This section provides an overview for fiberscopes as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 15 fiberscope manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked fiberscope companies as of November, 2024: 1.PENTAX Medical, 2.The MD-Kinney company, 3.Zibra Corp.
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1983~1988: Worked at Terumo Corporation. Engaged in the design of automatic assembly and transport equipment for disposable medical instruments (syringes, needles, infusion sets).
1990~2015: Worked at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. Engaged in research and development, international joint development, and design of aircraft engines.
2015 ~ Worked at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Aero Engine Co., Ltd. due to spin-off. Engaged in technical management, R&D and intellectual property management. Currently working as a technical consultant, utilizing the company's side job and side job system.
Fiberscopes, also called industrial endoscopes or medical endoscopes, are made of many thin glass fibers strung together and fitted with a camera.
A very small digital camera is attached to the tip of the scope, which can be bent and deformed at will. Compared to ordinary intracanal inspection cameras, the diameter of the camera is very thin, yet the image quality is highly accurate and the tip can be freely movable. Even if the fiber is bent, the image transmission is accurate because light travels while reflecting internally.
Because the Fiberscope is integrated with a light source and is clearly visible, it is possible to observe narrow areas and internal details that cannot be seen visually. Because of this, they are more expensive than other types of endoscopes. Generally, the size is from 2.4 mm to 8.5 mm in diameter, and the cable length is from 3 m to 30 mm.
Figure 1. Fiber size
Figure 2. Uses of a fiberscope
Fiberscopes are used to inspect and observe the inside of narrow and intricate structures and pipes that cannot be directly visually checked. Major applications include internal inspection of automobiles, infrastructure development and maintenance, quality control in the manufacturing industry, and disaster relief scopes. In particular, they are used inside pipes and ducts, and in places that are inaccessible to the eye due to the structure of buildings.
In addition, they are also used as medical equipment. For example, endoscopes are used to examine the intestines and stomach. For organs located deep inside the body, it is not possible to see directly with the eye, and if the outer diameter of the camera or tube is too large, there is a risk of hitting the walls of the organ or other parts of the body and damaging the cells. On the other hand, the camera of Fiberscope can be used safely because the tip of the camera can also be freely movable.
Figure 3. Structure of a fiberscope
The optical fiber of a Fiberscope consists of a core in the center and surrounding parts called the gladding, which are covered with a film called plastic primary coat. The optical fiber is flexible and can be bent and moved freely, allowing it to move in accordance with the intended use.
Fiberscopes have a structure in which the eyepiece and the objective lens at the tip are connected by thousands or tens of thousands of optical fibers that are focused together, allowing direct visual observation through an image guide made of these optical fiber bundles.
When viewing an object with a Fiberscope, an image of the object is projected on the end face of the objective lens, and the image can be clearly seen by magnifying the image with an eyepiece.
A Fiberscope is a device that uses a thin tube to view the image at the tip. Because of its flexibility, it is also used as a medical endoscope for internal examination of the intestines and stomach by moving the tiny camera and the flexible tip.
For organs deep inside the body, the great advantage is that the tiny size of the camera and tube and the freely movable tip minimize the risk of hitting the walls of internal organs and damaging cells, so they can be used with peace of mind.
A disadvantage is that the honeycomb structure, which consists of a bundle of thin fibers, may cause a slight shadow of the boundary line. Also, because the image is viewed through the fibers, the longer the fiber is used, the darker it becomes. Another disadvantage is that it can break if too much load is applied. If you try to make the fiber longer, the cost will be higher.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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The MD-Kinney company is a designer and manufacturer of displacement blowers, mechanical vacuum pumps, vacuum boosters, and engineered systems headquartered in Missouri, USA. The company was formed through the merger of M-D Pneumatics and Kinney Vacuum. It serves the chemical, food and beverage, pharmaceutical, automotive, and construction industries. The company offers PD rotary blowers, liquid and dry bulk blowers, lubricants, EX ATEX solutions, and pneumatic blower packages. It also provides dry screw vacuum pumps, rotary vane vacuum pumps, liquid ring vacuum pumps, vacuum boosters, and engineered vacuum solutions.
