Methods and signs of changing the marking data..
Methods and signs of changing the marking data.
Marking of vehicles is divided into primary and additional. Primary marking of vehicles and their components is mandatory and is carried out by their manufacturers. In the case of the manufacture of vehicles successively by several enterprises, it is permissible to apply the primary marking of the vehicle only by the manufacturer of the final product.
Additional marking of vehicles is recommended and is carried out both by vehicle manufacturers and by specialized enterprises.
Primary marking is performed on the following products:
— trucks, including specialized and special ones on their chassis, flatbed trucks, as well as multi-purpose vehicles and special wheeled chassis;
— passenger cars, including specialized and special ones on their base, cargo-passenger;
— buses, including specialized and special ones on their base;
— trolleybuses;
— trailers and semi-trailers;
— forklift trucks;
— internal combustion engines;
— motor vehicles;
— truck chassis;
— truck cabins;
— passenger car bodies;
— internal combustion engine blocks.
Content and location of primary marking
In addition to the fact that the vehicle, chassis and engines must have a trademark in accordance with GOST 26828, and products subject to mandatory certification must have a conformity mark in accordance with GOST R 50460, special marking of the vehicle and its components is produced.
Marking of the vehicle
A. The vehicle identification number (VIN) must be applied directly to the product (non-removable part), in places least susceptible to destruction in a road traffic accident. One of the selected places must be on the right side (in the direction of vehicle travel). VIN is applied:
— on the body of a passenger car — in two places, in the front and rear parts;
— on the body of a bus — in two different places;
— on the body of a trolleybus — in one place;
— on the cabin of a truck and forklift — in one place;
— on the frame of a trailer, semi-trailer and motor vehicle — in one place;
— on off-road vehicles, trolleybuses and forklifts, the VIN may be indicated on a separate plate.
B. The vehicle, as a rule, must have a plate, located, if possible, in the front part and containing the following data:
— VIN;
— engine index (model, modification, version) (with a working volume of 125 cm3 or more);
— permissible gross weight;
— permissible gross weight of the road train (for tractors);
— permissible weight per each axle/axles of the bogies, starting with the front axle;
— permissible weight per fifth wheel coupling.
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) — a combination of digital and letter symbols assigned for identification purposes, is a mandatory element of marking and is individual for each vehicle for 30 years.
VIN has the following structure: WMI VDS VIS
The first part of the VIN (the first three characters) — the international manufacturer identification code (WMI), allows identifying the vehicle manufacturer and consists of three letters or letters and numbers.
According to ISO 3780, the letters and numbers used in the first two characters of the WMI are assigned to a country and controlled by the international agency — the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), which operates under the supervision of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). The distribution of the first two characters, characterizing the zone and the country of manufacture, according to SAE, is given in Appendix 1.
The first character (the geographic area code) is a letter or number that designates a specific geographic area.
For example:
1 through 5 — North America;
S through Z — Europe;
A to H — Africa;
J to R — Asia;
6,7 — Oceania;
8,9,0 — South America.
The second character (country code) is a letter or number that identifies a country in a specific geographic area. Multiple characters may be used to identify a country, if necessary. Only the combination of the first and second characters guarantees unambiguous identification of the country.
For example:
10 to 19 — USA;
1A to 1Z — USA;
from 2A to 2W — Canada;
from WA to WW — Mexico;
W0 to W9 — Germany, Federal Republic;
WA to WZ — Germany, Federal Republic.
The third character is a letter or number that is assigned to the manufacturer by the National Organization. In Russia, such an organization is the Central Scientific Research Automobile and Automotive Engine Institute (NAMI), located at the following address: Russia, 125438, Moscow, Avtomotornaya St., Building 2, which assigns WMI as a whole. Only the combination of the first, second and third characters provides unambiguous identification of the car manufacturer — the international identification code of the manufacturer (WMI). The number 9 as the third character is used by National Organizations in cases where it is necessary to characterize a manufacturer that produces less than 500 cars per year. International codes of manufacturers (WMI) are given in Appendix 2.
