Two Types of Ballistic Plates

What is the difference between the two types of ballistic plates?

Knowing the difference between the two kinds of ballistic plates is relevant in determining which of the two is likely suitable to your need. Both plates are used to decelerate the speed of the impact, stop the bullet from penetrating by breaking it down into fragments, and absorbing the impact that may cause injury or blunt force trauma to the wearer.

What are the two kinds of ballistic plates?

Generally, they are differentiated as “Stand-Alone” and “Insert Plates.”

Stand Alone Plates are made from ceramic or polyethylene, designed to capture projectiles from high-powered handguns and rifles. Stand alone, from the term itself, the plates doesn’t need soft armor vest to capture any fragments from bullets. However, bear in mind that without a vest, the wearer could experience blunt force trauma since there is nothing to cushion him from the projectile impact.  

Insert plates on the other hand are designed to be in conjunction with a soft ballistic vest which must be NIJ certified level IIIA. These plates are generally made from two materials; ceramic and polyethylene. Ceramic plate is made by compressing and firing alumina ceramic powders and formed into a monolithic tile. After firing, it will undergo a process by adding composite GRP or aramid backing that will emit the structural strength and multi hit capability of the ballistic plates.

These plates are formed into varying thickness so that it can provide protection from different kinds of high caliber guns and other armor piercing ammunition. An example of the ammunition is 7.62 x 63mm caliber. It can withstand even a multi-strike ballistic impact.

Polyethylene plates are also made from polyethylene materials and compressed into a solid plate. The thickness is similar to that or thicker than the stand alone plates. It can provide protection up to 7.62 mm NATO ball soft ammunition. The polyethylene plates are lighter that their ceramic counterpart and are definitely more expensive as well.

Now that you know the difference between the two body armor plates, simply figure out what possible situation and degree of threat you’re vulnerable to experience.