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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 26, 2025

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A novel method for linking between a 3D printer and printed objects using toolmark comparison techniques.

Ayal Aronson1, Ariel Elyashiv2, Yaron Cohen1

  • 1Toolmarks and Materials Laboratory, Division of Identification and Forensic Science (DIFS), Israel Police, National H.Q., Jerusalem, Israel.

Journal of Forensic Sciences
|July 30, 2021
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

3D printing (3DP) is increasingly used in crimes. This study introduces a novel forensic method using toolmark comparison to link 3D printed objects to specific Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) printers.

Keywords:
3D printingadditive manufacturingcomparison microscopefused deposition modelingghost gunimprovised firearmpersonally manufactured firearmpolylactic acidprinted firearmstereo-microscopetoolmarks

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Area of Science:

  • Forensic Science
  • Materials Science
  • Manufacturing Engineering

Background:

  • 3D printing (3DP) technologies, particularly Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), are becoming more accessible and affordable.
  • The increased availability of 3D printers has led to their documented use in criminal activities, posing challenges for forensic investigations.
  • Existing forensic methods may not be sufficient to uniquely identify the source of 3D printed evidence.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop and validate a novel forensic technique for linking 3D printed objects to their source 3D printers.
  • To investigate the potential of using inherent microscopic features generated during the FDM printing process for forensic identification.
  • To adapt classical toolmark comparison methods for the analysis of 3D printed items.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printers and Polylactic Acid (PLA) filament, common in both legitimate and illicit applications.
  • Employed Stereo-Microscopy and Comparison Microscopy for detailed examination of microscopic features.
  • Analyzed random fine marks transferred from the 3D printer's heated bed to the base of the printed object.

Main Results:

  • Demonstrated that random fine marks on the FDM printer's heated bed are replicated onto the base of the Polylactic Acid (PLA) filament prints.
  • These replicated marks, formed by the solidified extruded filament acting as a casting material, possess high resolution comparable to dedicated forensic casting materials.
  • Successfully established a method for linking printed objects to specific 3D printers based on these unique toolmarks.

Conclusions:

  • The study presents a novel and effective forensic method for tracing 3D printed evidence back to the specific FDM printer used.
  • This toolmark comparison technique offers a valuable new approach for forensic investigations involving 3D printed items.
  • The findings highlight the importance of considering the unique microscopic signatures produced by additive manufacturing processes in forensic analysis.