The second part of the VIN is the descriptive part of the identification number (VDS) and consists of six characters (if the vehicle index consists of less than six characters, then zeros are placed in the empty spaces of the last characters of the VDS (on the right), indicating, as a rule, the model and modification of the vehicle, according to the design documentation (DD).
The third part of the VIN — the index part of the identification number (VIS) — consists of eight characters (digits and letters), of which the last four characters must be digits. The first character of the VIS indicates the year code of the vehicle's manufacture (see Appendix 3), the following characters indicate the serial number of the vehicle assigned by the manufacturer.
A manufacturer may be assigned several WMIs, but the same number may not be assigned to another vehicle manufacturer for at least 30 years from the time it was first used by the previous (first) manufacturer.
Marking of vehicle components
Internal combustion engines, as well as chassis and cabins of trucks, car bodies and engine blocks must be marked — identification number of the component (IC).
The identification number of the IC consists of two structural parts, the number of characters and the rules for forming which are similar to VDS and VIS VIN.
The identification number of the IC on the chassis frame and cabin of a truck must be applied, if possible, in the front part, on the right side, in one place, allowing it to be seen from outside the vehicle.
Engines are marked on the engine block in one place.
Engine blocks are marked in one place, while the first part of the identification number of the SC, similar to VDS, may not be indicated.
Content and location of additional marking
Additional marking of the vehicle provides for the application of the VDS and VIS identification number of the vehicle, visible and invisible to the eye (visible and invisible marking).
Visible markings are usually applied to the outer surface of the following vehicle components:
— windshield glass — on the right side, along the upper edge of the glass, at a distance of approximately 20 mm from the seal;
— rear window glass — on the left side, along the lower edge of the glass, at a distance of approximately 20 mm from the seal;
— side window glass (movable) — in the rear part, along the lower edge of the glass, at a distance of approximately 20 mm from the seal;
— headlights and taillights — on the glass (or rim), along the lower edge, near the sides of the body (cabin).
Invisible markings are usually applied to:
— roof lining — in the central part, at a distance of about 20 mm from the windshield glass seal;
— driver's seat back lining — on the left (in the direction of vehicle travel) side surface, in the middle part, along the backrest frame;
— surface of the turn signal switch housing along the axis of the steering column.
Technical requirements for marking
The method of performing the main and additional visible marking must ensure the clarity of the image and its preservation throughout the entire service life of the vehicle under the conditions and modes established in the design documentation.
The identification numbers of vehicles and spare parts must use letters of the Latin alphabet (except I, O and Q) and Arabic numerals.
The company selects the font for letters from the font types established in regulatory documents, taking into account the adopted technological process.
The font for numbers must exclude the possibility of deliberate replacement of one number with another.
The identification numbers of the vehicle and the spare parts list, as well as additional marking signs, must be depicted in one or two lines.
When displaying the identification number in two lines, none of its components may be divided by hyphenation. At the beginning and end of the line(s), a sign (symbol, plate bounding frame, etc.) must be placed, which is selected by the enterprise and must be different from the numbers and letters of the marking. The selected sign is described in the technical documentation.
There must be no spaces between the signs and lines of the identification number. It is allowed to separate the components of the identification number with the selected sign. Note. When providing the identification number in text documents, it is allowed not to place the selected sign.
When performing the main marking, the height of the letters and numbers must be no less than:
a) in the identification numbers of vehicles and spare parts:
7 mm — when applied directly to vehicles and their components, while 5 mm is allowed — for engines and their blocks;
4 mm — when applied directly to motor vehicles;
4 mm — when applied to plates;
b) in other marking data — 2.5 mm.
The identification number of the main marking should be applied to surfaces that have traces of mechanical processing provided for by the technological process. The plates must comply with the requirements of GOST 12969, GOST 12970, GOST 12971 and be attached to the product using, as a rule, a permanent connection.
Additional invisible marking is performed using a special technology and becomes visible in ultraviolet light. When performing marking, the structure of the material to which it is applied must not be damaged.
Destruction and/or modification of markings during repairs of vehicles and their components is not permitted. Methods of applying markings are not specified by standards and can be either manual or mechanized.
