Mitigate Bomb Blasts

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Mitigate Harm from Bomb Blasts with 3M Window Film

Extensive testing has proven that the threat of injury from flying glass shards can be greatly reduced using 3M Safety & Security Window Film with an attachment system. These tough, transparent, blast-resistant films consist of multiple micro composite polyester layers that work to hold shattered glazing together to increase glass protection. They can be applied quickly and easily on existing windows for bomb blast mitigation in an unobtrusive manner, allowing for fewer fragments and debris capable of inflicting harm when tragedy strikes. Over the course of many years, they maintain a high level of optical clarity, even during extreme conditions.

At a Glance

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Bomb Blast Mitigation

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Optically
Clear

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Tested to GSA Standards

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Glazed Surfaces: Your Property’s Weakest Link

Fragment retention window film was credited for saving many lives during the September 2001 terrorist attack on the Pentagon. In the event of a nearby explosion, a building’s Achilles heel is typically its glazed surfaces. Shattered into razor-sharp fragments and propelled at high speeds, window and door glass can cause severe injury, and even death, to a building’s occupants. In addition, shattered glazing allows blast over-pressure to enter the building. This, too, poses a serious threat to the safety of those inside and outside.
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A New Generation of Blast Film

3M has been manufacturing tough, tear-resistant window films to mitigate the effects of a bomb blast since the late 1960s. However, in 2024, 3M introduced its Scotchshield Safety & Security Window Film System S2400, a urethane-based security film that is more flexible than typical polyester-based (PET) films. This additional flexibility helps to provide greater Elongation at Break (560%) as compared to other films on the market, providing greater tear resistance in certain applications and situations. S2400 has been tested to the following standards:

  • 16 CFR 1201
  • ANSI Z97.1
  • UL 972
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3M Impact Protection Adhesive (IPA) Attachment System

Additional blast protection is offered by an attachment system. An attachment system helps prevent the entire glass pane from being blown out of the window frame. 3M’s Impact Protection Adhesive (IPA) attachment system is a structural silicone that bonds the film to the glass and the glass to the frame and should be applied in every 3M security film application to conform to 3M specifications.
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Independent GSA Testing

3M Safety & Security Window Films have been tested by independent agencies to the security criteria established by the GSA.

(Testing is available upon request.)

GSA Protection Standard

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Performance Criteria
Protection Level
Hazard Level
Description of Window Glazing Response
1
Safe
None
Glazing does not break. No visible damage to glazing or frame.
2
Very High
None
Glazing cracks but is retained by the frame. Dusting or very small fragments near sill or on floor acceptable.
3a
High
Very Low
Glazing cracks. Fragments enter space and land on floor no further than 3.3 ft. from the window.
3b
High
Low
Glazing cracks. Fragments enter space and land on floor no further than 10 ft. from the window.
4
Medium
Medium
Glazing cracks. Fragments enter space and land on floor and impact a vertical witness panel at a distance of no more than 10 ft. from the window at a height no greater than 2 ft. above the floor.
5
Low
High
Glazing cracks and window system fails catastrophically. Fragments enter space impacting a vertical witness panel at a distance of no more than 10 ft. from the window at a height greater than 2 ft. above the floor.

3M’s fragment retention films are maintenance-free, vary in thickness (from 4 mils to 24 mils*), and provide some of the energy benefits associated with 3M sun control films.
*1 mil = .001 inches

Product Information

Segment Card
Bomb Blast Segment Card
Product Specifications
Warranty

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for Commercial Buildings

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