subject: Types Of Body Armor [print this page] Body armors act as protective shields in stopping projectiles from going through the body. Bulletproof vest is the term they use for modern day body armor.
The design of bulletproof vests is to prevent any projectiles from entering the body which can harm to sensitive organs from the chest to the abdominal areas.
Bulletproof vests are usually made from either Spectra or Kevlar along with the addition of steel or ceramic plates on some types. These materials are effective in stopping bullets because they disperse the energy of the bullets over a large area.
The advancement of ammunition and ballistic technology has led to the development of different types of body armors. The military, the police, law enforcement agents, as well as private security guards use bulletproof vests to protect themselves from gun shots.
Depending on where it will be used, the design and the materials used on a bulletproof vest will vary. Among the materials used in making bulletproof vests, Kevlar is the most effective. Kevlar's unique characteristic of being lightweight and stronger than steel has made it the material of choice for making bulletproof vests.
Kevlar is made through the weaving of Kevlar yarn to make a cloth like material. This is then layered and interwoven with other Kevlar cloth with the addition of resins to form a material that is capable of absorbing and dispersing huge energy. Below is a list of the types of body armors:
Soft Bulletproof Vest - this type of bulletproof vest is very common and it is the one being used by policemen and private security guards. It is commonly made of fibers and soft clothing which are interwoven together to form a net. They are effective for protecting the user from ordinary weapons but ineffective against high caliber ammunition.
Interceptor Vests - this type of bulletproof vest is made of Kevlar and other protective plates. The plates serve as protection for the front, back, throat, and groin.
Personnel Kevlar Vest - this is a physical armor created by using thick Kevlar filler. It has two grenade hangers, two front pockets, a 3/4 inch collar as well as a swivel shaped shoulder pads.
Dragon Skin Armor - this armor is made by using silicon carbide ceramics that are in the form of small discs and made to overlap each other. This gives the wearer flexibility as well as protection against multiple shots.
