AFTE Store - The Restoration or Detection of Obliterated Laser-Etched Firearm Markings by Scanning Electron Microscopy and X-ray Mapping

Collaborative testing was conducted in a limited study to determine if successful restoration or detection of totally obliterated laser-etched firearm markings could be achieved by the use of Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and x-ray mapping. Metallic substrates containing obliterated laser-etched markings were analyzed by SEM and x-ray mapping in an effort to detect the original, legible portions of these markings with negative results. The use of SEM and x-ray mapping as a nondestructive method to restore or detect totally obliterated laser-etched markings was concluded to be ineffective.