The Dakota PCX8-DL is the ultrasonic top of the precision range, with colour display, B-Scan and a 100,000-reading data logger. It combines high precision with advanced diagnostic capabilities.
- Three measurement modes: Interface Echo, Echo-Echo and Plastic
- Echo-Echo: For thin materials from 0.15 mm
- Extended data logger : Memory for thousands of readings
- 0.01 mm resolution: Precision on thin materials
- Colour TFT display : High-contrast readability
- 2-point calibration : Accuracy in every application
- B-Scan : Real-time thickness profile
The Dakota PCX8-DL is the top of the range in the Precision family, an advanced ultrasonic thickness gauge with colour display, B-Scan and professional diagnostic capabilities. Designed for those who require both high precision and complete information. The reference instrument for those who need both laboratory precision and mobility in the field.
On this page
- Positioning within the Dakota range
- When to choose the Dakota PCX8-DL
- Main features
- Measuring mode
- Full technical specifications
- Typical applications
- Scope of supply
- DakMaster™ software and Bluetooth connectivity
- Order codes: instrument, probes and accessories
- Documentation download
- Standards and certifications
- Frequently asked questions
Its strengths include the three measurement modes (Interface Echo, Echo-Echo and Plastic), the extended data logger with structured organisation of inspections, 0.01 mm resolution and the colour TFT display. Compatible with the Dakota probe range of high-frequency probes for precision measurements on thin materials and critical components.
Dakota PCX8-DL – Precision gauge
Suitable for advanced quality control in aerospace, automotive, precision components and metrology laboratories. Available from RODER SRL, official Dakota NDT distributor, with calibration, repair and dedicated technical support. Recommended solution for NDT inspectors who need visual analysis, also suitable for asset integrity management programmes on critical mechanical components.
The Dakota PCX8-DL is the Dakota NDT precision thickness gauge (PTG — Precision Thickness Gauge) designed for thin substrates with accuracy up to ±1%. Measuring range from 0.15 to 25.40 mm in three dedicated modes (Interface Echo, Echo-Echo, Plastic Mode), 2.4″ colour TFT display with ambient light sensor, IP64 protection, 39 preset materials (including aluminium, stainless steel, cast iron, plexiglass, PVC, polystyrene, polyurethane), data logger 100,000 readings / 1,000 batches, USB and Bluetooth data transfer, automatic probe recognition. Supplied with plastic carrying case and card for downloading the DakMaster™ software; the probe must be ordered separately.
Need help choosing the right product?
Positioning within the Dakota range
The PCX8-DL occupies a very specific position in the Dakota range: it is the PTG specialised for thin substrates, with an ultra-compact design (210 g without probe, dimensions 145 × 73 × 37 mm) and a modern user interface intended for operators working in production, laboratory or quality control environments. It is not a replacement for the PMX2/PMX3 but a specialised complement to it:
- For in-line quality control of thin components: PCX8-DL (this instrument)
- For universal precision measurement with A-Scan: PMX2-DL / PMX3-DL
- For high penetration on attenuating materials: PMX4-DL
- For corrosion with multiple modes: CMX series or CMX10-DL
The key difference from the PMX: the PCX8-DL has no A-Scan. In exchange it offers a colour display oriented to the reading and to statistics, Bluetooth connectivity, 39 ready-to-use material presets and a simplified interface intended for non-specialist operators in production quality control.
When to choose the Dakota PCX8-DL
- Production quality control — repetitive measurement on large batches of thin components
- Thin pressed sheet in aluminium, steel, stainless steel
- Thin plastics: engineering film, rigid packaging, blister packs (dedicated PLAS mode)
- Post-machining verification of precision components (turning, milling, grinding) with tight tolerances
- Aerospace industry: measurement of thin panels in light alloys
- Medical devices and precision devices
- Electronics: thickness of structural components
- Those wanting Bluetooth for wireless data transfer to PC/laboratory
- Those working in environments with exposure to water/dust (IP64)
- Those preferring preset materials (39) to avoid manual calibration
Main features
- 3 measurement modes: Interface Echo (IE), Echo-Echo (EE), Plastic Mode (PLAS)
- Accuracy down to ±1% (±0.015 mm in the thinnest ranges)
- 39 preset materials: aluminium, steel, stainless steel, cast iron, Perspex, PVC, polystyrene, polyurethane and others
- 2.4″ colour TFT display with permanent backlight, resistant to scratches and solvents
- Ambient light sensor with automatic brightness adjustment
- IP64 protection: protection equivalent to IP64 against dust and splashes
- Memory for 100,000 readings in 1,000 batches
- Sequential and grid batching with fixed batch size and linking
- Alphanumeric IDs for batches, user-definable
- OBSTRUCT to mark inaccessible positions in the grid
- Delete last reading, date & time stamp, review/clear/delete batches
- Batch review graph (graphical representation of the batch)
- 40 pass/fail limit sets with audible alarms + flashing red LED
- 6 display modes: Reading, Selected Statistics, Scan thickness bar graph, Readings+Differential, Run Chart, B-Scan
- Complete statistics: n, mean, standard deviation σ, min, max, range, nominal, n below/above limit
- Selectable resolution: Lo (0.1 mm) / Hi (0.01 mm)
- Rate 4, 8, 16 Hz
- 3 calibration memories, renameable with an alphanumeric function
