Industrial Inspection and Endoscope uses

Here is a Short List of Industrial Inspection and Endoscope uses:

AVIATION/AEROSPACE:

Endoscopes & Related camera systems are very popular within the maintence sector of aviation. This can be for both engines and aircraft bodywork. There are also many specialised inspection systems developed for engine maintence, such as the Blending Scope from Richard Wolf.

AUTOMOTIVE:

This market covers applications for both manufacturing and maintence. Most engine manufacturers will carry out manual inspections with Borescopes, checking the drilled oil ways in cylinder heads and blocks.
Endoscopes are perfect for in-situ engine inspections as well, such as checking the combustions chambers via the injection or spark plug holes.
Manufacturing and maintence of gearboxes and axles are also target applications for endoscopes.

BUILDING INSPECTIONS:

Wall cavity inspection is an application that is frequently mentioned. Checking for insulation and damp can be extremely cost & time effective. Any cavity within a building can be inspected with an Endoscope or Camera system.
There is also a demand for using borescopes in fiberglass insulation.
Organisations carrying out building or monument restorations are frequent Endoscope users.

HVAC/PLUMBING:

Requirements are for checking all pipe work, air ducts & chimneys. This can be for both domestic and industrial buildings. The same applications exist for facilities management.

FACILITIES:

Larger Industrial buildings (hospitals for example), will have facilities teams constantly working to maintain that building. Often these organisations rent inspection equipment without realising they could probably buy the equipment for the cost of three inspections!

MACHINE MANUFACTURING:

Applications are closely related to Automotive, machinery for all purposes has to be maintained. Larger camera equipment is often more suitable than regular Endoscopes, such as the SnakeEye system.

MARINE:

Another engineering cross over, similar to Automotive/aviation. Including the inspection of marine engines and hulls.

POWER STATIONS:

Internal structures are constantly inspected for damage. Larger camera systems are more frequently used.

PHARMACEUTICAL MANUFACTURING:

Borescopes are very popular for inspecting the components to mix chemicals and the production of the finished pharmaceuticals. Quality has to be 100% are all times within the manufacturing process.

LOCKSMITHS:

Borescopes used for cracking locks on doors and safes, all strictly legal of course!

GUNSMITHS:

Inspection of gun barrels during manufacturing or repair.

RESEARCH:

I have had experience of some unusual applications, such as long Flexible Endoscopes uses to study the nests of lizards and the insides of Beaver dams!

RAILWAYS:

Camera systems such as the SnakeEye system are popular for track inspections. With the level of magnification provided, it is an ideal method to locate track damage.

POLICE/CUSTOMS & EXCISE:

Used for searching vehicles & buildings, illegal substances and people being the main target. Security surveillance also uses infrared camera systems.

SEARCH & RESCUE:

Endoscopes & Cameras are used for Search & Rescue, often within collapsed buildings where space becomes an issue.