Flexible Borescopes
Last Updated: April 1, 2025
Description
Flexible borescopes are advanced inspection tools designed to provide visual access to areas that are otherwise difficult to reach. They are equipped with a flexible insertion tube that can navigate through complex pathways, allowing users to view and assess internal components or structures without the need for disassembly.
Working Principle
Flexible borescopes operate by transmitting images from the distal end of the insertion tube to the eyepiece or display. This is achieved through the use of optical fibers or video technology, which capture and relay high-quality images. The flexibility of the insertion tube allows it to bend and maneuver through intricate spaces, making these devices particularly useful for inspecting areas that are not accessible with rigid borescopes. Their ability to provide real-time visual feedback makes them invaluable for detailed inspections and diagnostics.
Applications
Flexible borescopes are commonly used in nondestructive testing (NDT) applications. They are essential for inspecting hard-to-reach cavities in various equipment and structures. Specific examples include the inspection of pipes, turbines, engines, tanks, vessels, pumps, valves, and manifolds. They are also used in conjunction with retrieval tools to locate and remove loose components within these systems.
Advantages over other Borescopes
Flexible borescopes offer significant advantages over rigid borescopes due to their versatility and ability to navigate complex pathways. Unlike rigid borescopes, which are limited to straight-line inspections, flexible borescopes can access curved and intricate areas, providing a more comprehensive inspection capability. This makes them ideal for applications where access is restricted or where the inspection path is not linear.
Limitations
One of the primary limitations of flexible borescopes is their higher cost compared to rigid borescopes. The complexity of their design, which includes advanced optical or video components, contributes to their increased expense. Additionally, the flexible nature of the insertion tube may result in lower image resolution compared to rigid borescopes, which can affect the clarity of the inspection.
Considerations
When considering the use of flexible borescopes, it is important to evaluate several factors. The initial cost of these devices is higher due to their advanced technology and manufacturing requirements. Operating expenses may also be elevated, particularly if specialized accessories or maintenance are needed. Durability is a key consideration, as the flexible insertion tube must withstand repeated bending and manipulation. Accuracy is generally high, but users should be aware of potential image quality limitations. Replacement and maintenance costs should also be factored into the decision-making process, as these can impact the overall cost-effectiveness of the device.
from PCE Instruments / PCE Americas Inc.
PCE-VE 370HR Articulating Borescope. Four-way articulating inspection camera, industrial endoscope or videoscope with IP67 ingress protection rating, boost functionality and 6 LED lights (4 front, 2 side) for optimal illumination. PCE-VE 370HR is a four-way articulating borescope, industrial... [See More]
- Flexibility: Flexible
- Diameter: 6
- Viewing Angle: Direct
- Working Length: 1
from Evident Scientific
The ultra-thin IPLEX TX II video borescope is available with a 2.2 mm diameter flexible scope or a 1.8 mm rigid scope. Using the flexible scope, you can obtain a wide field of view in spaces where the opening is very small for faster inspections and easier decision making. Combining high image... [See More]
- Flexibility: Flexible; Rigid
- Working Length: 0.1800 to 1.2
- Diameter: 2.2
- Field of View: 120
from PCE Instruments / PCE Americas Inc.
PCE-VE 340N is an automotive tester, borescope, inspection camera or industrial endoscope for the non-destructive inspection (NDI) of engines, machines and more. This industrial borescope is an ideal tool for diagnosing issues in hard-to-reach places. The waterproof camera head features 4 LED lights... [See More]
- Flexibility: Flexible
- Diameter: 5.5
- Viewing Angle: Direct
- Working Length: 10
from PCE Instruments / PCE Americas Inc.
PCE-VE 360N is a small-diameter automotive tester, borescope, inspection camera or industrial endoscope for the non-destructive inspection (NDI) of engines, machines and more. This industrial borescope is an ideal tool for diagnosing issues in hard-to-reach places. The waterproof camera head... [See More]
- Flexibility: Flexible
- Diameter: 3.9
- Viewing Angle: Direct
- Working Length: 1
from PCE Instruments / PCE Americas Inc.
PCE-VE 1000 is an industrial endoscope, borescope, videoscope or inspection camera display featuring an exceptionally large 7 " high-resolution LCD screen for impressive on-screen viewing capabilities. Display only. Camera cable sold separately. See accessories to customize. [See More]
- Flexibility: Flexible
- Operating Temperature: 32 to 140
- Viewing Angle: Direct
from PCE Instruments / PCE Americas Inc.
