Visual inspection is a non-destructive testing (NDT) method involving the visual examination of components, machines and facilities. An engineer or inspector can ‘visually inspect’ an item by looking it over, but in the realm of test equipment, visual testing generally involves specialized equipment which enhances the testing process. Borescopes, for example, are optical devices fitted on the ends of long tubes which can fit into tiny places and be directed to the core of various machinery to look for faults. Thermal imaging cameras give insight into hot points and leaks found in facilities. A high-speed imaging camera is self-explanatory; photographers use them for both recreation filming of high-speed objects like a motorcycle, or for more scientific reasons, like the study of a cheetah’s body movements as it runs across the savannah.
