Kevlar EXO expands into hard armor with new structural role

Kevlar EXO, the latest generation of aramid fibre, is strengthening its role in personal protection with its introduction into hard armor products such as helmets and ballistic plate inserts. After proving itself as a key material in soft armor, Kevlar EXO will now support hard armor by offering better impact resistance and improved energy absorption.

In soft armor, Kevlar EXO acts as the main protective layer. In hard armor, however, it is used as an important reinforcement within composite structures. This marks a new use for the material, helping increase strength, reduce cracking and spread out impact energy more effectively.

“The success of Kevlar EXO in soft armor made it possible for us to explore its structural use in hard armor,” said Gerrad Allison, Marketing Manager of Defense for Kevlar EXO. “As we expand into composite systems, from ballistic plates to aerospace and industrial uses, we continue to focus on lightweight strength and impact resistance to protect people and improve performance across sectors.”

Kevlar EXO is already being used in plate designs for TYR Tactical, a leading global supplier of tactical gear for military and law-enforcement personnel. Beyond protection gear, the structural flexibility of Kevlar EXO is inspiring new developments in several fields. Its strong yet lightweight nature makes it suitable for high-performance applications, from durable, flexible fuel bladders to structural components used in space exploration.