Key initial steps in failure analysis is the visual examination of the as-received part, followed by a more detailed visual examination under a high-powered stereoscopic microscope capable of taking three dimensional images.
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Visual examination allows for subtle surface features to be observed, such as discoloration due to corrosion or overheating. This ability to observe colors is particularly important as color is not observable under the scanning electron microscope (SEM), which may be used later in the investigation.
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A stereoscopic examination enables decisions to be made regarding selection of areas for metallographic cross-sectioning and representative samples to be examined under the SEM. 

The stereoscopic microscope also has an important use after liquid dye penetrant testing to locate cracks and other defects in both metals and ceramics.