Hybrid armor
Tensylon® combined with ballistic steel to protect with less weight.
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Armor materials
Tensylon® in Mexico
The lightweight ballistic laminate we use in the hybrid armor of cars, SUVs and trucks.
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What is Tensylon®?
Tensylon® is a high-modulus bidirectional ballistic laminate made from ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) tapes, designed for hard armor. It is sold in rolls that armor makers cut, stack and press into panels.
It is used in vest plates, helmets, shields and vehicle armor, both military and civilian. Its main advantage is that it stops ballistic threats and fragments with much less weight than steel alone.
Tensylon® features
Data from the manufacturer's datasheet for Tensylon® HSBD 30A, a high-modulus bidirectional laminate for ballistic applications.
Final ballistic performance depends on panel design, thickness, pressing and what it is paired with (steel, ceramic or glass), so each armor package is tested as a complete system.
Sources: DuPont™ Tensylon® HSBD 30A datasheet and Arclin website (arclin.com/brands/tensylon).
- Material type
- High-modulus bidirectional laminate (UHMWPE tapes)
- Format
- Roll of 300 m or more (328 yd) long
- Roll width
- 1.6 m (± 1.3 cm)
- Areal density
- 111 g/m² (± 6%)
- Main use
- Hard armor: vehicles, helmets, shields and plates
- Manufacturer
- Arclin (Tensylon® brand; formerly DuPont™ and BAE Systems)
Armor materials
Why Tensylon® is used in armor
- 01
Less weight
Polyethylene is much lighter than steel, so the vehicle keeps better handling, braking, suspension and fuel economy.
- 02
Low back-face deformation
The manufacturer highlights its low back-face deflection: the material bulges little toward the inside when hit.
- 03
Multi-hit and fragments
It is designed to withstand several impacts and fragments, such as those that break away from the body or steel.
- 04
Rigid and durable
It is a rigid laminate that does not degrade under routine use and withstands different climates.
- 05
Pairs with other materials
It can be used alone or in a hybrid setup with ballistic steel, ceramic or bulletproof glass.
- 06
Proven use
It protects military and security-force vehicles, and is used in helmets and shields.
Tensylon® for vehicle armor
In automotive armor, Tensylon® goes in the doors, sides, roof and other areas, usually as an inner lining over ballistic steel. This reaches the desired protection level without loading the vehicle with as much steel.
It is a good option to armor cars, SUVs, pickups, trucks and vans, especially when you want discreet, lightweight armor for daily use.
- Cars and sedans
- SUVs and crossovers
- Pickups and trucks
- Vans and transport vehicles
Tensylon® in RGM Armor armored vehicles
At RGM Armor we offer Tensylon® inside our armored vehicles, in the hybrid armor that combines it with SSAB Armox 600T and Ramor 550 ballistic steel, in our Level IV+ and Level V+ units available for immediate delivery from Monterrey.
We can also include it when armoring your vehicle at our certified plant, any make, with the protection you need. This page is informational about the material; Tensylon® is a registered trademark of its owner and RGM Armor is an independent armor builder that integrates it into its vehicles.
Automotive armor
More about our armor
Ballistic steel
SSAB Armox 600T and Ramor 550 steel for every area of the vehicle.
See detailsTensylon® vs. ballistic steel
How they complement each other in hybrid armor.
See detailsTrucks and cars with Tensylon®
Vehicles we armor with this material.
See detailsQuestions about Tensylon®
What is Tensylon®?
It is a bidirectional ballistic laminate made from ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) tapes for hard armor, such as vehicle armor, helmets, shields and plates.
Is Tensylon® used to armor cars and SUVs in Mexico?
Yes. At RGM Armor we offer it in the hybrid armor of our armored vehicles, combined with ballistic steel, and also when armoring your car, SUV or truck at our Monterrey plant.
Is Tensylon® lighter than steel?
Yes. It is a polyethylene laminate much lighter than steel, which is why it is used to armor with less weight and protect vehicle performance.
Who makes Tensylon®?
It is now marketed by Arclin under the Tensylon® brand. It was previously DuPont™, which acquired it from BAE Systems.
Does Tensylon® protect on its own?
It depends on the design. In vehicles it is almost always used in hybrid armor, together with ballistic steel and bulletproof glass, and each system is tested as a whole.
Where can I get a quote for Tensylon® armor?
Message us on WhatsApp, call 81 2602 8739 or schedule a visit to our plant in Monterrey, N.L. We serve all of Mexico.
Contact
Take action for your safety
Talk to an armoring specialist to get a quote for your vehicle or schedule a plant visit.