Metallurgy Finals

METALLURGY
As applied to Crime Detection

Learning Outcomes:
• Relates the application of metallurgy in crime investigation

• Describe how counterfeit coins are made
• Distinguish original from tampered serial numbers
In Criminal investigation, Metallurgy will, in most instances be of great help in the

solution of baffling problems involving metals or metal articles. Examples of this investigative
work are robbery, arson, murder, kidnapping, hit and run and counterfeiting.
Metallurgy – the art of extracting and working on metals by the application of chemical and
physical knowledge
The composition of an alloy or a metal is determined by spectographic and chemical

analyses which reveals the identity and the quantity of each ingredient in the sample. Two
pieces of metal made from the same lot and identical in chemical composition will possess
vastly different microstructures and physical properties if they were subjected to material
differences in heat treatment or to certain differences in manufacturing.
To make a complete examination of a metal, it is necessary to subject it to both a
chemical and physical analysis.
Metallography – branch of metallurgy that involves the study of the microstructures of metals
and alloys
In order to have a concept of the field of metallography, it is necessary to bear in mind

that all metals are composed of minute grains or crystals, under the naked eye and when
viewed from a distance a metal appears to be homogeneous but when viewed under a
metallography microscope , the crystals of the metals are tightly packed.
the study of the constitution and internal structure of metals and alloys is carried out by
microscopical and physical means including thermal features when heated or cooled,
measurements of expansion and contraction, electrical resistances and solution potentials and
supplemented by chemical examination
APPLICATION OF METALLURGY IN CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION

1 Robbery 5 Nail examination
2 Theft 6 Counterfeit coins
3 Hit and run 7 Restoration of tampered serial number
4 Bomb and explosion
Counterfeit coins
Counterfeit coins are coins made to imitate the real thing and used for gain
Two kinds of counterfeit coins:

1 Cast coins – coins made in molds
2 Struck coins – coins made by striking or stamping method
There is a third method of making counterfeit coins, it is by means of electrolytic process but
this method is seldom used
How are Counterfeit coins made

1 Cast coins - An impression of genuine coin is taken by use of plaster of Paris, clay or
bronze. The plaster molds bearing the image of the good coin are filled within a low
temperature alloy made with lead or tins while sand molds are used for high temperature
metals such as copper or silver alloys.
Cast coins have poor imitation, It can be easily detected:

a. the surface is usually pitted and uneven
b. the edges of the letterings and designs are rounded instead of sharp
c. There are small projection of metal where the lines should be straight and that section of
the circumference from where the runner has bee removed
d. The milling is often irregular or defective and shows evidence of having been made with
a file.
2. Struck coins - The procedure of making struck coins involves two separate operations.
a. The punching of circular pieces of metal of the correct size and weight from a sheet
or strip.
b. Impressing on these blanks the design of the coin which is done from dies and the
force being produced by means of a press. The milling is usually done by means of
collar that is milled inside the die or by pressing the blanks against milled wheels.
Struck coins production is often well executes that’s why its detection is not easy
a. The weight , specific gravity, milling and composition may all be good
b. Careful comparison of smaller details of the design with those of the genuine
enables the detection of counterfeiting
EXAMINATION OF COUNTERFEIT COINS

In examining counterfeit coins, whether cast or struck, the following important points
should be considered:
a. Details of the design and the matter this has been executed
b. The milling
c. The beading on the inner side of the coin
d. Color, weight and specific gravity
Tampered serial numbers

Tampered serial numbers are restored by application of etching fluid
Etching fluid is a fluid use to restore tampered serial numbers. Choice of etching
depends on the structure of the metal bearing the original numbers
Etching fluids
1 For cast iron and cast steel - 10% Sulfuric acid and potassium dichromate
2 Wrought iron and forged iron and steels - HCL, water, CuCl2, Alcohol / 15% HNO3
3 Aluminum – Glycerine, HF, HNO3. Alternate and safer formula: CuCl2, HCl, H2O
4 Copper, brass, German silver and other copper alloys – FeCl3, HCl, water
5 Stainless steel – Dilute H2SO4 or 10% HCl
6 Lead (motor car batteries) – Glacial Acetic acid, H2O2
7 Zinc – 10% NaOH
8 German silver – FeCl3 solution, Concentrated HCl, H2O
9 Tin – 10% HCl
10 Silver – Concentrated HNO3
11 Gold and platinum – Aqua Regia
12 Wood – subjecting areas to to a jet of steam

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METALLURGY

As applied to Crime Detection

• Relates the application of metallurgy in crime investigation

In Criminal investigation, Metallurgy will, in most instances be of great help in the

The composition of an alloy or a metal is determined by spectographic and chemical

In order to have a concept of the field of metallography, it is necessary to bear in mind

APPLICATION OF METALLURGY IN CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION

Two kinds of counterfeit coins:

How are Counterfeit coins made

Cast coins have poor imitation, It can be easily detected:

EXAMINATION OF COUNTERFEIT COINS

Tampered serial numbers

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