What is a fiberscope? What are its features and how does it differ from a borescope?

Endoscopes are used to observe narrow spaces that are beyond the direct human eye.
The most well-known of these is the "fiberscope," but there are many other types of endoscopes besides fiberscopes.

In this article, we will introduce the features of fiberscopes and endoscopes other than fiberscopes to help you choose the endoscope that best suits your needs.

1. Fiberscopes and Endoscopes
Many people think that "fiberscopes = endoscopes".

Fiberscopes are one type of endoscope.

When cameras could not be made smaller, fiberscopes were the mainstream of endoscopes.
For that reason, they are the representative of endoscopes.

Currently, fiberscopes are often used for observing ultra-thin objects with diameters of φ1mm or less.
Because fiberscopes are relatively expensive, many people use other endoscopes for objects with diameters of φ1mm or more.

2. Features of fiberscopes
(1) Ultra-thin diameter that can observe holes with diameters of φ1mm or less
The most distinctive feature is, of course, its thinness.
Since a camera is attached to the tip of each fiber, there are various types of outer diameters.
The thinnest diameter can be up to about φ0.35mm, and fiberscopes with diameters of φ1mm or more are also sold.

(2) About the structure of a fiberscope
A fiberscope is made by bundling very thin fibers together and attaching a small lens to the tip to observe the inside.

However, due to the structure of bundling thin fibers, the shadow of the honeycomb structure is reflected.
(It is possible to eliminate the shadow by capturing the observation image in a camera and processing it,  but in that case, the image will appear slightly blurred.)


(3) Can be used in narrow, winding places
Because it is made of fiber, it can be inserted into the inside of a winding pipe or into the gaps of a complicated machine.

・Care must be taken when handling!
The fiber is made of highly transparent quartz glass or plastic, so if strong force is applied to the fiber part or the bending radius is made small, the fiber will break.

(4) Not suitable for long lengths
If the length of the fiber is changed, it is possible to observe inside a long pipe.
However, since light (image) passes through the fiber, the image will become darker in proportion to the length. (Loss due to reflection within the fiber)
In addition, since the fiber itself is expensive, the price increases in proportion to the length.

◆ Observation of φ1mm or less is possible! Recommended fiberscopes

Ultra-thin fiberscope
FS0826
By using an adapter lens, it is possible to connect to a camera and observe on a PC or monitor.

3. Endoscopes other than fiberscopes
(1) Endoscopes with built-in cameras at the tip
Currently, many types are on the market, and this type of endoscope is widely used.
This type has a small camera and lighting sealed at the tip.

Our MIGS series is one example.


・Relatively inexpensive among endoscopes. (Because there are no special lenses or fibers)
* There are also expensive types with added functions.
・The relay part is an electric wire, so it can be bent more than a fiber.
Also, since it is an electric wire, there are long types.
・Since it is just a camera, it can be deployed in various application products. 


・Resolution depends on the camera. (The smaller it is, the worse the resolution becomes.)
・Due to the size of the camera (sensor element) and the size of the LED chip,
it cannot be made as thin as a fiber or borescope. (Minimum φ1.8mm)
・Depends on the focal length of the camera, so it cannot be focused on close parts.
(Closest distance: Approximately 10mm to 15mm)

(2) Borescope (rigid endoscope)
A borescope is a device in which multiple rod lenses are enclosed in the tip of a stainless steel tube, and the image is formed by the eyepiece (end).

Basically, most of them are shaped like the one shown below.
Click here for Shodensha's borescope series

・You can also observe with a PC or monitor!
It is assumed that you will look through it with your eyes, but if you connect it to a camera using an adapter lens, you can also observe it with a PC or monitor.

◆ Borescope, adapter lens, and camera all in one!

Handy camera system for borescopes
BHO200LT

We also offer a set of "high-definition camera + camera adapter + LED light source", as well as "adapter lens" and "camera for borescopes" separately.

Click here for Shodensha's borescope camera system and options


・Images are clearer than fiberscopes.
・You can observe objects that are close by.
(With a little ingenuity, it is possible to focus even at about 3 mm.)
・Although not as thin as a fiberscope, it is possible to achieve a small diameter. (Minimum diameter 0.7 mm)
(Our small diameter borescopes are available in diameter 1.5 mm (custom-made product) and diameter 1.8 mm (standard product)
・Since there are no cameras or other electronic devices in the borescope, it can be made waterproof, heat-resistant, saltwater-resistant, and chemical-resistant.
(Our products come in a heat-resistant type up to 120°C as standard)


・Since the image is formed using multiple lenses, it cannot be manufactured to any length.
・Since the structure is a glass lens in a stainless steel tube, it cannot be bent.
・Since it is a glass lens, it is not resistant to impact or bending stress.
(The smaller the diameter, the less resistant it is, but it will be fine if you handle it carefully.)
・It is more expensive than a standard endoscope with a built-in camera at the tip.
(If you do not connect a camera and observe with the naked eye, the price will go down.)

Summary
Many people think that a fiberscope is the same as an endoscope, but a fiberscope is just one type of endoscope.

There are several types of endoscopes:
・Fiberscopes
・Endoscopes with built-in cameras at the tip
・Borescopes (rigid scopes)
and you can choose the one that best suits your needs based on their respective advantages and disadvantages.

At Shodensha, we offer a variety of products, including the endoscopes introduced here.

If you are having trouble choosing an endoscope, please feel free to contact us.

Inquire about this product
Tel: 02-664-2246
Mail:info@shodensha.co.th
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