NCJ Number
175383
Journal
International Journal of Forensic Document Examiners Volume: 4 Issue: 2 Dated: April-June 1998 Pages: 128-133
Date Published
1998
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This paper aims to give forensic document examiners an understanding of the concepts of examining and identifying a three-dimensional embosser punch and die impression such as that on a credit card, as well as the differences between typewriter and embosser examinations.
Abstract
Forensic examination methods for embosser cases rely heavily on forensic document training received in typewriter and computer printer examinations. However, credit card embossers generate three-dimensional impressions rather than the two-dimensional impressions of typewritten or printed documents. Several embossed characteristics on a card are important for identification purposes. These include the class characteristics of the punch, the individual characteristics of the type face, and the class and individual characteristics of stops located on the punch shoulders. Other important characteristics are the class and individual characteristics of the edge where the type face and bevel, the bevel and shoulder, and the shoulder and body meet on a punch and where the top of the character and bevel and the bevel and shoulders meet on a die. Further important characteristics related to the clamping mechanism and embossed character relationships. The hundreds of embossing machines include manual machines and low-, medium-, and high-volume output machines. Figures, photograph, and 14 reference notes (Author abstract modified)