Video Borescopes vs. Fiberscopes
Borescopes are now a typical instrument for non-destructive testing (NDT) and inspection in many sectors. Hard-to-reach locations in machines, engines, and other equipment are inspected and examined with these tools. Video borescopes and fiberscopes are two common varieties of borescopes. Each instrument has advantages and disadvantages that make it better suited for particular uses. To establish which one is preferable for various uses, we shall compare borescopes with fiberscopes in this post.
A video borescope: What is it?
A particular kind of borescope called a video borescope employs a camera to record still and moving pictures of the inside surfaces of machines, engines, and other equipment. The operator can visually check the equipment thanks to the camera’s connection to a display device that shows real-time photos and video. Borescopes are often utilized in the manufacturing, automotive, and aerospace sectors, as well as for pipeline and other infrastructure maintenance.
The benefits of borescopes
One of its main advantages is that video borescopes offer high-quality pictures and videos in real time. Operators will find it simpler to spot flaws like rust, cracks, and other sorts of damage as a result. Borescopes are adaptable and have many uses, including checking pipelines, turbines, and other machinery.
Additionally, several sizes and forms of borescopes allow users to select the appropriate one for their application. They also have a variety of add-ons that may be used to check various pieces of equipment, including probes, lenses, and illumination.
Cons of Borescopes
The fact that borescopes need a power source is one of their key disadvantages. They must thus be linked to a battery pack or hooked into an electrical socket. Additionally, more costly than fiberscopes, borescopes may be out of reach for specific small organizations and individuals.
The wider diameter of video borescopes compared to fiberscopes is another drawback that might make it challenging to check tight places. Additionally, borescopes have a smaller depth of view than fiberscopes, which might make it more challenging to concentrate on specific components of the apparatus being investigated.
What is a Fiberscope?
A fiberscope is a form of borescope that transmits pictures from the inside surfaces of machinery and equipment to the operator’s eye or a camera using a bundle of optical fibers. Fiberscopes are often utilized in the manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and medical fields, as well as during endoscopic operations.
Benefits of Fiberscopes
The flexibility and maneuverability of fiberscopes over video inspection camera is one of their main advantages. This makes it easier for operators to check difficult-to-reach regions, such as the inside of tiny pipelines and tubes. Fiberscopes are better suited to checking tiny locations than borescopes because of their lower diameter.
Additionally, fiberscopes are less costly than borescopes, which may make them a more affordable choice for individuals and small enterprises. They are also more portable and adaptable because they don’t need a power source.
Issues with Fiberscopes
One of their key disadvantages is that fiberscopes do not offer the same degree of visual quality as video borescope inspection camera. Since the pictures transmitted by fiberscopes are frequently blurry and low-resolution, it may be more challenging to see flaws and possible issues in the machinery being examined.
Additionally, the shallow depth of field of fiberscopes might make it challenging to focus on specific components of the apparatus under inspection. Fiberscopes also offer fewer features and are less adaptable than borescopes.
Which Is Better Between Video Borescopes and Fiberscopes?
Ultimately, the response to this query relies on the particular application and the operator’s requirements. Applications like those in the industrial and aviation sectors, which demand high-quality pictures and video in real-time, are better suited for borescopes. They are also perfect for uses that call for longer working lengths and greater diameters.
Contrarily, fiberscopes are more appropriate for tasks requiring greater adaptability and agility, such as inspecting small pipelines and tubes. They are a more practical alternative for small enterprises and individuals since they are more portable and less expensive than borescopes.
Both may be needed
To perform the needed level of examination, it may occasionally be necessary to combine borescopes with fiberscopes. A fiberscope, for instance, may be used to check difficult-to-reach locations and confirm the presence of any faults or concerns. A video borescope, on the other hand, can be used to spot flaws and prospective issues.
Top Brands
On the market, there are many different brands of fibroscopes and video borescopes, each with special characteristics and abilities. Listed below are some of the most well-known brands:
Olympus
With a variety of fibroscopes and video borescopesavailable, Olympus is a well-known name in the medical and industrial sectors. Their fiberscopes are a popular option for evaluating difficult-to-reach locations because of their flexibility and toughness. In addition, Olympus provides a variety of accessories including borescopes with excellent imaging capabilities.
Fluke
Fluke is a well-known brand in the industrial and maintenance sectors, providing a variety of equipment for testing and inspecting electrical and mechanical systems. Their borescopes are renowned for being simple to use and offering excellent imagery. For checking confined locations, Fluke furthermore provides fiberscopes with flexible shafts.
Hawkeye
The well-known borescope brand Hawkeye offers a variety of instruments with excellent optics and imaging capabilities. Their fiberscopes are a well-liked option for industrial and aviation applications because to their reputation for toughness and flexibility.
GE Inspection
The industry leader in the production of inspection tools, such as fiberscopes and borescopes, is GE Inspection Technologies. Their borescopes are renowned for their superior image and cutting-edge features, including built-in recording and wireless communication. For examining confined places, GE Inspection Technologies also provides fiberscopes with flexible shafts.
Extech
Extech is a well-known brand in the testing and measurement sector, providing a selection of tools for mechanical and electrical testing and inspection. extech video borescope are renowned for having a small footprint and offering excellent images. For checking confined locations, extech borescope furthermore provides fiberscopes with flexible shafts.
Here are some examples of the brands’ products, along with a list of their features:
DS703
Fluke’s DS703 FC Wireless Inspection Camera is a video borescope with high-resolution imagery, wireless connection, and an ergonomic design for simple handling. Additionally, it has an integrated LED light for lighting dim areas. DS701 Diagnostic Videoscope: This video borescope features a 7-inch LCD screen for excellent viewing and a high-quality image sensor. A variety of replaceable probes and accessories are included for flexible examination capabilities.
Extech’s HDV650W
Extech’s HDV650W Video Borescope provides real-time mobile device viewing with high-resolution imagery and an integrated wireless transmitter. For varied examination capabilities, it also has a tough, waterproof build and a range of replaceable probes and lenses.
EXTECH BR250
Extech BR250 is a Video Borescope Inspection Camera with a 9 mm camera diameter and 3.5-inch color TFT LCD Monitor. Ideal for Home Inspection (Inspect in walls for mold, insect infestation, electrical wire or water pipe location); HVAC ( Inspect inside ducts, behind motors and compressors); Automotive (View inside or around engines and transmissions); Industrial (Inspect weld integrity, process equipment, gears, molding machines); Aerospace (Aircraft inspections for contamination, debris, cracks or other damage), and Government (Safety and security inspections) applications. Glare-free close-up field of view.
to sum up
These are but a few samples of the products that these businesses have to offer, but they demonstrate the wide range of features and functionalities that are supplied by both video borescopes and fiberscopes. When choosing a model, it’s crucial to take the application’s particular demands into account and pick a model with the qualities that best satisfy those needs.