In manual marking, a hammer blow to the stamp produces an indented image of a number, letter, star or other sign on a panel or area. The order of applying the signs is chosen by the worker. As a result of manual stamping, the signs shift horizontally and vertically, the vertical axes deviate, a template can be used to eliminate this. In this case, the depth of the marking numbers is not the same.
Mechanized marking is carried out in two ways: by impact and by rolling. Both methods have their own characteristics. Thus, during a microscopic examination of marking made by rolling, traces of the entry of the working part of the stamp on one side and its exit on the other side of the sign are visible. In the impact method, the working part of the stamp moves strictly vertically.
Quite often, when applying markings mechanically, especially on aluminum blocks, «under-finishing» occurs, as a result of which the marking signs are too small or barely noticeable. In such cases, manual finishing or repeated mechanized finishing is performed. When manual finishing occurs, the accompanying signs appear. When repeated mechanized application, double outlines with the same shift of signs may be visible.
In the combined method of applying markings, some of the signs are applied mechanically, and the rest are achieved manually. This option has the characteristics of both methods.
Additional markings are usually applied by sandblasting or milling of glass car parts, or by applying markings with a special composition containing phosphors to interior elements of the car. In the first case, the markings are observed visually without the help of special devices, in the second case, an ultraviolet lamp is required to detect them.
Examples of marking of vehicles of domestic and foreign production
This section provides examples of the location of markings on VAZ, GAZ and Peugeot vehicles. Vehicles manufactured in the early 1980s and earlier may have markings that differ from those given below, due to the lack of uniform requirements for them. In this case, it is necessary to refer to special reference literature. The location of markings for some foreign-made vehicles is given in Appendix 3. Volzhsky Automobile Plant.
Here is an example of markings for the following models: VAZ — 2108, VAZ — 2109, VAZ — 21099.
1. The factory data plate is fixed under the hood on the front wall of the air intake box.
2. The VIN indicating the model and body number is stamped in the engine compartment on the right support of the front suspension spring.
3. The model and engine number are stamped on the rear end of the cylinder block above the clutch housing.
Structure and content of the identification number
XTA — international identification code of the manufacturer (for VAZ — XTA);
210900 — descriptive part: product index. The model or conditional code assigned by the manufacturer is indicated. In this case: 2108 — for VAZ 2108, 21090 — for VAZ 2109, 21099 — for VAZ 21099;
V — code of the year of car production (V — 1997);
0051837 — production number of the product.
Structure and content of engine markings
Engine markings are applied to special milling pads of engine cylinder blocks. The block is cast from special gray cast iron. The marking process is mechanized.
On engines of the VAZ-2108, VAZ-21081, VAZ-21083 models, the marking is applied to the upper part of the rear wall of the block on the flywheel side on the left in the direction of vehicle movement using the impact method in one line in PO-5 font. It contains the model designation and the serial seven-digit engine number, enclosed between two stars and being continuous for these models. The stars are inscribed in a circle with a diameter of 3.0 mm.
Cylinder blocks supplied as spare parts are not marked.
In case of erroneous application of the marking sign, the stamping is done manually using stamps and a mandrel. The sign is driven in with a special pin and a new one is driven in. In case of erroneous application of the entire number (or several signs), it is cut off with an emery wheel of a grinding machine to the depth of the relief image and then a new number is driven in. If only part of the sign (signs) is displayed in relief, then its undisplayed part is driven in manually. Undisplayed signs of the technological number are not driven in. The marking of bodies is applied using a marking machine using the impact method. From October 1 of each year, the letter designation of the next calendar year is entered into the identification number.
The body for spare parts is always released with its own number, and the marked body parts for spare parts are released without a number. If the marking sign goes beyond the marking field ('floats' in height) or is applied incorrectly, it is stamped out and a new sign is manually stamped. The error on a painted body is corrected in the same way: after stamping the sign and cleaning it, it is painted over. Additional plates with official approval marks may be installed on cars intended for export. The plates are attached to the body with single-sided rivets, less often with self-tapping screws. Gorky Automobile Plant.
Here is an example of marking for the GAZ-3102, GAZ-31029 models and their modifications.
