Ballistics Identification

The FAST-MARCS™ workstation is a robotic microscopy system optimized for forensic evidence analysis. Built on state-of-the-art patent-pending robotic technology, this workstation is extremely flexible making it ideal for imaging a variety of samples, including bullets, cartridge casings, micro-fibers, documents, and currency.

The FAST-MARCS™ workstation is comprised of a computer-controlled video microscope fitted with a ballistics subassembly optimized for panoramic image capture of bullets and cartridge casings. This subassembly is automatically positioned when viewing bullet/casing sidewalls and removed to image other types of evidence.

The system provides onscreen viewing of the sample seamlessly integrated into a familiar graphic user interface to control all microscope functions. Auto-image capture is achieved quickly and accurately as sample setup time is minimal. Once evidence has been "digitized", it is encoded to facilitate nearly instantaneous record comparison on a global scale.

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The stage interface of the FAST-MARCS™ workstation is extremely flexible, allowing several methods of sample illumination. The user may select between transmitted, incident, ringlight, visible spectrum, ultra-violet, and infrared.

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Built on patented modular robotic technology, the FAST-MARCS™ workstation is easy to transport, load, and use. Samples are loaded quickly with setup times in minutes instead of hours. Powerful image processing software facilitates data acquisition quickly and accurately. In addition, linking and querying the database takes only seconds.

The robotic microscope measures 20" wide x 16" deep x 20" high and is built with robust components used at a fraction of their overall tolerance rating.