For best experience please turn on javascript and use a modern browser!
You are using a browser that is no longer supported by Microsoft. Please upgrade your browser. The site may not present itself correctly if you continue browsing.

2 Research projects to start developing advanced polymer characterization methods for the forensic investigation of 3D printed firearms

The NFI Materials & Mictrotrace experts team up with the UvA Analytical Chemistry group to start developing advanced polymer characterization methods for the forensic investigation of 3D printed firearms. We look for ambitious, talented students with a forensic chemistry or analytical chemistry background to work on the following projects.

In recent years both internationally as here in the Netherlands there has been a growing concern on the illegal production and use of 3D printed firearms, i.e. firearms that fully or partly consist of synthetic polymer materials. Several incidents in the Netherlands have indicated that the production and use of such ‘ghost guns’ (guns that can not be traced on the basis of an officially registered serial numbers) is on the rise. This could significantly lower the barrier to obtain and use a firearm to commit violent crimes. In a response the Materials & Mictrotrace team of the Netherlands Forensic Institute (NFI) has built its knowledge base of 3D printed firearm production and has been working on new methods for forensic investigation of such items. Traditional firearms investigation revolves around engineering and the microscopic investigation of physical marks. However, 3D printed firearms create completely different traces and open up the forensic use of chemical analysis and polymer characterization techniques. For correct classification and forensic comparison, also knowledge on 3D printing and raw material sourcing needs to be developed. 

Project 1: Advanced LC and 2D-LC analysis of polymer raw materials for 3D printing:

  • Establishing and utilizing Molecular Weight Distributions using SEC
  • Additive analysis using HPLC/HILIC
  • Comprehensive 2D-LC characterization
  • Data analysis for classification using AI & multivariate analysis
  • Use of AI for method optimization

Project 2: Thermal desorption headspace and Pyrolysis GC-MS analysis of polymer raw materials for 3D printing:

  • Developing and optimizing an HS-GC-MS method for polymer RM analysis
  • Developing and optimizing a Py-GC-MS method for polymer RM analysis
  • Desiging an integrated method for combined HS and Py characterization
  • Data analysis for classification using AI & multivariate analysis
  • Use of AI for method optimization

Information

Institute/ Company: University of Amsterdam/ NFI (Nederlands Forensisch Instituut)
Location: University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Science Park/ Atum 3D, Gouda
Country: The Netherlands
Daily supervisor: Pascal Camoiras Gonzalez (UvA)
First examiner: Bob Pirok (UvA)
Second examiner: Arian van Asten (UvA)
Date of publication: July 14, 2025

Download project description