1. The factory data plate is fixed under the hood on the mudguard of the right front wing.
2. The year code and body number (indicator part of the VIN) are stamped in the hood drain gutter on the right.
3. The model, number and year of engine production are stamped on the tide at the bottom of the cylinder block on the left.
Structure and content of the identification number
XTH — international identification code of the manufacturer (XTH- for GAZ);
310200 — descriptive part: product index. The model or conditional code assigned by the manufacturer is indicated. In this case: 31020 — for GAZ 3102, 31022 — for GAZ 31022, 31029 — for GAZ 31029;
W — code of the year of manufacture of the car (W — 1998);
0000342 — production number of the product.
PEUGEOT plant.
Peugeot models — 205, 305 since 1983 and models 309, 405, 505 and 605 have a chassis number in the gutter on the right side of the front panel or on the mudguard of the right front wing under the bonnet.
PEUGEOT has been using a 17-position chassis number (VIN) for its models since July 1981. For example:
VF3 504 V51 S 3409458
VF3 — International Manufacturer Identification Code (VF3 — for PEUGEOT);
504 — Vehicle type;
V51 — vehicle variant;
S — vehicle year code (S — 1995);
3409458 — product production number.
Methods and signs of changing marking data
This section discusses methods of changing markings outside the manufacturing plants, which should be distinguished from corrections of erroneously applied signs, all markings as a whole at the manufacturing plant.
The signs that may indicate a change in marking are also listed here. If they are detected, it is necessary to determine what caused them.
Some of the signs are formed both by manual stuffing or by correcting an error at the manufacturing plant, and by forgery of marking data. The other part is only formed by forgery. The issue of forgery can be resolved by conducting an appropriate study in the forensic department.
Methods and signs of changing the marking of bodies
The main methods of changing the body marking can be divided into two groups A and B.
For group A methods, accompanied by the destruction of the primary marking, it is typical to remove a section, part or the entire marking panel and replace them with others. In order to identify the vehicle in this case, a comprehensive analysis is required.
When using methods for changing group B markings, the primary marking or traces thereof are preserved and their identification is fundamentally possible. The following common methods for changing marking data can be attributed to group B, which are achieved by:
— adding missing elements in primary marking signs that have a similar design to the signs of the required (secondary) marking on top of the primary signs (for example: 1 — 4, 6 — 8, 3 — 8);
— hammering (calking) individual signs of the primary marking and applying others in their place. Excess elements of the signs are filled with plastic masses or melted and painted (for example: 4 -1, 8 — 3, 8 — 6);
— deepening the marking area, applying a layer of metal or plastic mass to the primary marking and embossing the required (secondary) marking on the resulting surface with subsequent painting of the body section;
— deepening the area with the marking and securing in this place (by welding or gluing) a section of the panel with different markings.
Signs indicating a change in the body marking include:
— unclear drawing of signs, their vertical displacement, different intervals and depth, differences in the configuration of signs from samples, extraneous strokes in signs;
— traces of surface treatment under the enamel layer, an increase in the coating thickness, as well as the presence of residues of putty or other materials in the marking area;
— differences in the paint and varnish coating (PVC) of the marking panel and adjacent areas, the presence of traces of filing (particles) of enamel on nearby parts;
— mismatch of markings with their display on the back of the panel and traces of hammering of signs on it, local increase in the thickness of the panel;
— welded seams on the marking panel, connection of panels with welded seams, traces of drilling of welding spots and imitation of spot contact welding (filling holes with molten tin or brass), etc.
Methods and signs of changing engine markings
To destroy the engine markings of passenger cars of any brand, the following main methods are used:
— filing manually with a file;
— removing the metal layer with a mechanical tool, for example, a grinder;
— hammering in the old markings with a center punch or chisel, followed by stuffing in the required signs;
— gluing a thin metal plate with the required markings onto the marking area;
— thermal action on the marking part of the cylinder block using a blowtorch, gas burner.
Signs of changes in engine markings include:
— traces of mechanical processing of the area;
— traces of primary marking;
— difference in the surface texture of the area from adjacent areas or from the factory sample, imitation of the surface texture of the marking area;
— absence of a layer of enamel or special composition on the marking area (for blocks made of aluminum and magnesium alloys).
