ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Page Count: 5

A New Silicone Rubber Casting Material Designed for Forensic Science Application
Ojena, SM
Criminalist, Contra Costa County Criminalistics Laboratory, CA

(Received 14 March 1983; accepted 4 May 1983)

Abstract

The need for an improved silicone rubber casting material has been evident for years. Products currently available must usually be coated or colored to make them opaque so that fine detail can be microscopically observed. A new product manufactured in Sweden has properties that make it superior to other casting materials currently available. Visibility of detail in casts made from shallow marks is dramatically increased because of its reflective properties and uniform opacity. Besides the usual tool mark applications, the material has been found useful in the comparison of firing pin impressions where lighting is a problem. It is beneficial in the examination of shiny surfaces such as extractor marks on cartridge casings and on plastic surfaces.

Keywords:
forensic science, silicone rubber, castings, tool marks

Paper ID: JFS11666J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS11666J
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