The rigorous evaluation of safety products is a crucial aspect of protecting schools, commercial buildings, and public spaces. Among the most critical components in that effort is the testing of glass and security films used to delay forced entry and mitigate active shooter threats.
In high-stakes situations such as an attempted break-in or active shooter scenario, every second matters. That’s why it is essential to ensure that the products installed to safeguard lives actually work under real-world conditions—not just in controlled or superficial tests.
To that end, ASTM standards provide the foundation for fair, reliable, and reproducible testing procedures. Armoured One, a company founded by former law enforcement and security professionals, strongly supports the widespread implementation of ASTM standards in the development and assessment of life-saving security products.
Setting the Bar for Real-World Resilience
ASTM International, formerly known as the American Society for Testing and Materials, is a globally recognized organization that establishes voluntary consensus standards across dozens of industries—from construction and transportation to consumer products and safety systems.
What sets ASTM standards apart is their commitment to replicating realistic, high-pressure environments. Their benchmarks go well beyond testing for basic durability or cosmetic damage. Instead, they simulate real-world attacks involving tools, projectiles, blunt force, and sustained attempts at forced entry.
For example, ASTM F1233 and ASTM F1915 outline detailed procedures for testing glass and security films under repeated strikes, pressure, and physical assault. These protocols ensure that testing is not only thorough but also repeatable across labs and manufacturers, eliminating the guesswork or bias often present in unregulated evaluations.
By replicating the types of conditions a building may face during a violent incident, ASTM standards help ensure that safety products aren’t just tough in theory—but proven to perform when lives are on the line.
Bringing Transparency to the Testing Process
One of the most important benefits of using ASTM standards is the transparency they introduce into the testing process. When a product is evaluated using standardized, widely accepted criteria, the results are independently verifiable. This means that procurement officers, school administrators, and safety consultants can trust that the performance data isn’t cherry-picked or manipulated to suit a marketing narrative.
In sectors like education, where safety is paramount and budgets are often tight, this kind of transparency is crucial. Schools must be able to justify their choices—to school boards, to parents, and, most importantly, to the students and teachers they serve.
Armoured One’s founder, Tom Czyz, has consistently emphasized the importance of such clarity. As a former SWAT team operator and homicide detective, Czyz has seen firsthand how quickly a situation can escalate and how devastating the consequences of failure can be. In his view, security products must be tested and proven—there is no room for ambiguity or inflated promises.
That’s why Armoured One advocates for ASTM testing methods across its entire product line. Their goal is simple: eliminate uncertainty and build real, measurable trust with schools, commercial clients, and first responders.
Filtering Out Misleading Claims
Unfortunately, the absence of standardized testing in certain parts of the security industry has allowed some manufacturers to market subpar products with exaggerated claims. Slick demonstration videos and impressive-looking materials can be misleading, giving end-users a false sense of security.
Without rigorous testing, it becomes nearly impossible to distinguish between a film that can truly delay an intruder and one that might shatter on first impact.
ASTM standards act as a safeguard against these dangers. They require measurable, objective data to back up product performance claims. Security films, for instance, must withstand repeated strikes from heavy objects, exposure to thermal stress, and attempts at prying or cutting. Products that pass these tests can rightly claim to provide real protection—not just visual deterrence.
Armoured One has encountered many under-tested or misrepresented products in the field. These experiences have shaped the company’s firm stance on testing and certification. For them, it’s not about selling a product—it’s about saving lives.
Strengthening School Security with Proven Protocols
In recent years, the need for stronger school security has become painfully clear. As threats have evolved—from isolated break-ins to the horrifying reality of mass shootings—schools and public institutions are under increasing pressure to implement solutions that are both effective and reliable.
By aligning with ASTM testing protocols, manufacturers and installers can offer greater peace of mind to those relying on these solutions. It’s not enough for glass or film to “look” strong—it must be proven through rigorous testing to resist attack long enough for law enforcement to respond or for occupants to get to safety.
Armoured One integrates this principle into every layer of its services, from their proprietary shooter-resistant glass to full-scale security assessments and emergency preparedness training. Every recommendation is grounded in verifiable data and years of field experience.
Their message is clear: when it comes to the safety of children, teachers, and employees, there is no room for shortcuts.
Reinforcing Confidence Through Standards
At its core, ASTM helps bring legitimacy to an industry where exaggerated claims and misinformation can have deadly consequences. By following ASTM testing standards, manufacturers are held to a higher bar of accountability, and end-users gain a clearer picture of what a product can truly deliver.
This commitment to transparency and proven performance is central to Armoured One’s mission. Their continued support for ASTM standards is not just about product development—it’s about shaping an industry where lives are on the line and only the most dependable solutions will do.
In a world filled with uncertainty, especially in the realm of public safety, one thing remains clear: when it comes to protecting schools and communities, only thoroughly tested, independently validated products should be trusted.