Means of marking research
Methods of counterfeiting marking data determine methods of searching for and analyzing «foreign defects» in the structure of the metal under the paint coating layer (PCL), such as the presence of a weld, filled-in elements of signs, imitation of spot welding, etc.
In some cases, identifying the fact of a change in marking does not cause serious difficulties and can be carried out during the inspection. However, there are cases when a successful solution to the problem without violating the integrity of the parts is possible only when using non-destructive testing devices or special methods. A mandatory condition for the detection by traffic police officers of signs of a change in the marking designations of vehicle units and assemblies is to maintain the integrity of the paintwork. Let's consider some non-destructive testing devices.
Eddy current flaw detectors
One of the first eddy current devices developed specifically to solve the problems of the State Traffic Safety Inspectorate is the «Contrast-M» device (Voronezh). The device is designed for the prompt detection of signs of marking data on the body parts of motor vehicles. The device allows you to detect changes in the thickness of the paint coating, soldering, sticking or welding of metal fragments with changed marking data. The operating principle of the device is based on the excitation of eddy currents in the metal and recording deviations in the secondary electromagnetic field created by these currents due to changes in the marking data.
Based on the test results, the small-sized vortex flaw detector MVD-2 (3) (Kazan) has also proven itself well. Its functionality can be improved by using a sensor that has a small, almost point-like working surface (the surface of contact with the controlled sample). Therefore, using the MVD-2 (3), it is possible, for example, to determine the presence of filling of individual elements of signs when correcting signs with a similar configuration.
The Moscow Power Engineering Institute (MPEI) has developed the VI-96N eddy current indicator. The MVD-2(3) and VI-96N devices have virtually identical technical capabilities, but unlike the Kontrast-M device, they can detect:
— imitation of welding points (with rivets made of steel and non-ferrous metals, punching, mechanical wear, application of putty);
— places where parts are attached by welding, riveting (made of steel and non-ferrous metals), hidden by subsequent application of paint and varnish coating;
— reduction in the thickness of the marked part;
— «calking» of individual elements of signs;
— the presence of inclusions in individual elements of signs: metallic (usually non-ferrous metals), non-metallic (epoxy putty, polymer compounds, etc.).
The VI-96N device is more convenient to use (it has automatic adjustment to the controlled surface, sensitivity threshold adjustment). The VI-96N is recommended by the State Automobile Inspectorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia to the State Traffic Safety Inspectorate employees for prompt inspection of the area of location of marking symbols of vehicle bodies and to the employees of expert departments as a technical means of preliminary inspection by non-destructive testing.
Eddy current flaw detectors allow detecting changes in marking associated with welding in a section of a panel with different marking, replacing a part of a panel, superimposing a fragment of a panel with secondary marking on the primary marking.
The method of work is determined by the method of changing the body marking. As a rule, first of all, the areas of the panel adjacent to the marking place are examined. The activation of the sound and (or) light alarm of the device indicates the presence of a continuous metal defect in the form of a weld or crack (in the case of superimposing a fragment of a panel with a new marking on the old marking), the presence of dissimilar metals on the examined panel (for example, steel — brass, in the case of superimposing a layer of tin or brass on the primary marking), etc.
If no defects were found in the area adjacent to the marking area, the presence (absence) of a weld seam is checked along the entire length of the air intake box shelf. Such a seam may appear as a result of replacing part of the panel.
When working with eddy current flaw detectors, it is necessary to remember that the alarm may be triggered by cracks that appeared during the straightening (repair, adjustment) of the panel being examined. As a rule, these cracks are located in a chaotic order, and therefore their differentiation does not cause any particular difficulties.
Experience in operating these technical means shows that they are most suitable for the needs of practical workers (portability, the ability to work in field conditions, versatility, etc.).
Magnetic powder flaw detectors
The use of this method requires a permanent magnet of a certain configuration and a suspension of iron powder with water (powder consumption is 20-30 g per 1 liter of water). Portable equipment samples of the MDE-20Ts type, developed at TsNIITMash, include a rectifier, a connecting cable and an electromagnet. The overall dimensions of the device are 150x150x100 mm, weight up to 5 kg.
