*Application: Weapons Analysis
*Test Device: Pistols and Rifles – Barrel and Shutter
This inspection aims to identify details that may help investigators link a weapon to its user. It is not intended to assess the weapon’s condition.
*Application Challenges:
- Shiny Surfaces: The barrel of a firearm is highly reflective, which can cause glare during inspection.
- Dark Areas: The absence of natural light creates a low-visibility environment. The quality of the video endoscope’s illumination is essential for detecting burn marks, scratches, and imperfections that provide valuable insights for ballistic analysis.
- Chemical Exposure: Gunpowder residue and the extreme heat generated when a bullet exits the barrel cause chemical alterations in the material.
It is crucial to find the right balance when using the video endoscope light. The image must be bright enough to reveal key details, yet not overexposed, as excessive brightness can obscure critical features.
*Typical Flaws:
- Coating Loss: The rotation of a fired bullet inside the barrel creates friction, leading to coating abrasion and removal.
- Abrasion: High-velocity contact between the bullet and the barrel results in surface wear.
- Erosion: Repeated firing gradually thins the barrel walls due to sustained friction.
- Burning: Gunpowder explosions leave burn marks in the shutter area.
- Grooving: The rotational movement of a bullet as it exits the barrel creates distinct grooves determined by its speed.
- Flaking: The extreme heat and velocity of an exiting bullet can cause the barrel material to flake.
*Equipment Used: X2000-39D-4W-FS-HD-1.5M / X2000-60D-4W-FS-HD-2M
The enhanced imaging capabilities allow for detailed identification and documentation of defects found during the inspection. Image tag and annotation functions are also helpful when the inspector analyzing comes out some results and doing report or paper works.