Dakota CX2 – Basic Thickness Gauge

The Dakota CX2 is the entry-level ultrasonic thickness gauge of the Dakota NDT range, designed for those who need to take reliable and repeatable thickness measurements on homogeneous uncoated materials. It is the ideal instrument for goods-in quality control, dimensional checks in production and maintenance inspections on clean metal surfaces. It offers the metrological accuracy of the Dakota range with a simplified interface and excellent operating autonomy.

Positioning within the Dakota CX range

The Dakota NDT CX series comprises three models with progressive functionality: CX2 (basic), CX4 (ThruPaint™) and CX8-DL (data logger). All share the same hardware platform, 2.4″ colour TFT display, rugged IP64 housing and compliance with ASTM E797, EN 14127 and EN 15317. The difference lies in the software features: the CX2 is deliberately limited to Pulse-Echo mode, ideal for those who do not need to handle coatings or custom velocity calibrations.

When to choose the Dakota CX2

• Goods-in quality control of unpainted steel or aluminium sheets, tubes and profiles
• Dimensional checks in production or mechanical assembly
• Maintenance inspections on parts cleaned after blasting or pickling
• Operator training: ideal for introducing new staff to ultrasonic measurement
• Users with a single reference material (e.g. always carbon steel)
• Limited budget: professional solution at the most affordable price in the Dakota range

If instead you need to measure through coatings (paints, epoxies, galvanising) without removing them, consider the Dakota CX4 with ThruPaint™ mode. For electronic storage of measurements, move up to the Dakota CX8-DL with a 100,000-reading data logger.

Key features

Interface and ruggedness

• 2.4″ (6 cm) colour TFT display with permanent backlight
• Ambient light sensor with automatic brightness adjustment
• Display resistant to scratches and solvents
• Large buttons with positive tactile feedback
• IP64 protection rating: resistant to impact, water and dust
• Multilingual menu structure, easy to navigate

Documentation downloads

Official Dakota NDT technical documentation. Files open in a new tab.

	CX series datasheet (CX2 / CX4 / CX6-DL / CX8-DL)	Datasheet
	Multilingual user guide CX2 and CX4 (8 languages)	Guide
	CE Declaration of Conformity — CX2 / CX4	CE conformity
	UKCA Declaration of Conformity — CX2 / CX4	UKCA conformity

Measurement

• Measurement mode: Pulse-Echo (PE) only
• PE measuring range: 0,63 – 500 mm (0,025 – 19,999″)
• PE accuracy: ±0,1 mm (0,63-19,99 mm); ±0,5% (20,00-500,00 mm)
• Reading rate: 4, 8, 16 Hz selectable
• Scan Mode at 16 Hz to cover large surfaces quickly
• Selectable reading resolution: 0,1 mm / 0,01″ (Lo) or 0,01 mm / 0,001″ (Hi)
• Repeatability and stability indicator
• Automatic probe recognition: identifies the connected transducer
• Auto V-path correction for dual element probes

Calibration

• Zero on integrated reference disc
• 1-point calibration on a block of known thickness
• 2-point calibration for linearity over a wide range
• 39 preset materials selectable from the internal library
• 3 programmable calibration memories for quick recall
• Reset to factory calibration
• Calibration lock with optional PIN to protect the settings
• Out-of-calibration measurement warning

Data display

• Display modes: Reading, Selected Statistics, Scan thickness bar graph, Run Chart, Readings and Differential
• Configurable thresholds: 40 Hi/Lo thresholds with visual and audible alarms
• Built-in statistics: number of readings, mean, standard deviation, minimum and maximum value, readings below and above threshold

Full technical specifications

Measurement mode	Pulse-Echo (PE)
PE measuring range	0,63 – 500 mm (0,025 – 19,999″)
PE accuracy	±0,1 mm (0,63-19,99 mm); ±0,5% (20-500 mm)
Measurement rate	4, 8, 16 Hz
Resolution	0,1 mm or 0,01 mm selectable
Units of measurement	mm or inches
Display	2,4″ (6 cm) colour TFT, backlit
Calibration	Integrated Zero, 1-Point, 2-Point, 39 preset materials
Data Logger	Not available (see CX6-DL / CX8-DL)
Protection rating	IP64
Operating temperature	-10 to 50 °C (14 to 122 °F)
Power supply	2 AA batteries
Battery life	15 hours (alkaline) / 28 hours (lithium)
Weight	210 g (batteries included, without transducer)
Dimensions	145 × 73 × 37 mm
Firmware updates	Via DakMaster™ software
USB power supply	Yes, via PC
Warranty	2 years
Compliance	ASTM E797, EN 14127, EN 15317
Calibration	Traceable to NIST and MIL-STD-45662

Compatible probes

The Dakota CX2 supports dual element probes with automatic transducer recognition. The standard supply includes the 5 MHz ⅜” right angle dual element probe (code TXC5M00CP-4), suitable for most general applications on steel, stainless steel and aluminium alloys. Other Dakota probes are available on request:

• 2 MHz probes: for more attenuating materials (cast iron, coarse-grained materials)
• 7.5 MHz and 10 MHz probes: for thinner thicknesses and higher resolution
• High-temperature probes: up to 500 °C, for hot surfaces (steam, processes)
• Small-diameter probes: for tubes and curved geometries
• HD (High Definition) probes: with better performance on corroded or rough surfaces

For more on choosing the probe, see the guide How to choose the right ultrasonic transducer for each application.

