Which type of fingerprint is often associated with being visible without the need for processing?

The type of fingerprint that is often visible without the need for processing is a plastic print. Plastic prints are three-dimensional impressions made in a soft material, such as wax, putty, or clay, which retains the ridge detail of a fingerprint. They can be easily seen and analyzed without the application of additional techniques or chemicals, unlike latent prints which are typically invisible and require dusting or chemical treatments to reveal them.

In contrast, latent prints are formed by the natural oils and sweat from the skin, making them invisible to the naked eye until they are processed. "Invisible print" is not a standard term used in forensic science, while "plasticine print" does not accurately describe prints relevant to crime scene analysis. Therefore, plastic prints are recognized for their immediate visibility and direct usability in criminal investigations.