Fingerprint Vacuum Metal Deposition Machine for use in Forensic Laboratories and Police Force Scene of Crime Departments
The technique of vacuum deposition of zinc and gold metallic thin film coatings onto principally flat, flexible substrates such as polythene packaging film was developed by the UK Home Office, Police Scientific Development Branch. The WTSL metal deposition machine is designed to be fully compatible with the procedures documented in the Manual of Fingerprint Development Techniques.
Fast, single treatment process, fingerprints may be photographed immediately after removing exhibit high quality images with resolution of fine detail including '3rd' level detail of pores and ridge shapes. Detection of fingerprints on articles which have been wetted due to rain, condensation or even prolonged immersion in water. Higher sensitivity and detection of about 10% more fingerprints than the superglue followed by dyeing process. Quick and easy to use - No messy dyeing.
A typical system comprises of:
Chamber / Vacuum Pump Set. The system comprises of a horizontal stainless steel vacuum chamber (internal diameter of 770 mm and an internal useable depth of approximately 900 mm) fitted with a two stage rotary vane vacuum pump / mechanical booster vacuum pump combination and a high throughput diffusion pump with associated high, backing and roughing valves.
Cold Finger
A low temperature stainless steel refrigerated cold finger is fitted to the chamber to ensure rapid pump down and to handle damp or water logged samples.
Workholder
The semi-cylindrical workholder provides a simple method of loading the articles to be treated. Thin polythene sheeting samples may be attached to it securely by means of small magnets. The work holder is mounted on a system of support slides so that it may be withdrawn fully from the chamber, locked in the withdrawn position, and inverted by rotation about a horizontal axis and located mid way along the work holder. An intermediate locking position of 45 degrees is provided.
Evaporation Source / Power Supply
Three independently selectable sets of evaporation filaments are located in an array within the chamber to achieve optimum coating uniformity during the evaporation of gold and zinc. The filament clamp fixings to the source bars are so designed that changing the filament cannot result in accidental misalignment of the mounting.The filament bar assembly is designed for straightforward removal and dismantling to enable cleaning.
PLC System Control
The system is controlled and monitored via a full colour touch screen man machine interface. The system mechanical and software design provide a high performance system that is simple to use.
Options
Both larger and smaller systems are available upon request.
Remote interrogation of system is available via modem link.
Benefits
High performance vacuum system for rapid chamber pumpdown. PLC control to give a high degree of flexibility in operation via touch panel full colour graphic screen. One button operation for automatic chamber pumpdown. Precise control of deposition current to give excellent fingerprint definition. Modem for remote interrogation providing rapid service response / technical support Automatic vacuum pressure control for each deposition layer.
Cost effective hardware and PLC control upgrades for existing systems also available as well as competitive individually tailored service support contracts.
We can also provide a wide range of vacuum equipment including vacuum pumps, vacuum ovens and resin degassing units.
Fingerprint Vacuum Metal Deposition Systems Sales Information