Visual & Borescope Inspections
Visual inspection of machinery is the observation of the surface of an asset to identify the presence of abnormalities according to a specification as a standard or standard of normal.
Visual inspection is the most basic, but also one of the most valuable, condition monitoring techniques to determine the condition of an asset.
Visual inspections are often carried out by production or operating personnel, with findings recorded on paper checklists or handwritten reports. These notes frequently remain unprocessed unless an abnormality is identified or a work order is raised, meaning valuable insight can be lost.
Within predictive maintenance, visual inspections refer to the field-based observations made directly by an analyst or inspector to assess asset condition. This technique relies on trained judgement to identify early indicators of deterioration and plays an essential role in a proactive reliability strategy.
Our Solutions
Depending on the asset, accessibility and operating condition, we deliver a range of visual inspection techniques tailored to the specific requirements of each machine or system.
Stroboscope Inspection
Motion Amplification
Borescope Inspection
General Visual Inspection
These inspections may be carried out during planned shutdowns when equipment is stationary (such as visual and borescope inspections), or on machinery in normal operation (visual inspections, stroboscope inspection and motion amplification).
Components We Assess
- Couplings (condition of rubbers, teeth, radial runout, play)
- Shafts for rotating and reciprocating machinery (runout, play, key looseness)
- Bearings (play, visual condition of raceways)
- Gears (runout, profile, pitch)
- Pumps and fan impellers
- Foundations and machine beds (looseness or cracks)
- General inspection: oil leaks, seal deviations, looseness, breakage
Our Solutions
Depending on the asset, accessibility and operating condition, we deliver a range of visual inspection techniques tailored to each machine or system.
Stroboscope Inspection
Motion Amplification
Borescope Inspection
General Visual Inspection
These inspections may be carried out during shutdowns when equipment is stationary, or on machinery in normal operation using stroboscope inspection and motion amplification.
Components We Assess
- Couplings (condition, runout, play)
- Shafts for rotating and reciprocating machinery
- Bearings and raceway condition
- Gears (runout, profile, pitch)
- Pumps and fan impellers
- Foundations and machine beds
- General inspection (leaks, seals, looseness, breakage)
Offering
Visual and borescope inspections carried out by experienced, dedicated engineers with 24/7 service availability.
Visual inspections on a routine basis
Visual inspection is used to determine the condition of assets of all types. In general, there are two categories of application: the reading of parameters and the evaluation of asset condition through inspection guidelines.
Parameter reading
Used for field data collection, often during routine vibration analysis. Parameters include pressure, temperature, current, flow and other indicators of operating conditions.
Inspection guidelines
Fault detection through observation of:
- Missing or loose components such as bolts
- Size changes or deformation
- Surface condition changes such as corrosion, paint loss or dirt
- Colour variations, such as oil darkening
- Fractures, scratches or cracks
- Abnormal noise from vibration, rubbing, gas or fluid leaks
Visual inspections are often combined with complementary measurement techniques such as vibration analysis and are a standard element of most condition monitoring programmes.
Visual inspections on a routine basis
Visual inspection is used to determine the condition of assets of all types. In general, there are two categories of application: the reading of parameters and the evaluation of asset condition through inspection guidelines.
Parameter reading
Used for field data collection during routine vibration analysis. Parameters include pressure, temperature, current, flow and other indicators of operating conditions.
Inspection guidelines
Fault detection through observation of:
- Missing or loose components such as bolts
- Size changes or deformation
- Surface condition changes such as corrosion, paint loss or dirt
- Colour variations, such as oil darkening
- Fractures, scratches or cracks
- Abnormal noise from vibration, rubbing, gas or fluid leaks
Visual inspections are often combined with complementary measurement techniques such as vibration analysis and are a standard element of most condition monitoring programmes.
Borescopic inspection
Gearboxes are subjected to high loads, especially in harsh environments such as mining, steel and wind industries. As one of the most expensive and availability-critical assets, early detection of wear is essential.
Borescope inspections allow internal gearbox components such as gears and bearings to be assessed without disassembly. When combined with oil analysis and vibration measurements, it provides a powerful foundation for
accurate diagnosis and maintenance planning.
Borescope inspections should be carried out at least annually. If wear or failures are detected, inspection intervals should increase based on severity.
This method provides reliable diagnostic capability while avoiding extended downtime or invasive disassembly. It is an effective decision-making tool for maintenance optimisation and troubleshooting.
Borescopic inspection
Gearboxes are subjected to high loads, especially in harsh environments such as mining, steel and wind industries. As one of the most expensive and availability-critical assets, early detection of wear is essential.
Borescope inspections allow internal gearbox components such as gears and bearings to be assessed without disassembly. When combined with oil analysis and vibration measurements, it provides a powerful foundation for accurate diagnosis and maintenance planning.
Borescope inspections should be carried out at least annually. If wear or failures are detected, inspection intervals should increase based on severity.
This method provides reliable diagnostic capability while avoiding extended downtime or invasive disassembly. It is an effective decision-making tool for maintenance optimisation and troubleshooting.
Local service backed by global support
- 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year
- Clear detailed reporting with actionable insights
- Expert support and consultation
Local service backed by global support
- 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year
- Clear detailed reporting with actionable insights
- Expert support and consultation
