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Technical Note

Mikrosil™ Casting Putty

Introduction

Mikrosil™ has been formulated to give excellent rendering of small details, highest contrast for microscopic observations, good releasing ability for the cast and short setting-time. These properties are important in cases of shallow marks and marks with small details requiring large magnification.

Brown Mikrosil™ is a dark-brown color which many toolmark examiners prefer. The dark color increases the visibility of detail in the casts made from toolmarks, firing pin marks, breech face marks and other marks on cartridge casings. Gray Mikrosil™ is preferred by other toolmark examiners who photograph the contrast between the light-colored surface and shadows produced from side-lighting. As described below, squeeze an equal length from each tube onto the mixing pad and stir them together with the wooden spatula. Press against the toolmark and wait for a few minutes. The hardened cast will easily release itself from the surface.

White or Black Mikrosil™ can be used to lift dusted latent fingerprints from rough or textured surfaces where regular lift tape will fail. Using the method shown on the following page, press the mixed putty onto the latent print. Wait a minute or two to allow the putty to harden, then pull the card with the putty attached away from the surface. Properly label the lifted latent print. Remember, the image of the latent print is reversed, left to right. Use White Mikrosil™ with black powders and use Black Mikrosil™ with silver or fluorescent powders.

Instructions for use

1. To use Mikrosil™, squeeze out equal lengths about 1 1/2" to 2" long from the two tubes onto the shiny side of one of the white cards. One line of paste will be thinner than the other due to the smaller nozzle on the tube. The tubes are designed this way to give the proper proportions of each paste.

 Squeeze out equal lengths from each tube

2. With one of the wooden mixing sticks, mix the two components together thoroughly on the card. This should take 30 to 60 seconds.

 Mix the components thoroughly

The easiest way to do the casting is to place the card with the Mikrosil™ still on it directly onto the surface with the tool mark. An alternative method is to scrape the Mikrosil™ off of the mixing card with the wooden stick and place it on the tool mark. The setting-time will be between 5 and 8 minutes in 68 degree weather and 12 and 15 minutes in below-freezing temperatures. When the Mikrosil™ has set, gently peel it from the surface.

 Scrape Mikrosil onto desired surface

Using Mikrosil™ to Lift Latent Prints

In the series of photographs below, there is an example of using White Mikrosil™ to lift latent prints developed with black powder on an irregular surface. After dusting and developing latent prints, prepare the White Mikrosil™. Apply it to the surface and allow it to dry. Gently peel it off. Remember that the latent prints will be reversed left to right (mirror image).

Dust with Black Powder Spread Mikrosil over surface
Gently peel Mikrosil from surface Latent Prints are reversed left to right

Use Black Mikrosil™ when dusting with silver or white powders, or when dusting with fluorescent powders, such as Redwop™, Greenwop™, Blitz-Red™ or Blitz-Green™. The black background does not fluoresce when examined with a Forensic Light Source or ultraviolet lamp so the latent print will be bright against a black background.

Toolmarks and Marks from Firearms

In addition to casting toolmarks, Brown Mikrosil™ can be used to cast firing pin, ejector/extractor marks and breech face marks.

Ordering Information

Catalog No. 4-1006........ Mikrosil™, GRAY, 7 oz. (200g)
Catalog No. 4-1007........ Mikrosil™, BROWN, 7 oz. (200g)
Catalog No. 4-1008........ Mikrosil™, WHITE, 7 oz. (200g)
Catalog No. 4-1009........ Mikrosil™, BLACK, 7 oz. (200g)
Catalog No. 4-1010........ Additional Tube of Catalyst

   

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Comments or Questions:

Introduction

The goal of latent print examiners and technicians is to discover and collect latent prints by various means. The ultimate goal is to identify those latent prints to the person responsible for the criminal act and prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law. Some of these means to develop latent prints include processing evidence and other surfaces using powders, chemicals and lighting techniques. The purpose of this booklet is to provide a resource of information about latent print processing techniques. This booklet does not contain every process available and does not claim to be all inclusive of all variations of processes. The information has been collected from various sources.
Caution

This booklet contains descriptions of processes utilizing chemicals or combinations of chemicals which may be hazardous to the user's health. It is strongly recommended that proper precautions be taken when using hazardous chemicals or combinations thereof. Safety equipment needed may include fume hoods, gloves, protective clothing, safety goggles, splash shields or respirators. It may be necessary to store these chemicals in specific containers or cabinets. It is the user's responsibility to know and use the proper and adequate safety equipment required the various chemicals listed.
Disclaimer

Lightning Powder Company, Inc. assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of any of the chemicals, procedures, methods of ideas described herein resulting in injury and/or damage to persons or property.
Copyright © 2005 Lightning Powder Company, Inc.
The material contained in and displayed by this Web site may be reproduced with acknowledgment of its source.
 
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