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Fiberscope vs borescope
Learn about optical fiberscopes and how they compare to borescopes
We often get asked if Teslong borescopes work by transmitting the image over fiber optics, but that is not the case. There are devices that utilize fiber optics - usually referred to as a fiberscope - here we will discuss the similarities and differences between Teslong borescopes and an optical fiberscope.
What is fiber optic scope?
A fiber optic scope (or fiber scope) is a flexible optical fiber bundle with an eyepiece on one end and a lens on the other that is used to examine and inspect small, difficult-to-reach places such as the insides of machines, locks, and the human body. Common examples include industrial fiberscopes and flexible fiberscopes, which are designed for professional fiberscope inspection in tight spaces or surgical procedures.
What Is a Fiber Optic Borescope?
A fiber optic borescope uses the same principle but is usually used in industrial or mechanical settings, particularly where digital camera access is limited. While some people may refer to these as fiber optic cameras, the correct term for scopes that use bundles of light-transmitting fibers is fiberscope.
How does a fiberscope camera work?
A fiberscope camera allows users to see inside difficult-to-access areas by transmitting the image through a lens and fiber optic cable to an eyepiece. There are typically two types of fiber-optic bundles in a fiberscope camera:
- Illumination bundle – designed to carry light to the inspection area.
- Imaging bundle – designed to carry the image from the lens to the eyepiece.
While traditional fiber optic cameras transmit only analog visual data, some modern video fiberscope models may also integrate digital elements for enhanced inspection.
What is the difference between borescope and fiberscope?
Teslong borescopes use a microscopic digital camera at the end of a flexible cable or rigid rod to send a digital image from the lens to an electronic monitor of some type. Sometimes the image is sent over a WiFi signal to a mobile device, other times it is sent over a cable to a dedicated monitor, which also stores the photos or videos on a memory card. Fiberscopes use a fiber optic bundle to see down a curved path through a small lens, but they don’t always include a means for image or video capture and storage.
Before digital camera technology had reached it’s current level of miniaturization, borescopes were more similar to optical fiberscopes in that they were comprised of an eyepiece and a lens connected by a long thin tube. In these early devices the big difference between borescopes and fiberscopes is that fiberscopes could be bent and curved without degrading the image, whereas borescopes were limited to a long thin, straight tube.
Borescopes can be flexible or rigid but flexible fiberscopes and articulating fiberscopes are most common because the whole poin of a fiber optic cable is to be able to see around corners and bends. As far as expense goes in the borescope vs fiberscope debate, borescopes are less expensive because mobile devices have driven down the cost of miniature digital cameras so much, while fiber optic technology is still not usually made for consumers.
Is a fiberscope an endoscope?
An endoscope is an inspection instrument composed of a viewfinder, optical lens, light source and mechanical device, which is used to look deep into the body, usually during a surgical procedure. Some fiberscopes are also used as fiber optic endoscopes, particularly in minimally invasive surgeries. However, not all fiberscopes are endoscopes—the difference lies in their application and build.
In medical use, borescope vs endoscope discussions revolve around sterility, optics, and usage in human anatomy. In industrial use, a fiberscope vs endoscope comparison generally points out that both can inspect tight spaces, but with different levels of optical or digital output.
Are Flexible Fiberscopes Still Used?
Yes. Flexible fiber optic borescopes and fiberscopes flexible borescopes are still widely used in aerospace, automotive, and security applications where flexibility is critical and digital image resolution is not a priority. Their biggest strength lies in navigating highly curved spaces where rigid scopes cannot reach.
Purchase a Teslong borescope camera today!
Teslong is one of the premier manufacturers of digital borescopes for consumers. Teslong has 10 years of experience manufacturing borescopes and gathering customer feedback to build the best products on the market for an economical price. Whether you want a simple USB scope, wireless WiFi model, or a complete stand-alone unit, Teslong makes a borescope to suit your needs. Shop Teslong today!
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