We regularly receive queries on whether VMD might be successful on certain exhibit types. Recently, we were asked whether a mobile phone would survive the VMD process (due to the levels of vacuum required for the process), and whether it would be worth trying VMD processing on this type of exhibit, given its complex structure of various materials.
Earlier this week, our Forensic Scientist Eleigh Brewer went to the lab and conducted some proof of concept studies to establish if a) the vacuum affected the mobile phones functionality and b) which VMD metal process would be most suitable.
We were pleased to find that a) the vacuum didn’t effect the mobile functionality and b) sterling silver worked particularly well across all the surfaces/materials including the sim card.
