equipment and forming jig.

Again, see the installation guidelines for each material for specific instructions.

How should I store Palram sheets when not in use?
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Store sheets in a protected, shaded, ventilated site, with no direct exposure to sunlight and winds. For outdoor temporary storage, cover with an opaque protective tarp, avoiding heat-absorbing materials.

Important note: Palram flat (non-corrugated) panels have a protective surface film that keeps the product safe from dirt and scratches during the long journey from manufacturing to the job site.

These films are sensitive to heat and direct sunlight. Excessive heat and direct sunlight before taking off the film can cause that film to bond the sheet surface, after which it will be extremely difficult to remove the film from the sheet.

Can I use any of Palram's products as a hurricane screen?
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How long do Palram PVC and polycarbonate products last?
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Palram manufactures a variety of different products for different applications. Most have industry-leading warranties against manufacturing related defects, as well as specific warranties related to the intended use for the product.

However, with proper installation and maintenance, our products typically far exceed their warranty periods.

Many of our products are engineered to be installed outdoors and are warranted accordingly. Nevertheless, the lifespan of outdoor products can be affected by how well they were installed, as well as environmental factors like air pollution, sun exposure, winds and erosion by airborne particles.

Warranty details can be found in the Downloads tab under the Warranties section at the bottom of the page for each individual product.

Can I recycle Palram polycarbonate or PVC panel scraps?
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Yes, Palram's polycarbonate and PVC sheet products are recyclable.

Polycarbonate products such as Suntuf, Sunlite, Palsun, DynaGlas, or ThermaGlas should be marked "Plastic #7" prior to recycling.

PVC products such as Palruf, Ag-Tuf, PALCLAD PRO HYG, Palclear, or should be marked "Plastic #3".

If local recycling is not available, other resources are available. For PVC products, click here to visit the Vinyl Institute's Recycling Provider Database.

For polycarbonate products, visit The Association of Post Consumer Plastic Recyclers site and review their materials buyers and seller's list.