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Collecting Toolmark Impressions


Collecting Toolmark Impressions

For the latest NIJ grant, we need to collect a set of tool marks from screwdrivers held at one of 5 specific angles. To do this, I modeled a jig in a program called openSCAD, which is an open-souce 3d modeling program. Here is the jig in action: TestPicture

Here is a closeup:

TestPicture

It does a nice job of creating constant pressure on heavy-duty aluminum foil:

TestPicture

Here is one closeup, taken with a Sony a7r3 with a macro lens and two exension rings:

TestPicture

We will create a database of 60 comparisons, 30 from mated screwdriver tips and 30 from non-mated. The examiner will have to match the questioned impression against all 5 angles from one screwdriver.

If you are a toolmark or firearm examiner, we need your help! Please use the link below to volunteer for the study, or email Tom Busey

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