Darmstadt, Germany, 01.07.2010 - Special security is required in many buildings such as government offices, consulates, embassies, and detention facilities, as well as banks, museums, retail shops, and the residences of public figures subject to special risks. The high-quality sheets of the Makrolon® Hygard series from Bayer Sheet Europe provide optimal protection through security glazing. The sheets are available in a range of impact-resistant and bulletproof variants. The new Makrolon® Hygard MS 1250 is a bulletproof sheet that can withstand even heavy ballistic attacks with automatic firearms. The Makrolon® Hygard MS 1250 sheets meet the requirements of PM4-NS, which is the highest resistance class for polycarbonate sheets under the European security standard PM 2000. Makrolon® Hygard MS 1250 also meets the European security standard EN 1063/BR4-NS for high-security glass glazing.

Security by retrofitting
The polycarbonate sheets demonstrate their benefits especially in the retrofitting of existing buildings to optimize security. Makrolon® Hygard makes it possible to protect windows in an easy and discreet manner against dangers from the outside. Weighing 40 kilograms per sqm, Makrolon® Hygard MS 1250 weighs half of a comparable glass glazing sheet. No heavy equipment (such as a crane or lifting platform) is needed for installation. The sheets can be sawed, drilled, or milled, which makes it possible to process them easily and quickly on site, and less like likely to be noticed by passers-by. Thanks to their light weight, the sheets do not create structural problems and do not require additional construction measures. All that is needed is a new framework in which to fit the new polycarbonate sheets. Makrolon® Hygard MS 1250 has short delivery times.

The Makrolon® Hygard range at a glance
Makrolon® Hygard are transparent, multi-layer laminated polycarbonate sheets that are available in different thicknesses and configurations. They meet all security requirements to protect buildings against forced entry and ballistic impact. Polycarbonate sheets are especially suited for retrofitting existing buildings. The polycarbonate sheets feature a number of economic and functional advantages over bulletproof glass.

The BR (bullet-resistant) and MS (multi-shot) grades were specially developed for ballistic protection and to withstand sustained fire from heavy automatic firearms. The bulletproof grades BR 750, BR 1250 and MS 1250 meet the BR1-NS, BR2-NS and BR4-NS security standards, which correspond to the security standards of EN 1063 for glass. However, unlike glass, Makrolon® Hygard does not shatter or break and the glazing remains transparent at all times, allowing a clear view through which to assess the situation in an attack.

The CG (containment glazing) grades protect against forced entry with heavy tools, such as sledge hammers or axes. In resistance tests according to EN 356 the CG 375 and CG 500 achieved security classes P7B, and P8B, respectively.

The Makrolon® Hygard transparent sheets are light weight, have a high degree of light transmission, and, most importantly, they are unbreakable. Makrolon® Hygard complies with ASTM D1044 (the standard test method for resistance of transparent plastics to surface abrasion). The polycarbonate sheets are easy to clean and highly resistant to scratching, abrasion, and UV radiation. Most grades are available in sufficient quantities so they can be delivered and installed immediately.

The company
Bayer Sheet Europe develops, produces and sells Makrolon^® polycarbonate sheets, Axpet^® and Vivak^® polyester sheets, as well as Bayloy^® high-quality plastic sheets. Applications for Bayer Sheet Europe products for the construction sector include sports stadiums, train stations, and greenhouses. In the area of design and display, applications include plastic sheet for the surface protection of large displays, billboards, traffic signs, and price boards. In addition, Bayer Sheet Europe products can also be found in industrial applications such as protective visors, machinery protective covers, lamp covers, and housings.

For more information on the wide range of products from Bayer Sheet Europe, please visit our website: www.bayersheeteurope.com

Darmstadt, July 2010