FAQ

PRODUCTION:

CUSTOMIZATION CAPABILITIES
Proprietary manufacturing processes empower HCM with a unique ability to create armor solutions in virtually unlimited shapes and sizes. From building wall panels to body armor and helicopter panels, we can customize our products to meet the speciﬁc needs of our clients, ensuring optimal ﬁt, performance, and threat protection.

SMALL BATCH and DEDICATED PRODUCTION CONTRACTS
HCM Armor utilizes a proprietary manufacturing process that signiﬁcantly reduces required production time compared to industry-standard techniques including autoclave (~6 hours) while also increasing quality yield. This rapid-paced production method provides HCM with the capability of engaging in large-quantity production contracts with a reduced runway that can provide the required ballistic support for teams of operators.

ACQUISITION PROCESS

Individual Orders: HCM customers will be afforded the ability to place orders via the website. Payment processing is instant. The processing of individual orders will enter the Fulfillment Queue. Depending on the daily volume of orders, the HCM Fulfillment department works within a 48 to 72 hr. window to Pick, Pack, and Ship orders. Depending on the time of day that the order is received, products will be picked up by a dedicated carrier. Available inventory is packaged and shipped at its earliest availability.

Small Batch Orders: HCM Clients will receive a quote in recognition of the submission of RFQs. Quotes will include confirmation of lead times. Upon confirmation of the Purchase Order (“PO”), Available Inventory or Small Batch Production is coordinated to service the requirements of the transaction.

Dedicated Production Contracts: Large production contracts require significant planning. The standard processes associated with contract production afford both parties the time to coordinate funds, raw materials, and scheduling so delivery on milestones can be met. Both parties will work closely together to ensure seamless execution and the proper management of expectations and timely deliverables.

SHIPPING

USA: HCM provides direct shipping for all authorized parties within the United States using dedicated carriers (FED EX, UPS, and USPS).

INTERNATIONAL CLIENTS: HCM ARMOR coordinates with its ITAR-compliant partner to facilitate International purchases made by our Clients. International Clients are required to use our REQUEST FOR QUOTE form to coordinate pricing, logistics, and payment with our ITAR-compliant International Business Partner.

DELIVERY SCHEDULES / REQUESTS FOR EXPEDITED DELIVERY

Due to manufacturing cycles and production timelines, we typically do not provide an option for expedited delivery. The exception to this policy is based on Military Deployment, Urgent Orders provided by the Military or Federal Branch, Law Enforcement Operations, or First Responder’s Urgent needs.

*Expedited Order Requests must be made directly through our REQUEST FOR QUOTE process. At this time our Sales Team will coordinate directly in order to provide requested and available expedited services.

PURCHASE AUTHORIZATIONS AND RESTRICTIONS:

CAN I OWN BODY ARMOR:

It is 100% legal for upstanding civilians to wear, purchase, and own body armor.

HCM Armor is driven to provide its body armor to its customers, including but not limited to, US Military, Law Enforcement, First Responders, and Civilians living in the United States. Body armor is legal for almost anyone to possess or use in all 50 states within the U.S.. Oftentimes, consumers are under the impression that this type of protective gear is illegal to own unless they’re a first responder, law enforcement officer or involved in the military services — but that is simply not true. We will never apply restrictions on the sale of our armor to only professional lines of work. All Law-Abiding citizens have the right to own these products for protection. We know that body armor is a life-saving product designed to provide solace and confidence that HCM Body Armor assists in the reduction and possible prevention of injury and strives to assist in the preservation of life.

RESTRICTIONS:
For Civilians, HCM Body Armor is available to residents in all states with the exception of Connecticut and New York. All Military, Law Enforcement, First Responders, and Private Security have Exempt Status for the purchase and delivery of products but must show proof of active duty or employment. Connecticut requires that products be shipped to a department or to a location with FFL registration, such as a local dealer. (See NEW YORK for additional information)

With the exception of the following restrictions, body armor is completely legal:

You must be a law-abiding civilian and intend to wear your armor for permitted uses.
You must not commit a crime while wearing armor. Such action will increase legal penalties significantly.
You must not have been convicted of a violent felony or intend to participate in criminal activities while wearing your armor.
You must purchase your armor face-to-face with a local dealer if you live in Connecticut or purchase your body armor via www.hcmarmor.com and have it shipped to their location for pickup. This product cannot be shipped directly to a civilian in the aforementioned state.

NEW YORK

Under the new laws, which became effective July 6, 2022, it is a crime in most cases to purchase, possess, sell, or exchange body vests or similar items. It is an E felony offense if a person “commits any violent felony offense … while possessing a firearm, rifle or shotgun” while wearing a bullet-proof vest. When arrested for this charge, it is punishable by up to four years in state prison. Additionally, fines could be imposed as well as parole and/or probation.

