This guide is intended to assist forensic examiners comparing writing or marking inks.

Formerly under the jurisdiction of Committee E30 on Forensic Sciences, this guide was withdrawn in January 2014 in accordance with section 10.6.3 of the Regulations Governing ASTM Technical Committees, which requires that standards shall be updated by the end of the eighth year since the last approval date.

1.1 This Guide is intended to assist forensic examiners comparing writing or marking inks. Included in this analysis scheme are the necessary tools and techniques available to reach conclusions as to the common or different origin of two samples of ink.

1.2 Identifying ink formulas as to their manufacturer or time of manufacture as well as performing ink dating examinations are beyond the scope of this guide.

1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.