Technical Notes
BorescopeNOTES, REQUIREMENTS, INFORMATION, ETC. For examining and assessing cylinder walls, valves, piston crowns and cavities in general. Rigid lens probes with super-wide-angle lens, an image scale of 1:1 at a range of approx. 40mm, a probe dia. of max. 6.5mm and optimum image quality, relatively easy access to the area of examination. This requirement has been satisfied by the availability of probes of different lengths, angled sections and special mirror optics, e.g. ....
Note, the M112/113 engines must be raised approx. 400mm for examination with rigid probes. Similar difficulties with accessibility can be expected in future vehicle model series. Flexible lens probes with useful lengths of approx. 550-650mm and total lengths of 800-900mm, 90-110° display angle, 0° directional visibility to probe axis and a probe tip that swivels in two directions (180° up and 90° down), are easily used even when access to the object is difficult. A flexible probe with an appropriate wide-angle lens and swiveling probe tip can replace the previous rigid probes. Flexible probes stem from medical and aerospace technology and have a relatively high purchase price. Repairs, due to misuse, are also quite expensive. These probes therefore require extremely careful handling, if possible by one designated person. Flexible probes have a poorer optical resolution and image quality than rigid probes, but they still satisfy the requirements for examination of cylinder barrels (including aluminum engine blocks), piston crowns and valves. Their optical resolution is determined by the number of individual glass fibers in the fiberoptic cable. Flexible probes may only be used up to a maximum ambient temperature of 80°C. To avoid overheating the probe, the engine should be left to cool for a while after extensive road testing, prior to examination. The probe tip is swiveled (angled) by means of a rotary control attached to the upper probe coupling and a bowden cable. Flexible probes can be operated with existing light projectors (sources). They are also suitable for examining cavities with explosion hazard (fuel tanks), and feature focusing capability. Quality Assurance and Utility Value Retention: Sophisticated and accurate optical instruments are to be protected from damage at all times. Components should be kept in the storage case when not in use. If possible, the device should only be used by a restricted group of specially trained personnel. The components (lenses etc.) must be kept clean. Protective tubes can be used to guard the relatively thin rigid probes against damage. Both rigid and flexible probes are maintenance-free. |
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