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BOROSCOPE TECH INFO

TYPES OF RIGID SCOPES

Commercially offered there are typically (4) different designs of rigid borescopes. Achromatic Lens, Rod Lens, Gradient Index lens, and fused Quartz bundled borescopes. Choosing between the appropriate type is typically dependent on the budget and diameter needed.

What is the inspection application(s), resolution and color representation requirements and typical access hole size?

• Achromatic borescopes- Can be expensive to manufacture, most common- tested, true and tried method, color correction ok however not as good as with rod lens borescopes, limited to diameters greater than 5mm (0.200"), lens must be aligned closely throughout relay system. Field of view narrower than Rod lens units. Prices vary depending upon where manufactured.
• Gradient Index Lens- newest technology, difficult to produce consistent glass quality in manufacturing- must have high chemical and physical homogeneity (susceptable to instability in material properties over time- heat, etc.), chromatic abberations (color distortion) can occur in outer periphery of viewport. Used in smaller diameter scopes instead of fused quartz bundles.
• Fused Quartz- Used for "needle" diameter scopes down to 0.35mm (0.013"), pixelized image, however fibers are very small in diameter. Semi-flexible design scopes available in 0.5mm and up diameters. Medical usage for small incision/endoscopic procedures.
• Rod Lens- Wide Field of View, best image quality, highest priced scopes.