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Universal Life-Safety through Integrated Structural Hardening
McGrory’s BallisticDefendTM Framing Systems achieve human-centered design (HCD) by providing a high-strength structural backbone that is virtually indistinguishable from standard architectural framing. By anchoring ballistic glazing within a system engineered to match its specific threat level, we eliminate the bulky, institutional “fortress” look. This allows for a normalized environment where occupants feel secure without the psychological weight of visible reinforcement.
McGrory’s thermally broken steel framing options are engineered for high-performance safety without compromising energy efficiency. Produced in three distinct levels that meet UL 752 1-3, these steel systems provide a robust structural backbone capable of stopping multi-shot ballistic threats while preventing thermal transfer. To ensure seamless operation and long-term reliability, each system includes unique, factory-installed McGrory hardware packages, offering a fully integrated ballistic solution that is ready for immediate installation.
A ballistic assembly is only as strong as its weakest component. BallisticDefend™ framing ensures the building envelope remains uncompromised, even under sustained assault.
Absolute Safety, Integrated Strength
| Sector |  Target Environment |
 Key Threat Mitigation |
 Visual Goal |
|---|---|---|---|
K-12 & Higher Education | Secure Vestibules & Main Entry Sidelites | Reinforced Anchoring Against Forced-Entry & Ballistic Impact | Slim-Profile Aluminum for a Non-Institutional, Inviting Feel |
Healthcare & Behavioral Health | Pharmacy Windows & Staff Reception Desks | Tamper-Resistant Fasteners & Ligature-Agnostic Profiles | Seamless Integration with Interior Millwork & Healing Design |
Banking & Corporate | Executive Suites & Transaction Lines | UL 752 Level 1-3 Structural Integrity & Bullet-Resistance | Polished or Brushed Finishes for a High-End Executive Look |
Criminal Justice & Detention | Courthouse Galleries & Detention Control Rooms | Heavy-Duty Steel or Aluminum for Sustained Physical Attack | Maximum Durability for 24/7 High-Traffic Operations |
Retail & Hospitality | Luxury Storefronts & Hotel VIP Concierge | Precision-Engineered Support for Oversized Security Glass | Invisible Protection that Matches Premium Brand Aesthetics |
Attributes
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Security -
Ballistic Performance -
Slim-Steel Framing -
Thermally-Broken Steel Framing Available -
TGIC-Free Powder Color -
Unique Factory-Installed Hardware Options -
Intertek-Listed -
LEED
Why BallisticDefendTM Bullet-Resistant Framing
Multi-Story Corporate Lobbies & Entrances
Corporate Office Entrance
UL 752-Certified System Integrity
Our framing is engineered and tested through Intertek to match the specific ballistic rating (Levels 1-3) of the glazing it holds, ensuring that the entire assembly—not just the glass—acts as a certified life-safety barrier.
Reinforced Ballistic Steel Inserts
High-risk profiles utilize internal heavy-gauge steel reinforcements to stop high-velocity projectiles, providing high-level protection without requiring bulky, unsightly external hardware.
Multi-Hazard “Super-Frame” Compatibility
BallisticDefendTM framing can be integrated with additional life-safety and design requirements, allowing architects to specify one consolidated system that meets fire- and ballistic-rated threat codes.
Slim-Profile Aesthetic Integration
Designed with modern architecture in mind, BallisticDefendTM framing offers narrow sight lines that mimic standard storefront systems, allowing security to blend seamlessly into luxury or corporate designs.
High-Load Structural Engineering
Specifically designed to manage the significant weight of multi-ply ballistic glazing, these frames prevent sagging and hardware failure, ensuring long-term operational reliability for high-use entryways.
Thermally Broken Steel Framing
Advanced thermal break technology to isolate interior and exterior steel surfaces, preventing energy loss and condensation while maintaining a high-performance security barrier. Available in forster unico and forster Thermfix®Vario.
BallisticDefendTM Framing Resources
Featured Resources
Technical Data
McGrory’s BallisticDefendTM framing line provides a comprehensive, multi-sector security solution
| Product Name | Make-Up | Application | Protection Levels | Available Finishes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
BallisticDefendTM forster unico | Steel | Storefront – Exterior/Interior | UL 752 Level 1 Bullet-Resistant UL 752 Level 2 Bullet-Resistant UL 752 Level 3 Bullet-Resistant | TGIC-Free Powder-Coat Colors (Stock & Custom) |
BallisticDefendTM Thermfix®vario | Steel | Curtain Wall – Exterior/Interior | UL 752 Level 1 Bullet-Resistant UL 752 Level 2 Bullet-Resistant UL 752 Level 3 Bullet-Resistant | TGIC-Free Powder-Coat Colors (Stock & Custom) |
BallisticDefendTM forster presto | Steel | Storefront – Interior | UL 752 Level 1 Bullet-Resistant UL 752 Level 2 Bullet-Resistant UL 752 Level 3 Bullet-Resistant | TGIC-Free Powder-Coat Colors (Stock & Custom) |
Listings & Test References
UL
ASTM
ANSI
Product Certification
- ANSI Z97.1 and CPSC 16 CFR 1201 Cat I and Cat II (Category I and/or Category II) Safety Impact performance criteria
- ASTM E2190: Insulating Glass Unit Performance and Evaluation
- UL 752: Testing and Certification for Bullet-Resistant Materials
Your One Stop Shop for Single-Source Solutions
Does your project require additional life safety performance products, such as fire-rated glass and framing assemblies, radiation shielding, one-way vision/ privacy, or fire resistive glass with temperature rise performance? Do you need decorative options, film from our in-house print division, etching, or custom laminated glass solutions?
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