How are tool mark impressions categorized?

Tool mark impressions are categorized based on the way the tool interacts with the surface it contacts, which results in distinct marks or impressions. The classification into compression, cutting, and sliding reflects the different mechanisms by which tools create these impressions.

Compression marks occur when a tool exerts pressure against an object, creating a permanent deformation of the material. This is common in situations where a tool is pressed against a softer material, leaving a clear impression of the tool's features.

Cutting marks are generated when a tool has a sharp edge, such as a knife or saw, and physically removes material from the object to produce a specific mark. The characteristics of these marks can provide forensic investigators with critical insights into the tool used and how it was applied.

Sliding marks are produced when a tool moves across a surface, often resulting in abrasion marks that can be analyzed by their unique patterns. This category is crucial in understanding the dynamics of tool usage during a crime or incident.

The other categorizations like color, size, shape, depth, length, width, and materials involved do not provide the same level of insight into the mechanism of interaction between the tool and the surface, which is essential for forensic analysis. Such characteristics may describe the impressions, but they do not classify