In defining body armor, the law refers to “any product that is a personal protective body covering intended to protect against gunfire, regardless of whether such product is to be worn alone or is sold as a complement to another product or garment.”

PURCHASE OR SALE OF BODY ARMOR IN THE STATE OF NEW YORK

Legislators also passed laws regulating the purchase and sale of bullet-proof vests. Under these laws, sellers are required to confirm that someone is employed or engaged in a profession that is permitted by law to use body armor in the course of their employment.

In this regard, a purchaser must provide a seller with a professional license, employment card, or other credentials issued by an employer. In the absence of such proof, body armor sellers are required to use specific forms to confirm that the purchaser is someone permitted to wear bullet-proof vests for their employment.

PROFESSIONS AUTHORIZED TO WEAR BODY ARMOR IN THE STATE OF NEW YORK

Under the law, certain professionals may purchase and wear bullet-proof vests for use during their jobs. These professions are designated by the Department of State in accordance with Executive Law § 144-a. So far, persons who are permitted to wear such vests for their jobs include:

Police officers, peace officers, or federal law enforcement officers
Persons in military service
Armored car guards
Security guards
Firefighters
Emergency medical technicians, paramedics, or ambulance drivers and attendants
Firearms dealers or body armor retailers/salespersons
Private investigators
Building safety inspectors or code enforcement officers
Firearms instructors
Professional journalists or newscasters
Nuclear security officers
Process servers

Please read our TERMS OF USE for further details

INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMER / NON-CITIZEN OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
If you are an International Customer that is interested in acquiring HCM Body Armor, you will need to submit a request for a quote.

DISCOUNTS

HCM offers “AGENCY” pricing for Military, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Veterans, and Private Security. In order to receive “AGENCY” pricing please submit a REQUEST FOR QUOTE. In order to receive “AGENCY” pricing, individuals are required to provide credentials to verify their current status.

Credential Options:
Photo ID
Submission of request on Department Letterhead
Email from Official Account
VA Card
Military Identification

Quotes for bulk orders will be provided directly or a discount code for single-user purchases to be used at checkout. Discount Code use is not permitted on any items that are on promotion or currently discounted.

ARE THERE ANY RESTRICTIONS TO FLYING WITH MY BODY ARMOR?

TRAVEL WITHIN THE USA
TSA rules and regulations are constantly changing. If you have questions regarding your upcoming travel, it is advisable to contact TSA directly to ask any questions regarding its current policies. The TSA website states that body armor is allowed in both checked and carried luggage with the caveat that "our officers make the final decision on whether an item is allowed at the checkpoint."

ENTRY INTO FOREIGN COUNTRY:
If you are traveling outside of the United States please consider that when entry through a foreign country going through Customs is required.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

WHO USES / WEARS BODY ARMOR:

US Military
Federal Agencies
Law Enforcement
First Responders
Private Security
Social Workers
Security Organizations
Emergency Teams
Persons in High-Risk Communities
Recreational Shooters
Range Masters / Weapons & Shooting Instructors
Hunters
Motorcycle Riders
TSA (Airport Security)
Bank Employees
Bail Services
LAW-ABIDING CITIZENS WHO CHOOSE TO PROTECT THEMSELVES AND THEIR LOVED ONES

WHAT IS A BALLISTIC PLATE aka “HARD ARMOR”:
A ballistic plate, also known as an armor plate or Hard Armor, is a protective armored plate inserted into a carrier or vest, that can be used stand-alone, or in conjunction with other armor. "Hard Armor" usually denotes armor that uses ballistic plates that serve to defeat higher threats, and may be considered as a form of applique armor. It is usually inserted into the front and back, with side inserts also sometimes used.

Hard Armor is made from rigid, reinforced plates that are generally used in high-risk situations where high-powered firearms (pistols or rifles) are used. Hard armor plates are often worn by tactical units, combat soldiers, and First Responders entering an Active Shooter Zone.

WHAT MATERIALS ARE OFTEN USED IN BODY ARMOR

CERAMIC:
Modern ceramic armor is generally made from a boron-carbide-based composite. It is thick like steel but has the advantage of being lightweight and maintaining a very high degree of hardness. In fact, ceramics are one of the hardest materials for ballistic protection and they’re better at absorbing and dispersing energy than steel. This results in fewer broken ribs, broken sternums, and collapsed lungs after impact. And when pitted against supersonic armor-piercing bullets, ceramic does better than steel. Oftentimes, CERAMIC body armor is very heavy and, chances are, if you’re wearing body armor to protect yourself, you’re going to need to be able to move and move quickly.