CLARUS MEDICAL established in 1987 in Minneapolis, Minnesota,is a manufacturer of medical devices for minimally invasive procedures. The company offers a diverse range of products including visualization systems, surgical instruments, and disposable devices. These advanced tools provide clinicians with enhanced visualization, precise control, and improved patient outcomes. The products are used in various medical fields such as cardiology, gastroenterology, and orthopedics, empowering healthcare professionals to perform intricate procedures with greater accuracy and efficiency. It supports advancements in minimally invasive surgery and medical technologies, benefiting both healthcare providers and patients alike.
Zibra Corp, established in 2001 in Westport, Massachusetts, USA, is a manufacturer of advanced inspection solutions, specializing in rigid, semi-rigid, and flexible microborescope and videoscope systems. The company offers a diverse range of products designed to provide efficient and advanced-quality visual inspection capabilities, enabling users to access confined spaces, inspect machinery, and diagnose issues. These state-of-the-art systems offer robust image quality, ergonomic designs, and customizable features, enhancing inspection accuracy and efficiency. The borescope and videoscope systems find applications in industries such as aerospace, automotive, manufacturing, and maintenance, facilitating non-destructive testing, quality control, and equipment maintenance.
Lenox Instrument, founded in 1920 in Trevose, Pennsylvania, USA, is a manufacturer of borescope technology for inspecting internal surfaces. The company specializes in manufacturing a range of products, including industrial borescopes, fiberscopes, and videoscopes, designed for remote visual inspection of hard-to-reach areas without the need for disassembly. These products serve diverse industries, such as aviation, automotive, manufacturing, and power generation, supporting maintenance, troubleshooting, and quality control efforts.These instruments offer precise services for non-destructive testing and provide uninterrupted solutions that enhance inspection and operational efficiency across a multitude of sectors.
Optim LLC, founded in 1970 in Sturbridge, Massachusetts, USA, is a manufacturer of advanced medical devices and precision instruments. The company offers a diverse range of products, including endoscopes, borescopes, and LED light sources. These products provide HD imaging, superior clarity, and optimal performance, facilitating accurate medical diagnoses and inspections. The advanced technologies cater to medical professionals, industrial inspectors, and researchers, enhancing their capabilities in various fields such as healthcare, aviation, automotive, and manufacturing to perform intricate tasks with precision and efficiency.
Global Borescope, established in 2005 in San Antonio, Texas, USA, is a manufacturer of borescopes and inspection technology. The company manufactures various products, including video borescopes, rigid borescopes, and flexible fiberscopes. These products offer benefits such as remote visual inspection, precision diagnostics, and non-destructive testing, assisting in enhanced maintenance and quality control processes. Industries spanning aviation, automotive, and energy rely on Global Borescope's solutions for efficient inspection and analysis. The products’ advanced technology and durability allow them to withstand challenging environments, and the specialization in borescope systems enables accurate and efficient inspections in hard-to-reach areas that improve safety and efficiency.
Titan Tool Supply was founded in 1952 and operates out of Buffalo, New York. Titan Tool Supply is a supplier of optical instrumentation for research & development, quality control, and other professional industries. Titan Tool Supply’s product lines include borescopes, microscopes, illumination devices, and micro finishing. Titan Tool Supply also offers video systems and magnetics solutions. Titan Tool Supply offers customers a 10-day approval program that allows customers to trial products in their workplace to verify satisfaction before purchase.
Zistos, located in Holbrook, New York, has been a manufacturer of portable video systems since 2001. The company presents a range of products to suit diverse needs, offering HD Search Pole Cameras, designed for inspecting confined spaces, and Tactical Pole Cameras, equipped for law enforcement with night vision and thermal imaging. The lineup also features Industrial Videoscopes for machinery inspection, Cargo Inspection Systems with X-ray scanners, and Wireless Video Systems for remote viewing in challenging environments.
