Crystal Pattern Mapping Can Recover Obliterated Serial Numbers In Metals
Researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have used a new technique in order to recover destroyed serial numbers on metal objects such as firearms. Researchers tested this new technique, electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), by stamping a X 140 micrometers into stainless steel. This X would act as if it was a serial number on a gun. They then removed this X by polishing it away. To recover the X, researchers combined pattern quality maps by using a computer software, revealing crystal damage and deformation in the steel. The deformation took place about 70 micrometers below the surface, much deeper than the actual x stamp. This technique would also help other needs such as vehicle identification
numbers or striations on an ammunition case. Previous methods used to recover serial numbers were acid or electrolytic etching. These methods didn't always work. The technique of hammering in a X is still experimental but it shows some promise. This is time consuming though; A technician would need 3 full days to construct an 8-character number.
This technique would be very beneficial towards society. Even though it's not clear if this would work on the most extreme cases of destruction, researchers are testing this everyday to improve their data. This would help solve cases of disposed weapons with their serial number etched out. This would recover the number and hopefully connect to the prime suspect. This would also help researchers who look at automobiles and ballistics since it could reconstruct impressions or numbers on them.This article was very interesting. The author of this article included many details pertaining to the technique. This included what it does, how it is used, and what else it could be used for. I wish the author included how they would use the technique on other objects besides the stainless steel. Overall, I enjoyed reading the article.
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). "Crystal pattern mapping can recover obliterated serial numbers in metals." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 12 February 2015. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/02/150212102848.htm>.
5 comments:
I think this review did a very good job at explaining the technique of electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) by telling us that the researchers stamping a X into stainless steal then polishing it away and finally trying to recover it by combining pattern quality maps by using a computer software. Then I think the review explained very well the difficulties of this technique by telling us that it is very time consuming. Lastly the review presented very well that this technique could help solve cases of weapons with their serial numbers that are scratched out.
To improve this review I would add quotes from the article. Also to improve this review maybe you can say when this technique might able to be used on cases and if this technique is more reliable than the methods of acid or electrolytic etching.
Overall I think this review was very good. I was impressed that you can recover the stamping of the X by combining pattern quality maps by using a computer software to help show crystal damage and impairment in the steel.
I thought Martin did a great job choosing an interesting and relevant article and writing a great review about it. One aspect that I liked about this review was the amount of effort Martin put in to this review to make sure there were no mistakes, it resulted in a well written review. Another aspect that I enjoyed was the amount of detail Martin put in to the review. It really felt like I understood everything he discussed and talked about. The last aspect of this review that I liked was how short it was. Martin was able to write a short review that was packed with details as well. But, there were somethings that Martin could've improved on. One thing I thought Martin could improve on was his own opinion. I would've loved to hear what Martin had to say rather than just the facts, it would've given the review even more aspects to like. The last thing Martin could improve on is maybe adding a little more information to why the review/article is relevant and how it impacts us. In all, Martin did a great job, and I was able to learn that researchers at NIST have discovered a new way to recover destroyed serial numbers on firearms.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/02/150212102848.htm
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). "Crystal pattern mapping can recover obliterated serial numbers in metals." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 12 February 2015. .
This article called, “Crystal Pattern Mapping Can Recover Obliterated Serial Numbers in Metals,” from the National Institute of Standards and Technology is about how scientist have discovered a way to use the deformation in the metal to acquire a serial number on objects. I thought Martin did a good job summarizing the article up, and thoroughly explaining the process in how this technology (Electron Backscatter Diffraction - EBSD) is used. Another part I liked is how he described the cons to using this tech, rather than just the pros, and he listed several other ways that investigators had previously used to find the serial number. The article had very specific detail, which was helpful, and listed the experiments that were done and with high success rates, it showed how this tech could potentially benefit us.
The article itself could have gone a little more explaining why this technology was better than the previous ways to find destroyed serial numbers, and what made this tech better since a big con with the Electron Backscatter Diffraction, as stated in the critique was time consuming. The previous technology can recover serial numbers as well, although one small part in the article says that the EBSD says that with this new technology, the recovered serial numbered were viable forensics evidence which confuses me. Does that mean the previous technologies used to recover serial numbers were not allowed as evidence? I also think Martin could have done a little more with critiquing the article.
After reading this article and the critique, I learned about how EBSD, a new technology was made to help investigators recover lost/damaged serial numbers which could be helpful in many crimes. I also agree with martin, about how it would be interesting to see how this tech could help in other areas(other material perhaps), rather than just with metal. It would be interesting to see how this new tech “progresses” and what changes will be made to eliminate the cons of the EBSD.
This review is very well written. It clearly portrayed what was discovered, how it worked, and how it can benefit society as a whole. It was very convenient how Martin added a couple sentences on the procedure that was used before, acid or electrolytic etching, and how these methods didn't always work. Also, Martin did a great job in explaining how the new process was done and how more efficient it is than the previous process.
It would have been better to hear more opinions of what professionals think of the new and improved method. Also, the article itself could have gone more into detail of how the new process is better than the old one.
I was impressed at the fact that This technique would also help other needs such as vehicle identification numbers or striations on an ammunition case rather than just recover destroyed serial numbers on firearms. As a whole, this article review was very interesting to read.
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Emme Kerj comment
Martin, I think that you did a good job explaining what type of new technique this was. You also explained how the new technique was performed and what made it so special compared to other older techniques. I also think that you did a good job explaining why this is so relevant to society and that it will not only help forensic scientists in the lab but also the public to feel safer since the criminal forces now have a better chance at retrieving serial numbers from guns.
One thing that you could have elaborated on is how they extract the serial number because although you gave the reader a brief overview of the process I was still left somewhat confused. I also think that you could have better highlighted the things that makes this new technique so much better and/or some more things that might pose issues.
One thing that surprised me was the fact that they used “X”s to make the imprint and I would have liked to know why no other letters are used. The whole technique also fascinated me because it seems that it would be very hard to restore numbers that someone has attempted to scratch off. I think this is really great that the scientific community is coming up with better techniques for restoring gun serial numbers especially after all of the recent mass shootings etc. I think it is very important to be able to trace who held responsibility over the gun.
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