Natural Ballistic Gel
Preparation, mixture, storage and calibration guidance for Defensible Ballistics natural gelatine powder, including 10% Forensic/FBI and 20% NATO formulations.
What is Natural Ballistic Gel?
Natural ballistic gel is a porcine gelatine-based soft tissue simulant used worldwide for controlled ballistic testing, forensic analysis, research and education. Produced from high-bloom porcine gelatine and water, natural ballistic gel closely replicates the average density and resistance of human soft tissue when prepared, conditioned and calibrated correctly.
Unlike reusable synthetic ballistic gel, natural ballistic gel is supplied as a dry powder that is mixed with water, gently heated, poured into moulds and allowed to set before testing. This traditional preparation method has made it the long-established choice for many forensic laboratories, research institutions and testing facilities where a gelatine-based tissue simulant is required.
Natural ballistic gel is most commonly prepared as a 10% forensic/FBI-style formulation, providing a controlled and repeatable medium for evaluating penetration depth, projectile behaviour, wound paths and energy transfer. When manufactured, calibrated and conditioned correctly, it enables meaningful comparison between different tests, projectiles and experimental conditions.
Although modern synthetic ballistic gels offer advantages such as room-temperature storage, transparency and reusability, natural ballistic gel continues to be regarded as the traditional benchmark for many forensic, military, law-enforcement and academic applications where a conventional gelatine tissue simulant is preferred.
From Powder to Finished Ballistic Gel
Natural ballistic gel is supplied as a dry porcine gelatine powder before being mixed with water, conditioned and cast into calibrated test blocks ready for controlled testing.
Natural Ballistic Gel Powder
High-bloom porcine gelatine supplied as a dry powder for preparing calibrated 10% forensic-style ballistic gel.
Finished Natural Ballistic Gel Block
Properly conditioned and calibrated natural ballistic gel prepared for controlled testing, research and evaluation.
Traditional Gelatine Base
Porcine gelatine formulation trusted worldwide for controlled ballistic testing.
Powder Format
Supplied as a dry powder for on-site preparation, moulding and casting.
10% Forensic/FBI Formula
Prepared using the recognised forensic-style 10% formulation for repeatable testing.
Research & Defence
Suitable for forensic, military, educational and research applications.
Repeatable Results
Provides consistent and comparable test conditions when prepared and calibrated correctly.
Projectile Evaluation
Widely used to assess penetration, projectile behaviour, energy transfer and wound-path characteristics.
Making 10% Forensic/FBI gel
Use 10% gel powder by weight and 90% cold water by weight or volume. Work slowly to avoid incorporating excess air.
Measure and mix
Measure 10% gel powder and 90% cold water. Add the water to the powder and mix gently.
Bloom
Place the mixture in a refrigerator and allow it to bloom for approximately two hours.
Heat slowly
Heat to 39°C and stir slowly until the mixture becomes a clear amber syrup without lumps or bubbles.
Pour and set
Pour into the mould, remove any large bubbles and refrigerate for 24 hours.
Remove and condition
Gently release the block from the mould and keep it refrigerated until it is conditioned for use.
Mixtures and densities
The benchmark mixture for repeatable forensic-style testing and general projects involving projectiles or penetrating objects.
A stronger and denser formulation used for specialist protocols and projects requiring a more resistant medium.
Ballistic Gel Calculator
Enter the required block dimensions and density to estimate gel powder, water, Extender and finished block weight.
Storage and calibration
Storage
- Keep unused powder dry, sealed and away from direct sunlight.
- Stored correctly, dry powder may remain usable for up to one year.
- Keep cast gel refrigerated until required.
- Untreated cast gel typically has a short refrigerated working life.
- Extender can significantly increase cast life and reduce deterioration.
Conditioning temperatures
Normally kept refrigerated until approximately 30 minutes before use.
Condition the block within the required range before testing.
Natural Ballistic Gel SDS
Review the current Safety Data Sheet before handling, storing or using the material in a workplace or laboratory setting.
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Browse gel powder, Extender, casting moulds and other products suitable for preparing natural ballistic gel blocks.
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How much finished gel does 1 kg of powder make?
At a 10% formulation, 1 kg of powder is combined with approximately 9 kg or litres of water to produce about 10 kg of finished gel.
How long does the gel take to prepare?
Allow around two hours for blooming, followed by controlled heating and approximately 24 hours of refrigerated setting time.
Can the mixture be calculated from my mould dimensions?
Yes. Use the Ballistic Gel Calculator.
Where can I find the safety information?
Open the Natural Ballistic Gel SDS.
Need help planning your gel block?
Tell us the intended density, block dimensions and application, and we will help identify the appropriate product and preparation method.