Bayer’s Protective Facade Certified for U.S. Department of State Buildings

Hygard Sentinel high-performance blast-protection facade passes stringent ballistic and forced-entry resistance tests in order to become certified for U.S. Department of State buildings.

As threats continue to increase, the need for heightened security in government and diplomatic buildings is a high priority. At the same time, building planners must meet high standards while creating an attractive exterior appearance with limited budgets.

Bayer Material Science LLC’s Hygard Sentinel is an innovative blast, ballistic and forced-entry resistant façade system that can be adapted for specific project requirements to protect critically important buildings and other structures. Two versions of Hygard Sentinel were certified by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Diplomatic Security, which is responsible for providing a safe and secure environment for U.S. diplomatic missions.

Hygard BL80 and Hygard BL80-GC8 successfully defended against a “15-minute” simulated forced entry assault. Hygard BL80-GC8 also met the Department of State’s high-level ballistics resistance requirements; Hygard BL80 can be used where only a UL3 level is required.

The Hygard Sentinel system can be added to existing buildings to avoid the high costs of relocating or building new, more secure structures. The system combines the aesthetics and impact resistance of Hygard polycarbonate laminate panels with a high-strength, energy-absorbing steel mounting structure.

Featured

  • Security Industry Association Announces the 2026 Security Megatrends

    The Security Industry Association (SIA) has identified and forecasted the 2026 Security Megatrends, which form the basis of SIA’s signature annual Security Megatrends report defining the top 10 factors influencing both near- and long-term change in the global security industry. Read Now

  • The Future of Access Control: Cloud-Based Solutions for Safer Workplaces

    Access controls have revolutionized the way we protect our people, assets and operations. Gone are the days of cumbersome keychains and the security liabilities they introduced, but it’s a mistake to think that their evolution has reached its peak. Read Now

  • A Look at AI

    Large language models (LLMs) have taken the world by storm. Within months of OpenAI launching its AI chatbot, ChatGPT, it amassed more than 100 million users, making it the fastest-growing consumer application in history. Read Now

  • First, Do No Harm: Responsibly Applying Artificial Intelligence

    It was 2022 when early LLMs (Large Language Models) brought the term “AI” into mainstream public consciousness and since then, we’ve seen security corporations and integrators attempt to develop their solutions and sales pitches around the biggest tech boom of the 21st century. However, not all “artificial intelligence” is equally suitable for security applications, and it’s essential for end users to remain vigilant in understanding how their solutions are utilizing AI. Read Now

  • Improve Incident Response With Intelligent Cloud Video Surveillance

    Video surveillance is a vital part of business security, helping institutions protect against everyday threats for increased employee, customer, and student safety. However, many outdated surveillance solutions lack the ability to offer immediate insights into critical incidents. This slows down investigations and limits how effectively teams can respond to situations, creating greater risks for the organization. Read Now

New Products

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file.

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.

  • 4K Video Decoder

    3xLOGIC’s VH-DECODER-4K is perfect for use in organizations of all sizes in diverse vertical sectors such as retail, leisure and hospitality, education and commercial premises.