The Difference Between Direct-View and Side-View Industrial Endoscope Lenses

Direct-view and side-view lenses are the two most basic types of industrial endoscopes, categorized by their viewing direction. Their core structural difference lies in the viewing angle of the front optical lens, which directly determines their application scenarios and operation methods.

Comparison of the Characteristics of Direct-View and Side-View Industrial Endoscope Lenses:

The viewing angle of an industrial endoscope's direct-view lens is along the axis of the endoscope's insertion tube (straight ahead). The direct-view lens is located at the very front of the tube and has a flat or rounded tip. It observes deep within pipelines and the bottom of linear cavities. Operation is straightforward, with a straightforward path and easy control of the direction of travel. Advantages include ease of long-distance advancement in straight pipelines, direct viewing of the target, straightforward positioning, and relatively simple operation. Disadvantages include the inability to directly view the sides, significant blind spots, and limitations in curved or complex structures.

Typical applications include internal inspection of straight engine pipelines, long barrels, and pipeline corrosion inspection. The side-view lens of an industrial endoscope is angled with the axis of the endoscope's insertion tube (usually 90°, 70°, 45°, etc.). It is located on the side of the front end of the tube and has a distinct "window." It observes sidewalls, welds, the backs of obstructed components, and the sides of confined spaces. Operation requires rotating the tube to scan the surroundings, which requires a high level of skill. Advantages include a flexible field of view, allowing inspection of areas inaccessible by direct vision. A single device offers multiple uses, allowing for comprehensive inspection of the entire circumference. Disadvantages include difficulty viewing obstacles directly ahead when navigating straight pipes, and the lens can easily be damaged by improper operation, requiring a higher level of operator skill.

Typical applications include: inspection of turbine blade sides, cylinder walls and weld quality, inspection of the inner walls of heat exchanger pipes, and inspection of gearbox tooth surfaces. In addition to fixed direct-view or side-view lenses, there's also a straight-view and side-view all-in-one lens:

The straight-view and side-view all-in-one lens is a highly practical innovation in the industrial endoscope field. By integrating both a direct-view (0°) and a side-view (usually 90°) lens into a single probe, it enables flexible switching of inspection angles or simultaneous observation, significantly improving inspection efficiency. This lens combines the advantages of both direct and side-view modes:

Structure: The front of the lens features a direct-view lens, while the sides can be equipped with side-view lenses of varying angles. Switching between direct and side-view modes is quick via software or a button。

Function: Compared to traditional methods that require repeated insertion and removal or replacement of probes with different viewing directions, this lens now switches between viewing angles with a single button. This reduces inspection time by approximately 30%-50%. Furthermore, the lens's ability to both direct and side-view effectively reduces lens costs.

Application: This powerful lens is particularly suitable for inspecting complex equipment, such as aircraft engines and intricate piping systems. 

Summary and Selection Recommendations

When choosing a lens type, it's crucial to consider the internal structure of the object being inspected and the key areas you need to observe. For most industrial inspection applications, both direct-view and side-view lenses are essential. For objects with complex structures and numerous observation points, a combined direct-view and side-view lens is recommended.