Borescope PCE-VE 1014N-F / 2-Way head / Image and video recordings / Large 7 " LCD display for detailed viewing / Recording on SD card / Images rotatable 360 ° (90 ° steps) / Bright LEDs on the camera head / Camera head diam.: 4.5 mm / 0.18 ". The Borescope PCE-VE 1014N-F is a... [See More]
- Flexibility: Flexible
- Diameter: 4.5
- Viewing Angle: Direct
- Working Length: 1.5
from PCE Instruments / PCE Americas Inc.
PCE-VE 1030N is a versatile borescope inspection camera with a large 7" high-resolution display. This borescope inspection camera captures both picture and video. Video recordings are accompanied by audio for a more immersive inspection experience. [See More]
- Flexibility: Flexible
- Diameter: 28
- Viewing Angle: Direct
- Working Length: 30
from PCE Instruments / PCE Americas Inc.
Borescope PCE-VE 1034N-F / 2-Way head / Image and video recordings / Large 7 " LCD display for detailed viewing / Recording on SD card / Images rotatable 360 ° (90 ° steps) / Bright LEDs on the camera head / Camera head diam.: 4.5 mm / 0.18 ". The Borescope PCE-VE 1034N-F is a... [See More]
- Flexibility: Flexible
- Diameter: 4.5
- Viewing Angle: Direct
- Working Length: 3
from PCE Instruments / PCE Americas Inc.
Different cables can be connected to the borescope / image and video recordings / large 7 "LC display for precise viewing / recording on SD card / pictures rotatable by 360 ° (90 ° steps) / bright LEDs on the camera head / digital zoom. The PCE-VE 1036HR-F is a versatile inspection... [See More]
- Flexibility: Flexible
- Diameter: 6
- Viewing Angle: Direct
- Working Length: 3
from Shenzhen Vsndt Co., Ltd.
VS-YA50 is a big pipe inspection camera sewer borescope launched by Shenzhen VSNDT, with a 9 " HD screen. Equipped with 4 bright LED lights. It can vertical 180°rotation, horizontal 360° rotation. 50mm diameter camera is compatible pipe diameters 60~400mm. Which is a professional tool used for water... [See More]
- Flexibility: Flexible
- Diameter: 50
- Viewing Angle: Side
- Working Length: 60 to 120
from Fiberscope.net by MEDIT
The GECKO 3000S color drain camera unit is ideal for plumbers, pipe cleaning companies, municipalities, and canal construction. These professional push cameras are manufactured in Germany, with an extra flexible cable that will not snap easily, a fully waterproof camera head, and dual power LED... [See More]
- Flexibility: Flexible
- Diameter: 25.4
- Viewing Angle: Direct
- Working Length: 35
from Invotec Solutions Ltd.
This portable colour display Borescope is designed as a remote inspection device. It is ideal for use in thousands of applications. 60mm (2.4 ”) TFT colour display 480 x 234 Pixels. Water-Proof IP-67 9mm Ø camera head. Glare free close up and wide field of view (36 °). 8 Contrast... [See More]
- Flexibility: Flexible
- Diameter: 9
- Viewing Angle: Oblique
- Working Length: 1
from General Pipe Cleaners
The new Gen-Eye USB ® Series includes a USB port to record on a flash drive. The Gen-Eye. USB ® packs the features of the Gen-Eye SD ® Series into a compact package, including up to 128. GB of USB recording capability, a 10.4 ” LCD color screen and a waterproof keyboard protected. [See More]
- Flexibility: Flexible
- Working Length: 5.08
- Viewing Angle: Direct
- Operating Temperature: 14 to 122
from Titan Tool Supply, Inc.
New High Resolution 17,000 Element imaging bundle and high power 3Watt LED battery handle. New stronger tungsten braided sheathing. Built in "C" mount Video adapter into the eyepiece so there is no need for an additional video adapter to connect it to an industrial video camera. Quality made in the... [See More]
- Flexibility: Flexible; Fiberscope
- Working Length: 1.02 to 2.03
- Diameter: 6
- Field of View: 50
from Instrument Technology, Inc.
