Mecmesin | Testing Kevlar material and stab-proof vests (2024)

Case study

Mecmesin | Testing Kevlar material and stab-proof vests (1)

Stab-proof vest penetration test completed

Mecmesin | Testing Kevlar material and stab-proof vests (2)

Stab-proof vest penetration test comparison results and report

Solution

  • Twin-column software-controlled force testing system and software
  • Selection of load cells with capacities to match test loads
  • Special adjustable upper grip to hold a variety of blade-like points
  • Supporting lower fixture table

Benefits

  • Flexible programming environment to calculate strategic performance parameters
  • large test space to accomodate a range of sample clothing sizes and designs
  • Reliable and repeateable testing to ensure confidence in officer safety and protection

Requirement

Kevlar® has many applications in the modern world ranging from bicycle tyres, racing sails through to protective gloves and body armour. It is one of the strongest materials available worldwide being five times stronger than steel on an equal-weight basis. Due to its high tensile strength-to-weight ratio Kevlar® is perhaps the most widely accepted material used in body armour and so-called ‘stab-proof’ clothing today.

Stab resistant vests incorporate Kevlar panels housed in carriers manufactured from softer fabrics, which are more comfortable when in contact with the skin over extended periods of time. These Kevlar panels need to protect the body by resisting penetration from edged and pointed weapons such as knives, spikes and broken bottles.

Against a background of knife crime offences in the UK rising by 80% between 2014-2019, a prominent UK police force contacted Mecmesin to carry out a series of penetration tests on their overt and covert stab-proof vests, manufactured in the Far-East. The tests were performed using real weapons collected from knife amnesty bins. The objective was to obtain comparative data relating to the penetration forces at various parts of a single vest and across different aged vests, both new and used. Of particular interest were any differences in penetration resistance encountered in the shoulder, side, chest and back areas.

Solution

The Kevlar® fabric is intrinsically strong but when tightly woven together it creates an even more effective protective barrier. This tight weaving of the fibres makes it extremely difficult for a weapon to be able to penetrate the material because an amount of force is required. A knife becomes caught in the woven fabric, slipping through the material whereas a sharp, pointed object will cause the fibres to move around the point, slowing down the rate at which the item can pierce the vest, preventing a full-puncture condition from occurring.

A MultiTest 25 kN twin-column tensile tester was configured with a vice-grip to hold a variety of different knives and a penetration jig to support the stab vest specimens. Mecmesin’s Emperor software controlled the tensile tester to apply the high compression forces needed to completely penetrate the material. Calculations were set up to establish and report the maximum penetration force in newtons and also the energy in Joules, which is a significant comparative performance parameter.

Test equipment

  • MultiTest 25-i twin-column software-controlled tensile/compression test system.
  • 10 kN loadcell.
  • Special upper fixture to grip a selection of knife blades and typical improvised stabbing weapons.
  • Lower fixture to support the target area of interest the vest with an aperture to enable the blade to pass through completely.

Mecmesin | Testing Kevlar material and stab-proof vests (3)

Stab-proof vest penetration test completed

Mecmesin | Testing Kevlar material and stab-proof vests (4)

Stab-proof vest penetration test comparison results and report

Mecmesin | Testing Kevlar material and stab-proof vests (5)

Got a question about a product? Your local representative is...

Mecmesin/PPT Group, UK

Mecmesin | Testing Kevlar material and stab-proof vests (2024)

FAQs

Will a Kevlar vest stop a knife? ›

Is Kevlar Effective in Stopping a Knife? A Kevlar ballistic vest can significantly impede the progress of a knife, potentially thwarting its penetration before it reaches the wearer's body. It's accurate to describe Kevlar vests as having knife-resistant properties, offering a degree of protection.

Are stab proof vests legal? ›

Carrying a stab vest in public places is generally allowed unless there are specific restrictions in certain locations or circ*mstances. However, it is important to be mindful of the perception and potential concerns of others, as wearing a stab vest might raise suspicions or draw unnecessary attention.

Do stab proof vests exist? ›

Stabproof vests protect against edged blade weapons, and still, utilise Aramid fibre or Dyneema like a bulletproof vest does. However, to protect against edged weapons these vests will need to use either chainmail or laminate.

What makes a vest stab proof? ›

Their design allows them to be able to protect the body from punctures from sharp blades or pointed weapons. Stab proof vests are made from a material called aramid. Aramid is a synthetic fibre with a very high tensile strength, making it ideal for body armour.

Why is it illegal to wear a bulletproof vest? ›

While laws vary, most states' prohibitions on possessing, buying, or using (wearing) a bulletproof vest apply in the following situations: the individual has been convicted of any crime, a felony, or a crime of violence, or. the individual wears the vest while committing, or attempting to commit, a crime or felony.

Can Kevlar be cut with a knife? ›

Special bits or blades are needed to cut Kevlar. A Diamond Wheel is the best option for cutting through Kevlar laminate edges, as diamond is harder than any other cutting material.

Can Kevlar stop a sword? ›

Kevlar body armor and edged weapon protection:

Kevlar is a synthetic fiber commonly used in body armor manufacturing due to its strength and durability. It can provide great protection against knife threats as the tightly woven fibers are difficult to puncture and can deflect slashing attacks as well.

Do stab vests expire? ›

Do Stab Vests Expire? The average life of stab vests is around 5 years if you take proper care of them. Material like Kevlar degrades after some time hence, it is advised not to use a stab vest after 5 years.

Do police wear stab proof vests? ›

Different Types of Police Armour

For many in the Police, stab proof vests will be the most basic protective equipment required. This is not because they are commonly used, but because they are the most common weapon available.

What is the best stab proof material? ›

Due to its high tensile strength-to-weight ratio Kevlar® is perhaps the most widely accepted material used in body armour and so-called 'stab-proof' clothing today.

Can a bulletproof vest stop a sniper bullet? ›

The vests are bullet resistant, not bulletproof. The reality is that bullet resistant vests don't protect the wearer from every threat. Nothing is bulletproof, not even a manhole cover. In an extremely minute percentage of cases, a bullet can get through a vest that's been rated to stop them.

What gun can go through a bulletproof vest? ›

Common rifle rounds, like the . 223 Remington or 7.62x39mm, are known to penetrate lower levels of body armor. Their increased velocity and energy give them a higher chance of overcoming the armor's resistance, leading to potential penetration.

What can a Kevlar vest stop? ›

Soft armor is typically made of woven fabrics, like Dyneema or Kevlar, and usually provides protection against fragmentation and handgun threats.

Can a bullet proof vest stop a sword? ›

Equally, a bulletproof vest may offer no protection to bladed weapons. Furthermore, a vest that is bullet and edged blade resistant may not offer protection against spiked weapons.

Can a needle go through Kevlar? ›

Woven Kevlar® generally needs to be applied in two or more layers in order to provide sufficient protection against needle hazards which can be somewhat stiff in multiple layers.

Do police have stab proof vests? ›

Stab vests are measured to fit each individual officer - so if they are not wearing one that fits them correctly, they're not getting the maximum protection they need which could ultimately put them in serious danger.”

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