We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Technology

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What are the Different Types of Fingerprint Supplies?

By M.R. Anglin
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 9,183
Share

Fingerprinting is one of the most accepted methods of identification. Police use it to identify a suspect and to prove their presence at a crime scene, immigration officials can use it to register and identify legal residents, and employers can use it to ensure the individuals they are hiring are eligible for that particular form of employment. In order to take a fingerprint, a person may have to have different types of fingerprint supplies. Fingerprint supplies can range from fingerprinting ink, rollers, slabs, and card holders. There are even devices for taking fingerprints from people who have died.

One of the most important fingerprint supplies is fingerprinting ink. Fingerprinting ink can often come in the form of pads, strips, or liquid ink. Fingerprint ink pads can be classified as ink or inkless. Inkless pads use a special chemical coupled with a card that is covered with a specific material that will allow the fingerprint to show up. Ink pads use actual ink in their pads that can be left on the fingers and will need to be cleaned with a special ink cleaning pad.

Fingerprint cards are used to display the fingerprints that are taken. These cards are used in various departments and applications. For instance, some employers require fingerprints on these cards as part of a job application. Fingerprinting ink needs to be used with normal fingerprint cards.

Ink slabs and ink rollers are two types of fingerprint supplies that are closely related. An ink slab is a flat piece of material such as stainless steel or glass on which the fingerprint ink is rolled. The ink is placed on the slab and the roller is used to spread the ink evenly along the slab. Then the fingers can be rolled in the ink, and the fingerprint placed on the card. The card is usually held in place by a card holder, which may have mounting brackets to secure it to the table.

Many organizations are switching from traditional fingerprint supplies to electronic fingerprint captures. These computers can record a fingerprint without fingerprint ink, slabs, and other supplies, and print them onto a fingerprint card. It is even possible for fingerprints already on a card to be scanned into the computer to form an electronic print. Sometimes it is even possible to find a company providing this as a mobile service.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-the-different-types-of-fingerprint-supplies.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.