124700 Semi Flexible Micro Borescopes have precision and high image quality which is an ITI mark of distinction. Because optimal resolution is based on the tightest pixel density, ITI uses the best fused image guides available. In the process of manufacturing, glass fibers are drawn to the smallest... [See More]
- Flexibility: Flexible
- Diameter: 0.4000 to 4
- Viewing Angle: Direct (optional feature); Oblique (optional feature); Side (optional feature); Retro (optional feature)
- Working Length: 0.0025 to 0.0200
from RF System Lab
Borescopes are used for visual inspections in areas where it is difficult or impossible for the human eye to directly see. Video borescopes are a valuable tool in numerous industrial and commercial applications, especially for repair inspections and routine maintenance inspections. Borescopes are... [See More]
- Flexibility: Flexible
- Features: Video; Camera Mount
- Viewing Angle: Retro
from Danatronics Corporation
The Danatronics BoresEye series is the ideal cost effective video inspection system. The BoresEye 2030 line offers an interchangeable system that allows you to go from a 5.5mm 6M straight camera, to a 3.9mm articulating camera or a push rod camera system, with the twist of a cable making it a truly... [See More]
- Flexibility: Flexible
- Diameter: 3.9 to 5.5
- Viewing Angle: Direct
- Working Length: 1 to 30
from REED-Direct
Flexible gooseneck imager head retains configured shape and is waterproof (IP67). High visibility 10 ° adjustable LED lighting. Camera and video functions allows you to save high resolution JPG images and live video. TV compatible. Transfer files to a computer via USB cable and optional 2GB SD... [See More]
- Flexibility: Flexible
- Working Length: 1
- Diameter: 17
from Fiberoptics Technology, Inc.
The FS 066 was designed to be a portable, rugged inspection device capable of producing a high resolution image of critical components through access holes as small as 1.7 mm. With intense fiber optic illumination and a crisp image delivered by high resolution quartz optical fiber, this... [See More]
- Flexibility: Flexible
- Diameter: 1.68
- Viewing Angle: Direct
- Working Length: 0.3048
from Gradient Lens Corporation
The Hawkeye Pro Flexible uses the same 18,000 fiber acid-leached imaging budle as the Hawkeye Classic, and provides the same excellent resolution, sharpness, image detail, and contrast. Like the Classic Flexible, it comes equipped with the powerful, rechargeable SuperNOVA Light. [See More]
- Flexibility: Flexible; Fiberscope
- Diameter: 5
- Viewing Angle: Direct; Side (optional feature)
- Working Length: 0.8000
from Shenzhen Vsndt Co., Ltd.
VS-RC is a cost-effective automotive inspection tool borescope. It is compatible with iOS and Android systems phones easily. With the 2 way articulating probe, the user can check the engine inside easily. The probe working temperature is -20 ℃ to 80 ℃ with high temperature warning... [See More]
- Flexibility: Flexible
- Diameter: 6
- Viewing Angle: Direct
- Working Length: 1
from Fiberscope.net by MEDIT
MEDIT ’s Drain Camera VIPER system is now available as a set. Is a cost effective portable device designed to deliver high quality video images for a wide range of applications including: drains, building ducts/piping, wells, and power plants, with the ability to remotely locate the head of... [See More]
- Flexibility: Flexible
- Diameter: 23
- Viewing Angle: Direct
- Working Length: 20 to 40
from Invotec Solutions Ltd.
USB Video Borescope With Colour Display. This portable video Borescope is designed as a remote inspection device, capable of recording video and taking still images. 70mm (2.7 ”) TFT colour display 640 x 480 Pixels. Picture Zoom function up to 3x Standard. Water-Proof IP-67 9mm Ø camera... [See More]
- Flexibility: Flexible
- Diameter: 9
- Viewing Angle: Oblique
- Working Length: 1
from General Pipe Cleaners
The Gen-Eye Micro-Scope2 ® compact handheld inspection tool features a new Command Module that includes a USB port to record on a flash drive. You can watch the action on a big 7 ” LCD color monitor for crisp, clear pictures and record videos or photos on the flash drive with the one-touch... [See More]
- Flexibility: Flexible
- Diameter: 10.79 to 25.4
- Viewing Angle: Direct
- Working Length: 30.48
from Titan Tool Supply, Inc.
