Getting Your Products Tested
It is a simple procedure to have your products tested for (1) Qualification and Certification, (2) Benchmark and Safety evaluation, or (3) just a "Quick Shot" by CFR. All you have to do is decide on which option below offers the best solution for your needs. If you prefer, you can contact us for assistance.
Option 1 - Product Qualification and Certification Testing
If your products need to be tested to a particular Ballistic Standard and require full documentation and support, then follow the steps outlined below.
Option 2 - Multi-Caliber Benchmark or Safety Margin / Failure Testing for Product Developers
These Product Development plans are used to find out where your products currently stand in terms of ballistic resistance and performance. See the following page for more information: Benchmark and Safety Margin Failure Test Plans
Option 3 - Low Cost "Quick Shot" Program
If you are interested in getting any type of item shot and do not require testing, then this service is great for you. See the following page for more information: Close Focus Research’s Low Cost "Quick Shot" Ballistic Service
Product Qualification and Certification Testing
Step 1 - Select a Ballistic Standard
Let us know what particular Ballistic Standard specification(s) you require for testing. You can choose from a variety of Standards. For example, NIJ III and UL752 Level 8. You can also request any type of custom testing if needed.
Test Sample Size - The most common test sample size called out in the Ballistic Standards is 12 inches x 12 inches. For actual sample sizes, refer to the particular Ballistic Standard.
Step 2 - Determine Your Cost
Refer to our Price List to determine your cost or Request a Quotation from CFR.
The following two examples show you how to determine your cost using the Price List:
Example 1 Test Plan |
Quantity |
Unit Price |
Total |
NIJ III (.30 cal. 7.62 NATO 150 gr M80) |
1 |
|
$306 |
Ballistic Report (optional) |
1 |
$50 |
$50 |
Total Cost |
|
|
$356 |
|
|
|
|
Example 2 Test Plan |
Quantity |
Unit Price |
Total |
NIJ III (.30 cal. 7.62 NATO 150 gr M80) |
2 |
|
$561 |
UL752 Level 8 (.30 cal. 7.62 NATO 150 gr FMJ) |
3 |
|
$815 |
Ballistic Reports (optional) |
5 |
$50 |
$250 |
Photographs (optional) |
5 sets |
$75 |
$375 |
Total Cost |
|
|
$2,001 |
Step 3 - Include Proper Identification of Your Test Samples
If you plan on obtaining Ballistic Reports, then your test samples should have some sort of unique sample identification number assigned to them. This identification number will be included in the Ballistic Reports. The identification number can be a series of letters and or numbers that would identify the sample's design. It is important that the identification number is unique to the design itself such that it cannot be used if the design or cross-section is changed at a later date. The identification number is not typically a part or model number. It should be a reference to a design or drawing number. A part number can also be included in addition to the unique identification number.
Every Ballistic Test sample submitted for testing should include an ID label attached to the sample on the impact side in the bottom left or right corner. The label should include the following information as shown in the illustration below. The sample's unique identification number is highlighted in red.
Step 4 - Ship Your Test Samples to CFR
Upon receipt of your test samples, you can expect your reports and photographs within 7 to 10 days. We also offer a 24 hour rush service if needed. After completion of your test project, your samples will be returned if so desired.
Note: Please indicate on the samples which side is the impact side.
What is required for UL 752 Ballistic Testing?
The official UL 752 testing procedure requires three (3) identical samples tested to the same level including Parts 1, 2, and 3 if applicable. The general sample size is 12 x 12 inches. For assemblies and special circumstances, the sample size may vary. Keep in mind that Close Focus Research can test to any custom plan including the number of test samples. For more detailed information, see the following page: What is Required for UL 752 Ballistic Testing?
Submitting Non-Standard Sample Materials and Sizes for Testing
If your test samples are either non-rigid or smaller than 12 x 12 inches, then see the following page for information on how to submit them for testing:
Submitting Non-Standard Sample Materials and Sizes for Testing
Submitting Glazing Samples for Testing
If you plan on submitting glazings (windows) for testing, see the following page for instructions on how to prepare them for testing and shipping them to CFR:
Submitting Glazing Samples for Testing