ASTM F3561 – 22: An Explanation
ASTM F3561-22: What Is It, And How Is Window Film Involved.
Washington, D.C. – March 19, 2025 – In the early months of 2025, the International Window Film Association (IWFA) has been inundated with questions about ASTM F3561-22 and its applicability to window film.
Put simply, ASTM F3561-22 is a standard developed by ASTM International (formerly known as the American Society for Testing and Materials) that outlines the performance requirements and testing methods for window and door systems during a simulated active shooter event. The official name for the test is the “Standard Test Method for Forced-Entry-Resistance of Fenestration Systems After Simulated Active Shooter Attack.”
This test method is designed to simulate an active shooter weakening the system with repetitive shots followed by mechanically driven impacts to simulate forced entry. To do this, projectiles are fired at a fenestration system and then mechanically impacted with progressively higher impact forces to test the level of breakage. There are 8 levels of “passing,” each level being harder to pass than the previous, with Level 8 being a.400ft/lb. load being applied to the system. The level assigned to a passing system is determined by the ability of the glazing to prevent the mechanical impact from passing through the glazing system and remain locked and secure.
While window film can be an important part of this system, it is important to understand that installed window film does not meet the standard by itself. The test method is designed to test and analyze fully assembled windows and doors. Neither installed window film nor retrofit glazing incorporated into existing framing or doors is covered under ASTM F3561-22 and the use of this test method to make assumptions about how such glazing would perform under an active shooter attack is not an allowed use of the standard. There is an appendix which does allow glazing to be tested separately, but this appendix is provided to give manufacturers of window and door systems information about what glazing might be used in a full window or door system.
The test itself also lends no credibility to any bulletproof claims, as the standard states that the test projectiles are intended to penetrate the glazing. This test is designed to simulate the aftereffects of the glazing being weakened, wherein the active shooter is trying to break the glazing after shots have been fired. The ASTM F3561 scope states t “This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use.” The IWFA cautions consumers to be leery of bulletproof claims at all times, but especially if you see them used in conjunction with ASTM F3561-22.
The IWFA and its Technical Committee are currently in conversations with other industry organizations seeking clarification when it comes to the publishing of test results for individual components without indicating that the test report is only for an appendix section of the standard and that “passing” results are not indicative of meeting the requirements of ASTM F3561-22. As a member of ASTM, the IWFA is working along with its members to create a solution that will allow installed window film to have a fair and credible method of comparing performance.
Executive Director Darrell Smith stated “The industry is in a great debt to ASTM and the other testing and standard setting organizations. We look forward to working with them on a solution and to provide clarity going forward for industry professionals and the public.”
About The International Window Film Association
The International Window Film Association (IWFA) is a nonprofit industry body of window film dealers, distributors, and manufacturers that facilitates the growth of the window film industry through education, research, advocacy and public awareness. When you look for window film, look for the IWFA logo. Follow along for news from the IWFA on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.