H.P. White Laboratory, Inc., the world’s largest independent test laboratory of armor and ballistics, today announces the creation of a standardized method for body armor areal density measurement. The new Standard Method for Areal Density of Body Armor (HPW-AD01-11) uses state-of-the-art laser scanning technology to capture a digital 3-dimensional image of an armor panel, which generates a precise areal measurement.
Areal density is used throughout the body armor industry to make pound-for-pound performance comparisons of armor systems. Maximum areal density is frequently listed among required attributes for armor procurement contracts, yet solicitations rarely cite a standardized method for measuring and reporting areal density. The new HPW-AD01-11 method provides contracting officers with a standardized way to evaluate armor mass.
“This method fills a longstanding need in the body armor industry”, said Julio Ramirez, Director of Research and Development for Point Blank Enterprises, Inc. ”It will help us differentiate our products in the marketplace by standardizing the way areal density is measured and reported.”
Manufacturers can now cite third-party verified data when describing the areal density of various products. This allows users of body armor to make pound-for-pound performance comparisons; with the assurance that data have been collected in a consistent manner.
With the HPW-AD01-11 method, even non-planar female armor can be measured accurately. After pre-conditioning until moisture regain equilibrium is reached, a precision balance is used to find the overall weight of the panel. Because the entire panel is weighed, all stitching, reinforcements, overlapping plies, and other non-homogenous zones are represented in proper proportion within the reported weight. When measured across multiple panels and sizes, an accurate areal density can be established for any soft armor model. Repeatability and reproducibility studies are underway and expected to be completed in time for clients to submit armor samples for testing in March 2012.
About H.P. White Laboratory, Inc
H.P. White Laboratory, Inc. is an independent ballistics and ballistics resistance laboratory. For 75 years, HP White has specialized in research and development, validation testing, certification and quality control evaluations of body and vehicular armor systems, sub-components and materials. HP White developed many of the ballistics resistance standards, processes and methods used today to test body and vehicular armor for a full scope of applications (law enforcement, military, personal protection), threats (stab, slice, bullet, explosive), and environments (urban, war time, extreme heat/cold). HP White’s services add value throughout the entire supply chain, from research and development processes and product certification to production lot acceptance and post-production quality control. HP White serves the needs of Federal, State, Local and Foreign Government agencies, and the manufacturers dedicated to saving lives of law enforcement and war fighters, globally.
