Ballistic plate materials and method

Abstract

Embodiments of the invention provide body armor composite and methods of fabrication. The body armor composite can include at least one strike-face layer, at least one strike-face reinforcement layer, and at least one catchment layer. Some embodiments include body armor composite with a bump guard layer, and a back-face reduction layer. In some embodiments, the fabrication method includes bonding multiple layers to form an armor composite. Some embodiments include an armor production tool including a housing at least two housing portions which form a substantially air-tight chamber when closed. The tool can include a lower flexible membrane forming at least a portion of a mold, and an upper flexible membrane capable of engaging the lower flexible membrane. The tool can include a pressure port for pressurizing the chamber and to move portions of the mold towards each other, and a locking mechanism for locking the two housing portions.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.