PENTAX Medical, founded in 1919 in Tokyo, Japan, is a manufacturer of medical endoscopy and visualization i-scan imaging products. The company manufactures a comprehensive range of products including endoscopes, imaging systems, and related accessories. These advanced medical devices offer advanced visualization capabilities, advanced image quality, and ergonomic designs, ensuring accurate diagnosis and treatment. The products find important application in medical fields such as gastroenterology, pulmonology, urology, and ENT, enabling healthcare professionals to perform minimally invasive procedures, enhance patient care, and improve clinical outcomes.
Evident Corporation is a scientific research and development company in Shinjuku, Tokyo that was established in 2008. Formerly known as Olympus Scientific Solutions, the company specializes in developing cutting-edge technology and products for various industries, including aerospace, automotive, electronics, energy, and medical research. Evident Corporation has proliferated and expanded its product offerings and services to meet the needs of its customers. Their product offerings include non-destructive testing (NDT) solutions such as thickness gauges and automated inspection systems, XRF analyzers like handheld XRF analyzers, industrial microscopes, and video scopes and borescopes.
Fiberscope.net is a Canadian distributor of inspection cameras established in 2002 as a subsidiary of MEDIT Inc. and STRAHL LLC. Based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, the company stocks remote visual inspection equipment for various applications such as non-destructive testing (NDT), pipe inspections, and security. These include borescopes, pipe crawlers, confined space drones, and pipe crawlers. Fiberscope.net primarily supplies clients in the military, police, plumbing, and aviation sectors. The company offers in-house product customization, repair, and maintenance services, as well as short- and long-term equipment rental.
Inspector Tools, founded in 1999 and based in Ventura, California, is a distributor and supplier of test equipment catering to sectors such as facility maintenance, building inspection, and energy conservation. The company maintains a diverse inventory featuring products from over 20 brands, including Extech Instruments, Met One Instruments Inc., and General Wire Spring Company. Offerings range from home inspection kits to carbon monoxide detectors and infrared cameras. Inspector Tools provides customers with an online catalog showcasing its entire product range. Additionally, customers can create digital accounts for faster checkouts and access to order history.
Ranking as of November 2024
Derivation MethodRank | Company | Click Share |
---|---|---|
1 | PENTAX Medical |
12.1%
|
2 | Zibra Corp |
9.9%
|
3 | Lenox Instrument |
9.9%
|
4 | Zistos Corp. |
8.8%
|
5 | Optim |
7.7%
|
6 | Fiberscope.net by MEDIT |
7.7%
|
7 | The MD-Kinney company |
6.6%
|
8 | CLARUS MEDICAL |
6.6%
|
9 | Evident |
6.6%
|
10 | Baker Hughes |
5.5%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the fiberscope page as of November 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
---|---|---|
United States of America | 8 | 72.7% |
Japan | 2 | 18.2% |
Canada | 1 | 9.1% |
4 products are listed.
Custom Co., Ltd.
30+ people viewing
■ A scope camera equipped with a 3.5 -inch easy -to -view color LCD. ・ Compatible with HDMI output function and earphone microphone voice record w...
Custom Co., Ltd.
30+ people viewing
■ The camera cable is stored inside the main unit. ・ You can shoot and save videos & still images. ・ Uses an interlocked camera cable suitable fo...
Custom Co., Ltd.
40+ people viewing
■ For inspection and observation inside a narrow cavity or deep hollow space ・ Camera part: φ8mm, a flexible tube with a length of about 98 cm in ...
Custom Co., Ltd.
30+ people viewing
■ For inspection and observation inside a narrow cavity or deep hollow space ・ Camera part: φ8mm, a flexible tube with a length of about 98 cm in ...