A bulletproof vest is an essential element of personal protection that ensures safety in the face of the threat of gunshot and shrapnel wounds. Modern body armor consists of several layers of materials, and the main one is metal plates. They are made from various alloys, each of which is adapted to specific operating conditions. At PZPS, we have launched the production of high-quality 40X13 steel tape, which is used to create plates that meet the most stringent safety requirements.
Requirements for metal plates for body armor
Metal plates for body armor are subject to strict requirements that determine their effectiveness and reliability in the field:
- Corrosion resistance. Bulletproof vests are often used in conditions of high humidity, so metal plates must be resistant to corrosion.
- Strength and hardness. They must withstand the effects of bullets, fragments and other destructive elements without deformation and destruction.
- Lightweight and flexible. The metal plates should be relatively light and flexible enough to ensure the user's comfort and freedom of movement.
- Compliance with security standards. Metal plates must comply with the class established by GOST R 50744-95, which determines their level of protection, that is, the ability to stop bullets of various calibers and fragments.
- Compatibility with other materials. If the body armor consists of several layers of materials (for example, metal plates and aramid fibers), then the metal plates must be well combined with these materials, ensuring the overall integrity of the structure.
- The ability to manufacture complex shapes. To improve ergonomics and increase the protection area, the plates must be easy to machine and shape. This makes it possible to create products of complex shapes, taking into account human anatomical features.
- cost. The cost of metal plates should be acceptable for mass production of body armor.
Metal plates for body armor must combine high strength, corrosion resistance and lightness to provide the maximum level of protection with minimal restrictions on user comfort.
The main materials used in body armor
Depending on the level of protection and weight and comfort requirements, body armor uses different materials:
- steel. This is a traditional material for making bulletproof vests. Steel plates provide high strength and hardness, but can be heavy and less comfortable to wear for extended periods of time.
- Titan. Titanium alloys provide high strength with relatively low weight, which makes them an ideal material for the manufacture of elite body armor. However, their high cost limits their mass use.
- Aluminum. Aluminum alloys are used in body armor due to their lightness. Although they are inferior in strength to steel and titanium alloys, they can be effective in protecting against certain types of firearms.
- Kevlar and other aramid fibers. These materials are often used in combination with metal plates to create composite armor. Aramid fibers provide protection against splinters and bullets, and metal plates increase the overall strength of the structure.
- stoneware. Ceramic plates can withstand bullets and shrapnel. They can be used in combination with other materials to increase the level of protection.
The choice of material for metal plates in body armor depends on the balance between protective properties, weight, comfort and cost, which makes it possible to find an optimal solution for different tasks and operating conditions.
40X13 steel: advantages and disadvantages
One of the main materials for the production of armor plates is the 40X13 alloy. This steel grade is used in the manufacture of body armor when increased strength and corrosion resistance are required.
Among the advantages of 40X13 steel are:
- high strength and hardness, which provides protection against shocks and punctures;
- corrosion resistance, thanks to which the body armor can be used in conditions of high humidity;
- relatively low weight compared to other steel grades;
- lower cost compared to titanium alloys.
Despite the fact that 40X13 alloy is one of the most common materials for making metal plates for body armor, it still has some drawbacks:
- lower ability to stop bullets compared to other steel grades;
- higher cost compared to some other steels.
Production of 40X13 steel tape at PZPS
The St. Petersburg Precision Alloy Plant produces a 40X13 steel strip with a width of 3 to 250 mm and a thickness of 0.005 to 4.0 mm.
PZPS offers not only high-quality metal tape for the production of armor plates, but also a wide range range of steels and alloys for other applications, as well as a variety of production services, including heat treatment and machining, to ensure optimal performance and performance of your products. Our specialists are always ready to help you choose the right material, taking into account all technical requirements and operating conditions. Please contact us at specified phones or leave application on the site — we will be happy to help you produce products that meet the highest quality and safety standards.
