Experiment #16

Casting of Three Dimensional Impressions

I. Objective
1. Learn the proper techniques employed in casting three dimensional impressions.
2. Be critical in evaluating the class and individual characteristics of foot and
footwear impression including tire marks.
3. Appreciate the value of this physical evidence in criminal investigation.

II. Apparatus/Materials
Retaining wall/casting frame, mixing bowl, stirring rod, ladle, chicken wire, broomstick,
stylus/pointed instrument, Plaster of Paris or Dental Stone

III. Procedure
1. Take the plaster or dental casts of the following:
1.1. Foot impression
1.2. Shoe impression
1.3. Tire impression
2. Photograph each of the impressions with and without a scale before making a cast.
3. Place a retaining wall, about one inch high, around the impressions.
4. Add either Plaster of Paris or Dental Stone to a mixing bowl containing enough water
that will fill the impression. Add more water if the mixture is too concentrated; whereas
add more Plaster of Paris or Dental Stone if the mixture is too dilute. Stir the mixture
thoroughly to produce an appearance of a heavy cream. Air bubbles and lumps in the
casting mixture will be prevented in this manner.
5. Hold the bowl containing the casting mixture close to the impression and pour the
content immediately by focusing first on the least detailed area. Break the fall of the
casting material by using a ladle which can be used in distributing the mixture over the
surface of the impression.
6. After half of the desired thickness is poured, reinforce the casting mixture with
chicken wire or broomstick.
7. Immediately add the remaining casting mixture to the reinforced layer. For
operational economy, the thickness of the prepared cast must be about one inch.
8. Let the freshly prepared cast set within 20-30 minutes before removing it from the
impression to get a durable cast.
9. Using a stylus/pointed instrument, mark the initials of the investigator on the cast, the
date of casting, and other additional information for identification purposes before it
becomes completely dry.
10. Carefully lift the dried cast out of the impression and gently wash it with water. Do
not allow the fine details of the cast to break off while cleaning.

IV. Observation
1. What is the use of a casting frame in preparing a cast of an impression made by
an object?

2. Why is there a need to prepare a casting mixture with a texture of a heavy

cream?

3. Why do you have to thoroughly stir the casting mixture before applying it on the
impression?

4. What will be the advantage, if the mixing bowl with the casting mixture, is placed
close to the impression during the pouring operation?
5. Why do you have to pour the casting mixture promptly to the impression with the
least detailed area?

6. What is the use of the ladle or spoon during the pouring of the casting mixture to
the impression?

7. How are air bubbles and lumps prevented during the preparation of the casting
mixture?

8. In the preparation of a plaster or dental cast, when and where do you add the
reinforcement material?

9. Why must a cast be reinforced with screen marks, chicken wire, or broomstick?

10. What is the required thickness of a plaster or dental cast?

11. What is the time allowed for the freshly-prepared cast to set?

12. When do you mark the cast for purposes of identification?

13. How is the marking of the cast conducted by the crime investigator?
14. When is the cast removed from the impression and how?

15. How do you wash and clean a cast of three dimensional impressions without
breaking off the fine details of the cast?

V. Post Laboratory Discussion

Guide Questions
1. What is a cast of a three dimensional impression?

2. Why is there a need to photograph first the impression with and without a scale
before making a cast?

3. When do you say that you have prepared a good cast of the impression?

4. What is the basis of the examination conducted on either a plaster or dental cast
of a footwear impression?

5. How can this particular type of physical evidence help in the successful
prosecution of a robbery suspect?
 6. What are the correct procedures employed in the proper preservation of foot,
shoe and tire impressions during casting?

7. What happens to the cast obtained if the foot or shoe impression was not
properly preserved during casting?

VI. Conclusion

VII. Illustration

VIII. Documentation