How Lightweight Body Armor is Tested
Lightweight body armor is designed to give protection from different ballistic threats and other weapons. But before lightweight body armor can reach the public, it must first undergo some series of ballistic tests. These ballistic tests are essential because it determines if the lightweight body armor has passed the normal standards required for body armors. Their performance and capability to give protection and safety must be first established. Below is a short summary of how lightweight body armor is tested.
1. Testing of the Fabric – Manufacturers have been searching and developing different lightweight fabric materials to be used for lightweight body armors. And before they can mass produce a certain material, the fabric must be first tested in order to determine if it has the capability to stop a bullet. 2. Testing of the number of layers that is required to stop a bullet from penetration – The main purpose of the lightweight body armor is to give protection and it must adhere to that. To make the lightweight body armor effective, it must be able to completely stop the bullet and prevent it from penetrating deeper into the skin. To achieve this, there is a need to determine the number of layers required in order to fully halt a speeding bullet thus a need to perform this test. 3. Medical Testing – Medical testing is another important test that lightweight body armor must undergo. This is to ensure that it has the ability to save life and reduce severe injuries on the body. 4. Wear ability – To be effective in giving protection, lightweight body armor must be wearable. Tests should be done regarding wear ability in order to determine if it will not cause stress, strains and injuries on the human body when it is worn. 5. Independent testing of accredited organizations – Before light body armor is commercialized, it must pass first independent testing of certain organizations regulating the production of body armors. This is to certify that the light body armor is acceptable and has passed the normal standards and policies. |