Authors
Priya
Abstract
Forensic science is multifascinated and multidimensional field it composes of scientific discipline that carries range of expertise. Forensic science is major instrument for the detection and investigation of crime and the administration of justice as well as providing crucial information about the evidence found at crime scene. Any object that found at scene provide information about the link between victim, crime and perpetrator is considered as evidence found at crime scene.Restoring serial numbers on metal surfaces—like those on cars, guns, and other objects—that have been purposefully removed or destroyed is essential for identification and inquiry. Criminals frequently employ a variety of methods, such as grinding, scraping, or chemically changing the metal surface, to hide or erase these numbers. The original serial number may still be present in the underlying metal layers despite these efforts because of the changes and depressions made to them. In order to find any remaining markings, restoration techniques may include analysing these deeper layers using techniques like etching or magnetic particle analysis. However, the recovery of the serial number becomes much more difficult and necessitates sophisticated forensic techniques if all of the metal's layers have been extensively corroded or destroyed. Obtaining appropriate authorization is essential when restoring erased serial numbers, particularly when working with legal or proprietary goods, to guarantee that the procedure is carried out within moral and legal bounds. Furthermore, preserving the object's integrity is essential; restoration efforts should be limited to obtaining the serial number without changing or harming the thing beyond what is required. There are numerous, significant uses for recovering erased serial numbers in different fields. It is crucial for forensic investigations to identify weapons, cars, and other evidence connected to criminal activity. By restoring original markings on antiques and artefacts, this procedure maintains provenance and value for historical and collectible items. Serial numbers are essential in industrial settings for monitoring and controlling machinery and equipment, guaranteeing correct documentation and effective operation. Keywords: Metal Sheet, Crime Scene, Serial Number.
Introduction
Any impression, cut, gouge, or abrasion caused by the tool coming into contact with another object can be identified. When a weapon is found either as a part of a crime or merely recovered, it is often useful to ascertain the origin of the weapon with the help of a weapon. The physical characteristics and model of the weapon can be determined by history, that is, when to whom the factory originally sought the weapon, and the chain of ownership can only be obtained from the serial number. The serial number. present on the firearm is usually removed or altered by the culprit so that the identification of the actual owner of the firearm cannot be carried out, but depending on the amount of obliteration and alteration done, the original serial number. belonging to the firearm can then be restored. metallic object and surface is stamped by the number; the metal present beneath the number gets compressed and hardened. The hardened portion is still present when grinding is carried out on the surface (Song, 2015). The application of an acidic solution will result in the metal being slowly eaten away. Thereby resulting in the restoration of the original no. This technique is commonly known as raising the serial number. The object can be traced back or returned to its owner. It may also help to link the suspect to the crime scene.
Types of identification marks found on the vehicle parts and other articles are:
1. Cast marks
2. Engraved marks
3. Stamped marks
An engraved tool is generally employed for purpose of engraved jewellery but a metallic objects such as stainless steel or iron electric engraver is used (Fortini et al., 2016) All engraved marks are created by the process of removal of metal with tool no serious disturbance is seen and hence definite method restoration can be applied (Shimatani et al., 2019) In case of stamping and punching the no. of stamped & punched into the metal this result in distortion of crystalline structure surrounding the punched no. and also compression of grain structure therefore reduction in the size of grains as well as the crystal size of metal takes place resulting in the alteration of physical & mechanical properties (Qin et al., 2014) Erased cast marks are not possible to be restored back while the types of marks can be restored by application of appropriate chemical itching solution that will certainly depend on type of surface being edged or restored for other procedure.
When number or trademarks is stamped on cold metal the crystalline structure of metal under stamped impression is disturbed (Poulon-Quintin et al., 2021) The disturbance penetrates for an appreciable distance into the substance of the metal. But is not visible to the naked eye once the actual identification is caused by the punched has been removed off (Zadro, 1974) However when suitable chemical reagents applied to such as erased area the evidence of disturbance into the crystalline structure became visible for a very short period of time (Sharma, 2019) The reagent acts more readily on the disturbed area then on the compressed particle. Thus it is possibly by the application of suitable solution to redevelop the no. which is flies off or removed away. For the purpose of tracing and identifying objects for legal, forensic, or historical reasons, it is imperative to restore obscured serial numbers (Wilkinson et al., 2002) This procedure is necessary in situations like criminal investigations, where serial numbers can be used to connect items to certain cases or owners, and in historical artefact preservation, where keeping original markings is crucial to the object's validity. The methods can be applied to a variety of metals, such as brass, aluminium, and steel, each of which needs a different strategy to successfully retrieve the obscured or lost serial numbers (Katzand and Halamek, 2016)There are multiple methods that may be used to recover erased serial numbers. Start by visually inspecting the surface; little distortions or variations in texture may make certain numbers partially visible. Through the use of a chemical solution—typically an acid—that reacts differently with the metal's surface layers, chemical etching improves the contrast of serial number residues. Restoration helps effective product traceability and regulatory compliance, which are essential for upholding industry standards and operational effectiveness, by guaranteeing that serial numbers are readable and correct. The provenance and authenticity of historical and collectible items, like old cars, machinery, or tools, can be confirmed through the use of serial numbers (Sitompul et al., 2018). This restoration is essential to the preservation of historical significance and value for collectible and historical merchandise, guaranteeing their continued importance over time.
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