Scribd
Upload
130 views

Week 10 Macro Etching and Number Restoration

The document discusses trace evidence analysis techniques for restoring obscured or tampered serial numbers on metal objects like vehicles and firearms. Specifically, it describes macro-etching, a process using chemical solutions to react with imprints left in metal surfaces when serial numbers are applied. When applied, the chemicals can help restore faded or obscured serial numbers by revealing underlying imprints left during the stamping or punching process. The document provides details on various chemicals, procedures, and considerations for macro-etching to restore serial numbers and aid investigations.

Uploaded by

eoseleven
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
130 views

Week 10 Macro Etching and Number Restoration

The document discusses trace evidence analysis techniques for restoring obscured or tampered serial numbers on metal objects like vehicles and firearms. Specifically, it describes macro-etching, a process using chemical solutions to react with imprints left in metal surfaces when serial numbers are applied. When applied, the chemicals can help restore faded or obscured serial numbers by revealing underlying imprints left during the stamping or punching process. The document provides details on various chemicals, procedures, and considerations for macro-etching to restore serial numbers and aid investigations.

Uploaded by

eoseleven
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 20

Trace Evidence: Number

Restoration
Serial Number

- A series of number that is punched or


pressed into a particular item to
distinguished it from one another of
common type. Its sometimes preceded
interspersed with or followed by letters
and symbols.
Macro-etching is an application of chemical
solution on the metal surface where the
serial number is normally located and
observing any reaction that may take
place.
Purpose of Macro Etching:

1. To determine whether or not the serial


numbers of Motor Vehicles or Firearms are
tampered.
2. To restore the original serial number of an
article in questioned.
Basic importance of number
restoration:
 It establishes investigative lead from
article/property that may have been taken from
the scene of the crime

 It proves that the property found in the


possession of the suspect is actually owned by
the victim; and

 It resolves conflicting claims of property that has


been recovered by the investigators.
Theories in Number Restoration

 When a letter or number is


stamped into a cold metal surface
a molecular disturbance occurs
directly beneath.
 When a letter or number is
punched into a metal, a
deformation occurs on the metal
surface that is the metal is being
compressed.
Preliminary Examination in
Number Restoration
1. A careful search for the location of the serial
number must be made before attempting
the restoration process.
2. Grease and oil must be removed using
gasoline, alcohol, etc.
3. Clean or polish the area using sand paper.
4. Photograph the affected area.
Spot Detection of Tampered
/Obliterated Serial Number
1. Presence of any sign of welding surrounding
the serial number.
2. Presence of several scratches and filings
marks on the serial number surface.
3. Presence of any sign of concavity on the
serial number surface.
4. Presence of any difference in the style of
letters and numbers.
5. Appearance of fragmentary marks which
could not be properly identified partly
superimposed by letters and numbers.
6. Presence of any difference in the spacing of
individual letters and numbers.
7. Misalignment of letter and numbers.
8. Absence of one or more letters before, in-
between or after a set of sequential numbers.
9. Letters and numbers are stamped on places
where the serial number is normally located.
10. Sizes of letters and numbers are sharper and
coarser than the others.
11. Presence of any irregularities in depth of
individual letters and numbers.
12. Absence of rating plate.
13. Model of the vehicle in the chassis number
does not tally with that of the rating plate.
14. Alteration of the production number.
Chemicals/reagents used:

I. For Iron and Steel:


Cupric Chloride + Hydrochloric Acid + water

II. For Aluminum:


Nitric Acid + Water

III. For Lead:


Glacial Acetic acid + Hydrogen peroxide
Procedure on Macro-etching

Materials: applicator stick/Barbecue stick,


absorbent cotton, sand paper, paint remover,
pencil, onion paper, carbon paper, plastic
tape
Procedure:
1. Examine the metal surface of a motor vehicle
bearing the engine number to identify the
type of metal where the engine number was
stamped.
2. Photograph the entire motor vehicle
including the engine block. Make a close-up
photograph of the metal surface where the
serial number is normally located.

3. Clean the surface and make it smooth using


a sand paper. Remove the paint if the metal
surface bearing the serial number is painted
as in case of a chassis number.
4. Get the stencil of the serial number by
placing an onion paper over the numbers and
applying repeated strokes of the pencil on the
paper until all the letters and numbers are
captured or by rubbing the serial number with
carbon paper and then covering the area with
plastic tape. Remove the plastic tape from
the metal surface bearing the serial number
and place it on bond paper.
5. Apply melted paraffin wax around the area to
be treated so that no spilling of reagent as
well as no rusting action will take place after
conducting the macro-etching examination.
6. Using a cotton swab, apply a thin coating of
Cupric chloride solution on the metal surface
bearing the serial number through repeated
strokes.

7. Swab the metal surface with Nitric Acid


repeatedly followed by the application of a
mixture of 50% Cupric chloride and 50%
Hydrochloric acid.
8. Observe the etched surface for the
appearance of letters or numbers, if there are
any. Record and photograph any restored or
partially restored letters and numbers.

9. Wash the treated are with dilute ammonium


hydroxide to neutralize the acid and then
completely wash it with water.

10. Remove the melted paraffin wax around the


metal surface right after washing it.
Sample of cut and welded chassis
Sample of patched and welded chassis
Sample of engine number not conforming to the standard

You might also like