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Magnetic-Particle Serial-Number Examination

Definition

A restoration approach using a magnetic field and particles to reveal relevant indications in suitable ferromagnetic material. It does not inherently remove metal, but handling and processing still require evidence-preservation planning. Nonmagnetic substrates and ambiguous indications limit its application and conclusions.

Related terms

Firearm Tracing
An authorised enquiry using a firearm’s identity and available records to investigate its commercial or other documented history. Tracing differs from fired-evidence...
Optical Surface Profilometry
Measurement of accessible surface relief to produce height information across an area, using an appropriate optical system and documented settings. It can...
Partial Serial-Number Recovery
A restoration outcome establishing only some characters or positions in an identifying mark. The report should preserve the distinction between supported, uncertain...
Serial-Number Restoration
Specialist examination intended to recover an obscured or removed identifying mark using methods suited to its material, marking process and condition. A...
Subsurface Deformation Zone
Material beneath and around a mechanically stamped mark whose structure has been altered by plastic deformation. Some alteration may survive removal of...

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