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Published on: September 22, 2020
A novel 3D-printed portable electroplating device enhances latent fingerprints on metal substrates
Kiattisak Promsuwan1, Yameelah Kareng2, Jenjira Saichanapan2
1Division of Health and Applied Sciences, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla, 90110, Thailand; Forensic Science Innovation and Service Center, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla, 90110, Thailand; Center of Excellence for Trace Analysis and Biosensor, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla, 90110, Thailand; Center of Excellence for Innovation in Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla, 90110, Thailand.
Abstract:
This work introduces a 3D-printed portable electroplating device for the visualization of latent fingerprints (LFPs) on metallic substrates. An electroplating solution of Ag+-Cu2+ in a deep eutectic solvent (DES) is used. The electroplating is performed by two electrodes equivalent to an anode (+) and a cathode (-). The cathode is connected to the metal surface with the magnetic or alligator clip for carrying the LFP. The anode is connected to cotton dipped in the electroplating solution. The device was optimized in terms of the electroplating solution composition, and electroplating potential, current, and time. The device produced images with good resolution, revealing LFP ridges in minute detail of more than 12 points. The device also exhibited good repeatability and images were assessed against guidelines from the Centre for Applied Science and Technology (CAST) and the International Fingerprint Research Group (IFRG). The developed device could be applied to visualize LFPs in forensic investigations.
