An industrial endoscope (also called an industrial borescope or videoscope) is a non-destructive inspection (NDI/NDT) instrument used to visually examine internal surfaces of machinery, structures, and components without disassembly.
It enables inspectors, maintenance engineers, and quality control teams to detect defects inside confined or inaccessible areas such as pipes, engines, turbines, molds, and welded assemblies.
The primary function is remote visual inspection (RVI).
An industrial endoscope allows operators to:
Inspect internal cavities
Identify cracks and fractures
Detect corrosion and pitting
Examine weld seams
Check foreign object debris (FOD)
Assess wear and erosion
Verify assembly quality
This is accomplished through a flexible or rigid probe equipped with a camera and integrated illumination.
An industrial endoscope consists of:
Insertion tube (flexible or rigid)
Miniature camera sensor
LED or fiber-optic light source
Articulation system (2-way or 4-way)
Display & image processing unit
The probe is inserted into the inspection area, and real-time images are transmitted to a display screen. Advanced systems also record photos and video for documentation.
More sophisticated models include 3D measurement capabilities, similar to systems developed by companies like Evident Corporation and Olympus Corporation.
Metal tube
High optical clarity
Used for straight-line inspections
Uses fiber bundles for image transmission
Suitable for curved pathways
Digital camera at the tip
Higher resolution
Image recording capability
Stereo vision technology
Enables defect measurement (length, depth, area)
Turbine blade crack detection
Combustion chamber inspection
Engine internal evaluation
Cylinder bore inspection
Gearbox examination
Casting defect verification
Boiler tube corrosion inspection
Steam turbine blade wear analysis
Pipeline corrosion detection
Valve cavity inspection
Heat exchanger examination
Mold cavity wear
Internal void detection
Weld seam validation
No cutting or dismantling required.
Quick internal inspection without full teardown.
Minimizes labor and component replacement costs.
Reduces need for confined space entry.
Supports quality audits and maintenance records.
An industrial endoscope helps identify:
Fatigue cracks
Corrosion and rust
Carbon buildup
Foreign object damage (FOD)
Surface deformation
Blockages
Improper weld penetration
Early detection prevents catastrophic failures and supports predictive maintenance programs.
When selecting an industrial endoscope:
Probe diameter (2mm–8mm typical)
Working length
Articulation angle
Resolution (720p, 1080p, higher)
IP protection rating
Temperature resistance
Image storage capability
For harsh industrial environments, ruggedized housing and IP67/IP68 protection are recommended.
The terms are often used interchangeably.
However:
Borescope traditionally refers to rigid optical devices.
Industrial endoscope/videoscope usually refers to flexible digital systems with recording and measurement features.
An industrial endoscope is a critical inspection tool that enables internal visual assessment of machinery and structures without disassembly. It supports non-destructive testing, predictive maintenance, quality assurance, and operational safety across industries such as aerospace, automotive, energy, and manufacturing.
By providing real-time, high-resolution internal imaging, industrial endoscopes significantly reduce downtime and maintenance costs while improving reliability and compliance.
