The ATSB is an independent federal government agency whose role is to investigate all aviation, rail and marine transport accidents and safety occurrences that occur within Australia. The ATSB’s technical capabilities include the staffing and operation of a forensic engineering laboratory which are used for the examination of components and assemblies.

Items and assemblies examined in the SEM are often constructed from highly refined materials; such as carbon and low-alloy steels, aluminium alloys, titanium and nickel-base alloys. Advanced coatings and surface heat treatments are examined, such as those used on gas turbine blades, aerospace coatings, or those from bearing materials. Metallographically prepared specimens are examined in the SEM to gather microstructural information and other relevant details. Non-metallic materials are examined in the SEM including composite components and specialised surface coatings that are used in aerospace and aviation applications.