Remarking/Resurfacing Test
The chemical, mechanical, and chemical-thermal methods. We examine device markings and package for signs of tampering.
Visual inspections often reveal simple component manipulations. Detecting complex component counterfeiting, such as blacktopping, resurfacing, and remarking, necessitates advanced measures. Hence, we use a three-stage process:
The chemical wipe test: We treat the component surface, especially the lettering, with a solvent-soaked swab. This removes less resistant paints and printings, leaving colored residues on the white wipes.
The mechanical scratch test: We use a special blade to remove thin casing layers in multiple passes. Here, the focus is on detecting sudden texture changes, hidden markings, and abrasion patterns.
The chemical-thermal surface treatment: A mix of special solvents and heat dissolves even the most resistant epoxy blacktopping, revealing the original surface. This method ultimately detects all surface manipulations currently in use.
