A scanning acoustic microscope, comprising: • a transducer operable to develop ultrasonic energy; • a controller configured to control a scan path of the transducer; • a tank structure including a loading portion and a scanning portion, wherein the loading and scanning portions are in fluidic communication with each other, wherein the structure is configured to hold a coupling fluid such that the coupling fluid is free to flow between the loading portion and the scanning portion; means responsive to the controller for moving the transducer in the coupling fluid and along the scan path with respect to a plurality of parts disposed in a scanning area of the scanning portion; and a safety enclosure movable between an open position permitting to access to the scanning portion and a closed position enclosing the scanning portion to prevent user contact with the transducer, the scanning acoustic microscope being characterized in that: the moving means are configured to move the transducer along the scan path outside the loading portion, and in that: the safety enclosure includes an extension portion that extends down into the tank structure to separate the scanning portion from the loading portion when the safety enclosure is in the closed position, so as to minimize the transmission of waves of coupling fluid from the scanning portion to the loading portion and to allow a tray of parts to be prepared in the loading portion of the structure while another is being scanned. • a transducer operable to develop ultrasonic energy; • a controller configured to control a scan path of the transducer; • a tank structure including a loading portion and a scanning portion, wherein the loading and scanning portions are in fluidic communication with each other, wherein the structure is configured to hold a coupling fluid such that the coupling fluid is free to flow between the loading portion and the scanning portion; means responsive to the controller for moving the transducer in the coupling fluid and along the scan path with respect to a plurality of parts disposed in a scanning area of the scanning portion; and a safety enclosure movable between an open position permitting to access to the scanning portion and a closed position enclosing the scanning portion to prevent user contact with the transducer, the scanning acoustic microscope being characterized in that: the moving means are configured to move the transducer along the scan path outside the loading portion, and in that: the safety enclosure includes an extension portion that extends down into the tank structure to separate the scanning portion from the loading portion when the safety enclosure is in the closed position, so as to minimize the transmission of waves of coupling fluid from the scanning portion to the loading portion and to allow a tray of parts to be prepared in the loading portion of the structure while another is being scanned. the safety enclosure includes an extension portion that extends down into the tank structure to separate the scanning portion from the loading portion when the safety enclosure is in the closed position, so as to minimize the transmission of waves of coupling fluid from the scanning portion to the loading portion and to allow a tray of parts to be prepared in the loading portion of the structure while another is being scanned.