Technical Explanation on the Correspondence Between Endoscope Steel Shell Structure and IP67 Protection Rating

Technical Explanation on the Correspondence Between Endoscope Steel Shell Structure and IP67 Protection Rating

During technical discussions with customers, a frequently raised question is whether endoscopes equipped with standard steel shells inherently possess an IP67 waterproof rating. While seemingly straightforward, this inquiry reflects a critical focus on product performance boundaries and design logic during selection processes. The following provides a systematic explanation of this issue, integrating product structural characteristics with manufacturing implementation pathways.

From a structural design perspective, the steel shell's function within an endoscope extends beyond mere physical reinforcement. As the supporting structure for optical components and signal transmission elements, the introduction of a steel shell typically necessitates higher precision in the overall assembly process. Achieving IP67 protection—meaning sustained immersion in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes while maintaining full functionality—is fundamentally a systemic metric. Its attainment relies on the integrity of the housing seal, waterproofing at cable exits, and coordinated design of all functional interfaces. The presence or absence of a single component does not directly determine the overall protective capability of the device.

Relatedly, the widespread compliance of endoscope models with standard steel sleeves to IP67 stems from anticipating application scenarios during product definition. The adoption of a steel sleeve structure typically signifies that the model is designed for more complex industrial inspection or medical operating environments, such as scenarios requiring access to liquid-filled, humid, or narrow cavities. Under these circumstances, establishing IP67 as the baseline protection standard represents both a technical response to operational safety redundancy and an adaptive design tailored to the working conditions implied by the steel sleeve structure.

From a manufacturing perspective, key control points for waterproofing performance include: the connection method between the steel sleeve and front end; the selection and dispensing process of sealant adhesive; and the treatment solution at the interface between wiring and the steel sleeve. Within the company's existing production system, control over these critical nodes is closely tied to the following manufacturing capabilities: The company's Class 10/100 COB cleanroom provides an environmental foundation for precision assembly, while the introduction of AA (Active Alignment) processes ensures assembly accuracy between optical components and structural parts—a precision that inherently impacts sealing effectiveness. In other words, the physical strength of the steel sleeve establishes a solid foundation for waterproofing, while rigorous manufacturing processes guarantee the conversion of this potential into actual performance.

At the quality control level, each batch undergoes standardized waterproof testing. The company's 100% inspection policy means waterproof testing is a mandatory routine check, not a random sampling procedure. Complementing this is the product warranty policy—a 1-year replacement and 10-year warranty commitment—which reflects confidence in the product's long-term reliability. This confidence stems from continuous validation across design, material selection, and production processes.

From a broader perspective, the correspondence between steel sleeves and IP67 ratings can also be seen as an embodiment of consistency between product positioning and technical specifications. The company's long-term collaborations with Fortune 500 enterprises and its experience in OEM manufacturing for renowned brands objectively demand predictable performance across fundamental metrics. This predictability is achieved precisely through standardizing the alignment between structural features and protection ratings.

In summary, the default IP67 waterproof rating for endoscope models equipped with steel sleeves is a technical decision grounded in structural design, manufacturing capabilities, and application scenario consistency. When selecting models, customers can view the steel sleeve as an intuitive indicator—it not only signifies enhanced physical strength but also strongly suggests the product possesses foundational capabilities to handle complex conditions like humidity and immersion. Establishing this correlation helps reduce communication costs stemming from information asymmetry, allowing selection decisions to focus more directly on actual requirements.