Military Body Armor

At the core of Saint-Gobain's military body armor are engineered ceramics, specifically both sintered and reaction-bonded silicon carbide and boron carbide:

• Silicon carbide (SiC) offers a combination of high hardness and moderate density, making it very effective in dissipating kinetic energy while maintaining a manageable weight.
• Boron carbide (B4C) is significantly lighter and among the hardest synthetic materials available, which supports its use in weight-constrained military body armor where high hardness-to-weight ratios are essential for maintaining protection without impairing mobility. 

Saint-Gobain also combines SiC and B4C in consolidated ceramic compositions that uniquely take advantage of the attributes of each material. Both materials are chemically inert and can be processed into complex shapes, supporting multi-hit capability and integration into a range of armor systems, including body armor plates, vehicle applique panels, and aircraft protection systems.

Saint-Gobain Performance Ceramics & Refractories designs and manufactures torso and side plates that meet specific protection levels, weight targets, and size specifications for use in military body armor configurations, including modular vests, plate carriers, and full-body systems. Such solutions are available in Hexoloy and Forceram ceramics, delivering optimized protection for a range of threat scenarios and mission requirements.

Hexoloy Torso and Side Plates

Hexoloy torso and side plates are produced using Saint-Gobain’s high-purity sintered silicon carbide, as well as SiC and B4C in consolidated ceramic compositions. These materials are known for exceptional hardness and low weight. This ceramic provides dependable protection against armor-piercing threats while keeping weight to a minimum, which is essential for combat roles where mobility must be maintained. The monolithic design delivers reliable multi-hit performance, with single- and multi-curve profile options available to enhance ergonomic fit and wearer comfort. We also offer a female shape designed for the comfort and safety of the female warrior. Qualified to military testing standards, our Hexoloy plates are used in front-line armor configurations that demand reliability under pressure and are a key component in advanced military body armor systems.

Forceram Torso and Side Plates

Forceram torso and side plates are composed of bonded silicon carbide, as well as SiC and B4C in consolidated ceramic compositions. These materials offer a robust balance of ballistic performance and reduced weight. Designed for Level III - Level IV threats, our Forceram torso plates provide consistent multi-hit protection and structural integrity under repeated impact. They are integrated into military body armor systems where durability, cost-efficiency, and reliable ballistic performance are crucial. With these combined characteristics, Forceram becomes a valuable asset in military body armor engineered to perform in demanding environments.