Typical applications

Goods-in quality control

For manufacturing companies that buy sheets, tubes, bars and profiles, the CX2 is the ideal instrument for verifying the thickness declared by the supplier. It allows fast, repeatable measurements on hundreds of parts with minimal operator training. For details on acceptance procedures and integration with ISO 9001, EN 9100 and IATF 16949 quality systems, see our guide Thickness measurement in goods-in quality control.

Dimensional checks in production

In machine shops, steelwork shops and production lines, the CX2 is used to verify the dimensional conformity of outgoing semi-finished products, the residual thickness after material removal operations (milling, grinding) and the consistency between parts of a batch.

Light maintenance inspections

For scheduled maintenance on industrial machinery, supports and uncoated metal structures, the CX2 provides reliable checks of residual thickness. For applications on pipelines and tanks with external coatings, the CX4 with ThruPaint™ or the CMX series with A-Scan is preferable.

Operator training

The simplified interface makes the CX2 ideal for introducing new staff to the principles of ultrasonic measurement. To understand the basics, we suggest the guide How ultrasonic thickness measurement works.

Quick comparison with CX4 and CX8-DL

Feature	CX2	CX4	CX8-DL
Pulse-Echo	✓	✓	✓
Echo-Echo ThruPaint™	—	✓	✓
Velocity Mode (VM)	—	✓	✓
Scan Mode	16 Hz	4 Hz	4, 8, 16 Hz
B-Scan	—	—	✓
Data logger	—	—	100,000 readings / 1,000 batches
USB download to DakMaster™	—	—	✓

For a well-informed choice, see our in-depth article Dakota CX2 vs CX4 vs CX8-DL: which thickness gauge to choose?.

Scope of supply

The Dakota CX2 is delivered in a complete configuration according to the official Dakota NDT data sheet:

• Dakota CX2 gauge
• Right angle dual element transducer 5 MHz ⅜” (TXC5M00CP-4)
• Ultrasonic couplant gel
• Carry pouch
• Screen protector
• Wrist harness
• 2 AA batteries
• Operating manual
• Test certificate

Standards and certifications

The Dakota CX2 is declared compliant with the following international standards:

• ASTM E797: Standard Practice for Measuring Thickness by Manual Ultrasonic Pulse-Echo Contact Method
• EN 14127: Non-destructive testing – Ultrasonic thickness measurement
• EN 15317: Characterisation and verification of ultrasonic thickness measuring equipment
• Factory calibration traceable to NIST and MIL-STD-45662A
• CE Declaration of Conformity (Europe)
• UKCA Declaration of Conformity (United Kingdom)

To explore the applicable regulatory framework, see the guide NDT standards for thickness measurement: EN 14127, ASTM E797 and EN 15317.

Frequently asked questions

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For quotations, field demonstrations or technical support in choosing the configuration best suited to your needs, contact our technical office.

Dakota CX and PCX series (CX2, CX4, CX8-DL, PCX8-DL)

DAKOTANDT CX SERIES – INSTRUMENTS

‘INTELLIGENT’ DUAL TRANSDUCERS – Compatible with ALL CX models

‘INTELLIGENT’ DUAL TRANSDUCERS – Compatible only with CX4 & CX8

DAKOTANDT PCX8 – INSTRUMENT

‘INTELLIGENT’ SINGLE TRANSDUCERS for PCX8

DELAY TIPS FOR SINGLE ELEMENT DELAY LINE TRANSDUCERS (CX / PCX)

ULTRASONIC COUPLANT

Part Number	Description
T92015701	Ultrasonic Couplant, 120ml/4fl oz
T92015701-5	Ultrasonic Couplant, 120ml/4fl oz, Pack of 5 Bottles
T92024034-7	Ultrasonic Couplant, 300ml (10fl oz)
T92024034-8	Ultrasonic Couplant, 500ml (17fl oz)

CALIBRATION BLOCKS

Part Number	Description
X-000-0001	Calibration Block: 5 Step; 0.1 – 0.5″; 4340 Steel
X-000-0002	Calibration Block: 4 Step; 0.25 – 1.0″; 4340 Steel
X-000-0022	Calibration Block: 5 Step; 2.5 – 12.5mm; 1018 Steel
X-000-0021	Calibration Block: 4 Step; 6.25 – 25mm; 1018 Steel
X-000-0005	Calibration Block Carry Case

MISCELLANEOUS ACCESSORIES

Part Number	Description
F-000-7001	Bell Shaped Spring Loaded Probe Holder (V-Block) – Dual Transducer Tube Inspection