The "K" Series Micro Borescope is a highly unusual borescope. It is only available in the Straight Forward Viewing Model. As delivered, it is a Semi Rigid Borescope for Forward Viewing, in a Stainless Steel sheathing and on the inside is a flexible borescope by unscrewing this .083" (2.1mm)... [See More]
- Flexibility: Flexible; Fiberscope
- Working Length: 0.3048
- Diameter: 1.68
- Field of View: 55
from Gradient Lens Corporation
Hawkeye MicroFlex Flexible borescopes have a 10,000 fiber bundle for very good image quality in such a small diameter package. Swap the eyepiece with the supplied video adapter to use on a C-Mount camera. The flexible 19 or 39" working length scopes use a plastic sheath to make them more slippery in... [See More]
- Flexibility: Flexible
- Diameter: 0.9000
- Viewing Angle: Direct
- Working Length: 1
from Shenzhen Vsndt Co., Ltd.
VS-P series,launched by VSNDT, is a 6 inch touch screen HD handheld industrial endoscopel, with 0.8-8mm diameter interchangeable probes,with detachable battery, dual circuit design, single battery can also work. WIFI connection function with mobile phone, suitable for the detection of aviation... [See More]
- Flexibility: Flexible
- Diameter: 0.8000 to 8
- Viewing Angle: Direct; Side
- Working Length: 0.5000 to 10
from Fiberscope.net by MEDIT
The iSnake portable plumbing camera is a universal tool that can be widely used for remote visual inspection to save you time, money and inconvenience. Whether you inspect laterals, drains, air or chimney ducts, the iSnake camera will deliver. It is easy to operate and one person can easily use all... [See More]
- Flexibility: Flexible
- Diameter: 24
- Viewing Angle: Direct
- Working Length: 20 to 40
from Invotec Solutions Ltd.
This portable video Borescope comes with a 90mm (3.5 ”) TFT wireless colour display. 90mm (3.5 ”) TFT wireless colour display (up to 10m Transmission). Water-resistant IP-67 9mm Ø camera head. Glare free close up and wide field of view (45 °). 4 Adjustable dual bright white... [See More]
- Flexibility: Flexible
- Diameter: 9
- Viewing Angle: Oblique
- Working Length: 1
from General Pipe Cleaners
Now Wi-Fi Capable!. Just grab it and go. Always easy on your back and your budget, General's versatile Gen-Eye POD ® and Mini-POD ® now feature optional Wi-Fi inside. Wi-Fi lets you use your own tablet or smartphone to record the inspection and send it to your customers on the spot or back... [See More]
- Flexibility: Flexible
- Working Length: 60.96
- Viewing Angle: Direct
- Operating Temperature: 14 to 122
from Titan Tool Supply, Inc.
Model F-1 Flexible Borescope has its light source in the attached battery flashlight handle. This makes the unit completely portable and adaptable to a multiple of uses. This borescope can be maneuvered through several bends, with an absolute minimum bend radius of 1.50" per bend. (Otherwise, you... [See More]
- Flexibility: Flexible; Fiberscope
- Working Length: 0.6096
- Diameter: 8
- Field of View: 60
from Gradient Lens Corporation
Flexible articulating borescopes are key products in the new Hawkeye Blue line. These instruments are ideal for specialized applications such as inspection of castings, bent tubes, turbine blades, engine blocks and turbochargers. [See More]
- Flexibility: Flexible; Fiberscope
- Diameter: 2.5
- Viewing Angle: Direct; Side (optional feature)
- Working Length: 0.7000
from Shenzhen Vsndt Co., Ltd.
The VS-PG series of high temperature video borescopes is the latest product of VSNDT to test in high temperature environment.The video borescope product is equipped with a unique air cooling design system, which can effectively reduce the temperature of the camera at 300 ℃ under the degree can... [See More]
- Flexibility: Flexible; Fiberscope
- Diameter: 6 to 8
- Viewing Angle: Direct
- Working Length: 1 to 5
from Fiberscope.net by MEDIT
VIPER ADV Pipe Inspection Camera is a great inspection device with enhanced maneuverability and viewing characteristics. It is well suited for exploring ducts, pipelines, mains and sewers and is capable of maneuvering through at least two 90-degree elbows due to a wider push rod and longer spring... [See More]
- Flexibility: Flexible
- Diameter: 28
- Viewing Angle: Direct
- Working Length: 40
from General Pipe Cleaners
The new Gen-Eye X-POD Plus ® sewer camera system now includes the Gen-Pack ™ battery adapter, Wi-Fi transmitter, and an on-screen distance counter as standard equipment to boost productivity and profitability!. Depending on battery type and settings, the built-in Gen-Pack battery adapter... [See More]
- Flexibility: Flexible
- Diameter: 28.57 to 41.27
- Viewing Angle: Direct
- Working Length: 60.96
from Gradient Lens Corporation
The Hawkeye Flexible borescopes contain a 1 meter long glass-fiber imaging bundle with 18,000 fibers delivering high-resolution images. Acid leaching of the bundle increases image contast by creating space between the fibers to prevent light from spilling from one to the other. The plastic-coated,... [See More]
- Flexibility: Flexible; Fiberscope
- Diameter: 7.88
- Viewing Angle: Direct; Side
- Working Length: 1
from Shenzhen Vsndt Co., Ltd.