To detect a possible change in the body marking, it is enough to apply a small amount of suspension to the area under study, where a magnetic field is created. If there are welds or other similar defects on the panel that were formed when the marking changed, the magnetic particles will clearly indicate the contours of this damage.
Magnetic powder flaw detectors allow you to detect changes in marking associated with welding in a section of the panel, replacing a part of the panel, or superimposing a fragment of a panel with a new marking on the existing marking. The undoubted advantages of the method are simplicity and clarity.
X-ray flaw detectors
The stationary X-ray complex «Rentgen-30-2» (MNPO «Spectr») allows to detect changes in markings associated with welding in a section of a panel with a new marking, replacing a part of a panel, superimposing a fragment of a panel with a new marking on an existing marking, can be used in stationary conditions or mounted on the chassis of trucks and vans, has significant weight and dimensions.
Portable X-ray flaw detectors of the MIRA-2D type (or similar imported ones) allow to solve similar problems, but have significantly smaller overall dimensions and weight.
To examine a panel with portable X-ray flaw detectors, the device is placed above the area being examined (usually starting with the marking area), and an X-ray film is placed underneath the panel. After scanning, the film is processed in a standard way, and the resulting images are analyzed. The advantage of such devices is that in some cases they can be used to identify the primary marking of the car body (if it was not destroyed during the process of changing it). Devices of this group are used in forensic science departments.
Magnetic Thickness Gauges
The MT-41NU magnetic thickness gauge designed by MNPO «Spectr» is designed to measure the thickness of non-magnetic coatings (putty, tin, brass, etc.) applied to ferromagnetic bases; it has overall dimensions of 127x200x280 mm and a weight of 3.5 kg.
Using this device, it is possible to detect changes in markings associated with the application of a layer of putty, tin, brass or other dia- and paramagnetic coatings (for example, epoxy resin) over the primary marking.
In this case, the fact of a change in the body marking is established by measuring the thickness of the non-magnetic coating applied to the steel panel at the location of the marking and at several points remote from it. The implementation of the proposed method is possible due to the fact that the thickness of the layer of the substance applied over the marking area, as a result of the manipulations performed, becomes significantly greater than its thickness at distant places. The practice of studying the marking data of vehicles has developed in such a way that the objects of study are only marking areas with the designations applied to them, and factory plates. Such an unjustified narrowing of the circle of objects of study reduces the possibilities of resolving the issue of forgery of marking data, obtaining reference information for checking the vehicle according to records, etc. It is necessary to approach the study of the marking data of vehicles more broadly. Only a comprehensive approach ensures the reliability and completeness of the research results.
Such a comprehensive approach involves a thorough analysis of a certain set of features that characterize a given vehicle.
As already noted, this is:
— a study of registration documents;
— establishing the year of manufacture of the vehicle, its model and, if possible, modification, as well as the conformity of body parts and main components and assemblies to the model of the vehicle and the year of its manufacture;
— inspection and, if necessary, examination of the paintwork and traces of repainting or touch-up painting;
— determination of the location of markings depending on the model and year of manufacture of the vehicle;
— examination of the connections of marked parts (panels) with adjacent ones, fastenings of factory plates;
— examination of additional and hidden markings;
— examination of the integrity of marked parts;
— study of the characteristics of marking areas (shape), surface texture;
— study of the marking itself (content, method of application, configuration, mutual arrangement, etc.);
— identification of primary marking if there are signs of its alteration.
The result of the study should be a decision on the authenticity of the marking, the content of the primary marking and (if necessary) the preparation of a request to check the vehicle against the records of stolen and hijacked vehicles.
The main options for conclusions are as follows:
— the marking data is authentic (not altered);
— the marking data was altered at the manufacturer, the primary marking is indicated;
— the marking data have not been changed by the manufacturer, the primary marking is indicated (in whole or in part);
— the marking data have not been changed by the manufacturer, the primary marking has been destroyed (cannot be identified), orientation information is compiled.