CLPEX Chat Board

I am looking for any and all info I can get related to the effects of CA fuming on electronics. I have heard talk from both sides from 'it doesn't effect electronics' to 'messes it all up'. Before I "borrow" someone's DVD player, computer or what not to experiment on , I thought I would ask here figuring I could get some opinions and maybe some actual facts.

Thanks.


“People only see what they are prepared to see.”

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

I don't have any actual "facts," but my experience in superglue fuming electronics has shown me that it runs the range from no effect to all messed up. I find that most cell phones won't turn on again once they've been superglued. But, some will. Then again, maybe they've just been sitting in the evidence vault so long that their batteries have run out. I've superglued cars that won't start again, and I've had detectives drive off in a superglued car (not sure if that guy made it safely back to his agency, though). I just err on the side of caution - if it's possible that you'll never be able to use your DVD player again, I'll probably ask if you're sure you want it superglued.

As an added wrinkle...I don't know if it's the superglue screwing up the electronics, or the solvents in the dyes and stains I use that are affecting the operations (i.e. if components are glued on, and the solvent dissolves the adhesive, it would probably have a deleterious effect).

I would expect different results from atmospheric fuming and vacuum fuming. On a CD player (for example) vacuum fuming would pull fumes inside which could cover the laser lens or sensor which would render it unplayable. Computer electronics are essentially sealed (chips, etc.) so shouldn't be a problem. Also, fumes shouldn't coat surfaces that do not have residue on them unless you are fuming things to excess and/or with excessive humidity.

I had our county attorneys draw up a release liability waiver that I often ask property owners to sign before I fume something electronic, just in case. I also sometimes will use the liability waiver if I'm processing something of value like a firearm that is going to be returned to the property owner. If you want a copy of it I can e-mail it to you. Just write to me.
jlemay@co.weld.co.us