VS-Y Intelligent industrial borescope is a high end video borescope for aerospace, aviation, power energy and other industrial inspection. VS-Y is equipped with 5.7 inch industrial grade HD LCD touchscreen and both touch and button dual operation systems; The probe is made of high density tungsten... [See More]
- Flexibility: Flexible
- Diameter: 0.9500 to 8
- Viewing Angle: Direct; Side
- Working Length: 0.5000 to 10
from Fiberscope.net by MEDIT
These cost effective portable inspection devices are designed to deliver quality video inspection in a wide range of applications including: sewers, building ducts/piping, wells, and power plants. The push camera head contains 12 adjustable LED lights, a flexible spring coiled joint to navigate... [See More]
- Flexibility: Flexible
- Diameter: 23
- Viewing Angle: Direct
- Working Length: 20 to 40
from General Pipe Cleaners
The upgraded Gen-Eye SD ® Series gives you all the features of a full size video inspection system in a compact, portable package. The integral SD Card Reader records video or still images – it can store as much as 32 GB of data on one card. Keep a copy for your records and make copies for... [See More]
- Flexibility: Flexible
- Diameter: 41.27
- Viewing Angle: Direct
- Working Length: 30.48 to 122
from Shenzhen Vsndt Co., Ltd.
VSNDT VS-GP is a new upgraded video borescope for NDT remote visual inspection, with 6" large FHD LCD screen, it shows clear and vivid inspection image. VS-GP supports touchscreen and button dual systems operation, more convenient for borescope inspection. The most advantage is both front view and... [See More]
- Flexibility: Flexible
- Diameter: 0.9500 to 8
- Viewing Angle: Direct; Side
- Working Length: 1 to 30
from Fiberscope.net by MEDIT
The Sonic sewer camera system is a simplest configuration of our premium Triton line. These durable units are manufactured in Canada using quality materials and designs, with a 1.23" diameter straight view camera head, a 200 foot long push cable, and a 7.4" LCD monitor. The monitor comes with either... [See More]
- Flexibility: Flexible
- Diameter: 31.24
- Viewing Angle: Direct
- Working Length: 60.96
from Shenzhen Vsndt Co., Ltd.
VS-LA series, launched by VSNDT, Cost performance industrial borescopes suitable for automobile manufacturing, ship power, municipal drainage, mechanical casting, construction bridges, precision casting, special inspection industry,stone chemical industry, energy power, rail transit, automobile... [See More]
- Flexibility: Flexible
- Diameter: 2.8 to 6
- Viewing Angle: Direct
- Working Length: 1 to 3
from Fiberscope.net by MEDIT
The Gecko 4510-ST Chimney Camera is a premium, high end color inspection camera designed specifically for chimney, duct and flue inspections. It can be either lowered down from the top, or runt up from the bottom using a fibreglass rod. This is great for inspections in extreme soot and other debris. [See More]
- Flexibility: Flexible
- Features: Video
- Viewing Angle: Direct
from Shenzhen Vsndt Co., Ltd.
VS-RP series infrared thermal imaging videoscope is an videoscope that can measure temperature accurately. The endoscope is equipped with megapixel camera, waterproof and oil proof wear resistant probe, and powerful software functions; This thermal videoscope adopts the combination of industrial... [See More]
- Flexibility: Flexible; Fiberscope
- Diameter: 16.5
- Viewing Angle: Direct
- Working Length: 1 to 2
from Fiberscope.net by MEDIT
The TwinEye inspection camera is a professional device designed specifically for chimney and flue inspections, and can be either pushed up the channel, or turned around to provide a downwards view in cases with extreme soot and other debris. The camera features twin CCTV camera sensors, one with a... [See More]
- Flexibility: Flexible
- Diameter: 43.94
- Viewing Angle: Direct
- Features: Video