STEEL:

Steel is a very cost-effective material and that’s one reason it’s so widely seen in body armor. Another reason is that it’s very easy to care for and often has a longer lifespan than other options. There are two types of steel: AR500 Steel and Mil-Spec A46100. The first of these is commonly used in the creation of shooting targets and hard rifle plates, but it is NOT certified by the NIJ. The latter is the same kind the U.S. military uses for vehicles and it’s rated to stop both small arms and explosive shrapnel. If you’re looking to stop a bullet traveling faster than 3,000 fps you’ve found a match because steel plates can take multiple hits without being destroyed. Despite these perks, it does have some setbacks. Steel armor can cause a ricochet, the weight can make wearing plates uncomfortable, and the hardness can restrict movement significantly. Standard 10×12 slabs of steel armor can weigh as much as 15 pounds, which means front and rear protection can weigh 30 lbs. (or more). Carrying around all that extra weight daily is not always practical.

If you decide to go with steel armor, just be sure the plate has an anti-spall coating. This is crucial for trapping lethal shrapnel after bullets hit and fragment 360 degrees.

KEVLAR:
A synthetic fiber of high tensile strength is used especially as a reinforcing agent in the manufacture of tires and other rubber products and protective gear such as helmets and vests. Over the past 50 years, body armor materials have consisted primarily of Kevlar®, and more recently, newer materials, such as polyethylene-based composites (UHMWPE) were developed to absorb and disperse more energy from projectiles. The drawbacks of relying on these outdated materials are listed below, and the status quo needs to be improved:

Kevlar, oﬀering only up to level IIIA protection, is both costly to manufacture and poses challenges in terms of weight and comfort for our armed forces.

Kevlar and UHMWPE - Degradation over time due to exposure to heat, moisture, and UV radiation (-15°F to 150°F).

Production of Kevlar and UHMWPE involves intricate manufacturing processes, requiring specialized equipment, leading to lengthy manufacturing times.

POLYETHYLENE:
UHMWPE stands for Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene. We'll often refer to it as PE armor for short. PE body armor “captures” the bullet in its material. Contrast that with soft armor, which “catches” the bullet, or steel armor, which disintegrates it.

In terms of overall durability, both UHMWPE and Kevlar rank high above other industrial fibers. However, UHMWPE fibers like Spectra and Dyneema exhibit resistance five times higher than Kevlar—even using just half the number of synthetic materials.

PERSONAL PROTECTION – THREAT LEVEL ASSESSMENT

WHAT LEVEL OF PROTECTION IS BEST FOR ME?

The best level of body armor for you depends on your personal needs and wants. First, ask yourself, “Do I need protection against handguns, shotguns, rifles, or all three?” Then ask yourself, “Do I also need to be protected from bladed weapons, Tasers, blunt-force trauma, or all three?” Lastly, evaluate your expectations for this life-saving piece of equipment. Remember, except for FRAS™ vests, there is a direct trade-off between protection, comfort, and concealability. Generally, the higher the protection level, the heavier and less concealable the armor. The best armor for you is the armor you’ll actually wear. With that in mind, it is highly beneficial to select the lightest option that will protect you from the threats you are most likely to encounter.

CAN I TEST-SHOOT MY ARMOR?
Although our armor is proven to withstand multiple hits, any armor that has been tested must be replaced immediately and cannot be used for protection as its integrity will have been compromised. Stopping a bullet is serious business and even a single shot WILL damage your armor no matter how great it is. If you would like to test-shoot your armor, please do so in a safe environment with the assistance of a professional.

HOW MUCH DOES (“TYPICAL”) BODY ARMOR WEIGH?

Without carriers, most plates range from .51 lbs. – 13.7 lbs. Of course, this depends on the type of plate you’re choosing and what you need to protect yourself against. Weight can range widely based on thickness, material makeup, and coverage area. You may only choose front and back panels, or you may want to add side plates.

A soldier’s plate carrier system typically weighs 22 lbs. You can expect your entire setup (with two plates) to weigh anywhere from 15 – 35 lbs. Of course, this all depends on the factors mentioned above, along with your size and any extra gear you need to attach to the vest.

HOW DO I TELL WHICH PLATE IS THE FRONT PLATE AND WHICH IS THE BACK PLATE?

In nearly all cases, you should order the same type of plate for the front and the back of your carrier. And believe it or not, it does matter which side of the plate is facing the threat. This is crucial for both comfort and safety. Most hard plates have a Logo, STRIKE FACE or FRONT. This is the strike face, which is intended to take the initial hit from a bullet. The strike face should be positioned away from your body, and if your plate has a curve to it, that curve should follow the natural contour of your body (both in regards to the chest and the upper back).

The BACK of the plate often has a sticker or product description with production information including Shelf Life, Serial Number, Lot Number, Threat Level, Product Description, and Barcode.