DOUBLE CASTING KITS

Double Casting allows the creation of cloned ballistic material, which is accurate to a microscopic level of detail. Arquebus’ bespoke Double Casting kit provides everything needed to get started.

Double Casting Kit

Arquebus has created a bespoke Double Casting kit that contains everything required to create double casts.

Double Casting is a technique pioneered originally by the NFI and BKA in the 1980’s with the advent of Room Temperature Vulcanising Silicones. As information sharing across borders continues to become increasingly prevelant in addressing transnational security threats, Double Casting has become an increasingly effective tool at sharing evidence. Since 2015, Arquebus has been using double casting to move cloned material to the United Kingdom. During this time, we developed extensive knowledge and expertise to improve the equipment and processes – including the creation of our own bespoke 3D printed mould bases, custom designed specifically for double casting and exhibit tracking.

The process to create double casts is completed in two stages. Initially, a silicone mould of ballistic material is taken, under vacuum. The resulting mould is then used to create resin clones, under pressure. The materials and conditions required are highly specific, to produce a result of high quality which is capable of being matched back to the original exhibit through the comparison of the microscopic toolmarks.

The process is internationally accepted, and INTERPOL approved. Casts are suitable for use in both conventional comparison microscopy as well as acquisition into IBIS.

Cost Effective Intelligence Sharing

When sharing ballistics evidence, many laboratories are required to send personnel with exhibits, in order to maintain chain-of-custody.

This is often at cost to the laboratory, losing experienced practitioners for a period of time. Double casts are ideal for transportation without personnel and can be couriered when packaged correctly. In situations where the cast is lost, it is easy to produce an additional copy, or send multiple copies to regional laboratories, especially when an open case file is not centralised.

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Training

Arquebus has trained laboratory staff in double casting all over the world.

Training is delivered either in person or online depending on the requirement. When training is required with a kit, a full physical training manual will be provided alongside online training tools including instructional guides with videos. Training delivered online involves several practical sessions with a trainer via video link – who will conduct the process with an identical double casting kit, for participants to follow using their own kit. Please get in touch if you have any further questions on our kit or training.

DOUBLE CASTING KITS

DOUBLE CASTING KITS

Double Casting allows the creation of cloned ballistic material, which is accurate to a microscopic level of detail. Arquebus’ bespoke Double Casting kit provides everything needed to get started.