AFTE Range of Conclusions

Related terms

Class Characteristic

A feature shared by an entire group of objects (every shoe of one model has the same sole tread; every tire of...

Combination Mark

Both impressed and striated features in the same mark, typical of pry-bar and chisel attacks where the tool first bites into the...

Impressed Mark

Also called indented or compression mark. Tool is pressed perpendicularly into the softer surface and reproduces the contour of the tool's working...

Individual Characteristic

A characteristic unique to a specific typewriter unit arising from manufacturing variation or service wear; used to identify or eliminate a specific...

Mikrosil

Brand-name silicone polymer casting compound (also Microsil, AccuTrans) used to lift a fine-detail negative of a tool mark from the scene without...

Striated Mark

Also called scratch, abrasion or scrape mark. Tool slides laterally across the surface and leaves parallel striations from microscopic imperfections on the...

Sub-Class Characteristic

Batch-level feature introduced by manufacturing-tool wear that is shared by a sub-population of tools made in the same production run (a die...

Tool Mark

Any impression, scratch, gouge, cut or abrasion left on a softer object (the recipient surface) when a harder object (the tool) acts...

Explained in

• Tool Marks: Meaning, Types and ExaminationAssociation of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners standard scale: Identification, Inconclusive (A, B, C), Elimination, Unsuitable for examination. The same scale...