Frequently Asked Questions

  • ALIAS is an advanced forensic ballistics analysis system developed by Pyramidal Technologies Ltd. It offers state-of-the-art 3D imaging and analysis capabilities for crime scene evidence consisting of bullets and cartridge cases.

  • Yes, ALIAS includes solutions for firearm registration, offering various products for information management, scanning, and visualization of bullets and cartridge cases from legally registered firearms.

  • ALIAS stands out due to its Swiss-built interferometer that captures highly detailed 3D digital representations of crime scene evidence, micro/nanometer-level accuracy, and powerful analysis tools. It provides unprecedented precision in defining forensic evidence.

  • ALIAS offers exceptional accuracy with lateral resolution down to 2 microns (1/50th the diameter of a human hair) and vertical resolution of 200 nanometers (2x the size of a chromosome). It conforms to the ISO 25178 standard for surface analysis, ensuring reliable accuracy, repeatability, and traceability in forensic analysis.

  • ALIAS can scan and analyse both bullets (damaged or pristine) and cartridge cases (centre or rim fire). ALIAS is designed to support a wide range of calibers for crime scene evidence analysis, from the smallest .17 caliber rounds to large .50 caliber ammunition. The system's advanced 3D scanning technology and high-precision capabilities allow it to effectively analyse cartridge cases and bullets from virtually all common firearms calibers used in law enforcement investigations. This includes support for shotgun shells and even custom ammunition.

    ALIAS's versatility in handling such a broad spectrum of calibers makes it an invaluable tool for forensic ballistics analysis across diverse crime scenes and firearm types.

  • Yes, ALIAS supports the ISO standard for X3P, as well as other open data formats for data exchange. Clients retain exclusive ownership of their data, which can be shared with other public security agencies if needed.

  • ALIAS offers fully automated scanning for both cartridge cases and bullets.

    For cartridge cases, it can scan a reference 9mm cartridge case including the full base, primer and firing pin impression in true 3D in less than 5-minutes. The “hybrid cartridge case holder” can accommodate a mix of calibers (small, medium and large) that can be scanned sequentially in "Batch Scan" mode.

    For bullets, a 360-degree scan of a pristine 9mm bullet takes under 3 minutes, while damaged bullets can be scanned in as little as 20 seconds.

  • ALIAS is built on the Mac Pro platform, taking advantage of Apple's advanced features, superior graphics capabilities, as well as secure and stable UNIX operating system.

  • No, ALIAS has no mandatory annual licensing fees, leading to a lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) over the lifecycle of the solution.

  • Pyramidal Technologies offers flexible support packages ranging from 'hands-off' to fully supported 24/7.

    There are five annual support cost options, including a zero-cost option for law enforcement agencies with available IT resources.

  • Yes, while ALIAS has a foundation of Forensic Ballistics underlying all systems, it can be customised to individual law enforcement needs and requirements.

  • ALIAS uses 3D precision reference specimens according to ISO 5436-1 and ISO 25178 for verification of measurements. Calibration certificates are available from a UKAS-accredited calibration laboratory.

  • ALIAS functions like a Digital Comparison Microscope but with enhanced capabilities. It allows for split-screen analysis of bullets or cartridge cases in real-time (“VCM Mode”), using millions of 3D data points for exceptional precision.

  • Yes, ALIAS is aggressively priced against competitive offerings while providing advanced technology and flexible support options.