- Calibration lock with PIN to protect certified setups
- Auto transducer recognition on compatible Dakota probes
- USB + Bluetooth for data transfer to PC
- Firmware updates via DakMaster™
- 2-year warranty
Measuring mode
| Mode | Range | Accuracy | Typical use |
| Interface Echo (IE) | 1.65 – 25.40 mm | ±0.015 mm (1.65-2.99 mm), ±0.5% (3.00-25.4 mm) | Substrates with delay line |
| Echo-Echo (EE) | 0.15 – 10.15 mm | up to ±1% on steel | Multi-layer, coatings |
| Plastic Mode (PLAS) | 0.15 – 5.00 mm | ±0.015 mm (0.15-2.99 mm), ±0.5% (3.00-5.00 mm) | Film, packaging, thin plastic |
Full technical specifications
| Parameter | Value |
| Part Number | PCX8-DL |
| Measuring mode | Interface Echo (IE), Echo-Echo (EE), Plastic Mode (PLAS) |
| Range IE | 1.65 – 25.40 mm |
| EE range | 0.15 – 10.15 mm |
| Range PLAS | 0.15 – 5.00 mm |
| Accuratezza IE | ±0.015 mm (<3 mm) / ±0,5% (>3 mm) |
| Accuratezza PLAS | ±0.015 mm (<3 mm) / ±0,5% (>3 mm) |
| Measurement rate | 4, 8, 16 Hz |
| Resolution Lo | 0.1 mm / 0.01″ / 10 m/s / 0.001 in/μs |
| Hi resolution | 0.01 mm / 0.001″ / 1 m/s / 0.0001 in/μs |
| Units of measurement | mm / inches |
| Velocity | m/s o inch/μs |
| Display modes | Reading, Statistics, Scan bar graph, Diff, Run Chart, B-Scan |
| Calibration | Zero, 1-point, 2-point, 39 material preset, factory reset, velocity, known thickness |
| Calibration memories | 3 programmable, alphanumerically renamable |
| Calibration lock | Optional PIN |
| Preset materials | 39 (aluminium, steel, stainless steel, cast iron, plexiglass, PVC, polystyrene, polyurethane and others) |
| Pass/fail limits | 40 definable, with audible alarms and LED |
| Readings memory | 100.000 |
| Batch memory | 1.000 |
| Batching | Sequential, Grid, Fixed size with linking |
| Note/OBSTRUCT | Yes, entry in the grid |
| Date & time stamp | Yes |
| Transducer type | Single Element |
| Auto transducer recognition | Yes |
| Probe | Not included: to be ordered separately (e.g. TXC15M0CM 15 MHz) |
| Display | 2.4″ colour TFT, scratch- and solvent-resistant |
| Backlight | Permanent backlight |
| Light sensor | Yes, automatic adjustment |
| Lingue interfaccia | Multi-lingua |
| Data output | USB + Bluetooth® a PC |
| Power supply | 2 × AA + USB power supply |
| Battery life | 15 h alkaline / 28 h lithium (at 4 Hz continuous reading) |
| Firmware update | Via DakMaster™ |
| Operating temperature | -10 to +50 °C |
| IP protection | IP64 |
| Weight | 210 g (with batteries, without transducer) |
| Dimensions | 145 × 73 × 37 mm |
| Warranty | 2 years |
Typical applications
- Production quality control of components with tight tolerances
- Thin pressed sheet: automotive, domestic appliances, metal packaging
- Aerospace industry: inspection of thin panels in aluminium, titanium, light alloys
- Medical devices: structural components of biomedical devices
- Plastics industry: engineering film, rigid packaging, blister packs
- Electronics: inspection of structural components, plates, cases
- Glass industry: measurement on thin sheet
- Stamping: checking thickness reduction after pressing
- In-line inspection with pass/fail limits for automatic classification
- Metrology laboratories with Bluetooth output for integration with statistics software
Recommended application guides:
- NDT in aerospace: precision measurement on aluminium and titanium
- Thickness measurement in goods-inwards quality control
- 1-point vs 2-point calibration: the differences and when to use each
- How ultrasonic thickness measurement works: the basic principles
- How to choose the right ultrasonic transducer
Scope of supply
- Dakota PCX8-DL instrument
- 15 MHz TXC15M0CM transducer
- Ultrasonic couplant
- 3 screen protector
- Wrist strap (wrist harness)
- 2 AA batteries
- Rigid carrying case
- Calibration certificate
- USB cable
- DakMaster™ software
- User manual
DakMaster™ software and Bluetooth connectivity
The PCX8-DL supports dual connectivity: wired USB for fast transfers to a PC and Bluetooth® for wireless connection to the PC. With DakMaster™ you can download batches, view statistics, create professional reports, manage the calibration library and update the instrument firmware. To find out more: DakMaster™: how to manage and archive NDT measurements on PC.
Order codes: instrument, probes and accessories
Below you will find everything you can order for the PCX8-DL: the instrument, compatible probes, couplants, calibration blocks and accessories. Please quote the order code in your request: it is the code shown on the quotation and on the order confirmation.
The probe is not included with the instrument: it must be chosen and ordered separately from those listed on this page. All probes in the table are compatible with the PCX8-DL.
Instrument
Supplied with: Dakota PCX8-DL precision thickness gauge, ultrasonic couplant, 3 screen protectors, wrist strap, 2 AA batteries, plastic carrying case, calibration certificate, USB cable, DakMaster™ software download card, operating instructions. Probe not included.
| Image | Order code | SKU | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
 | PCX8-DL | 10-16-79 | Spessimetro ad ultrasuoni di precisione PCX8-DL, single elemento, datalogger Probe to be ordered separately |
Compatible probes
Choose the frequency according to thickness and material: low frequencies for thick walls or attenuating materials, 5 MHz for general use, high frequencies for thin sections and small surfaces. A smaller diameter makes coupling on curved surfaces easier.
| Image | Order code | SKU | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
 | TXC15M0CM | 10-15-98 | Single-element probe a linea di ritardo ‘Intelligent’ (riconoscimento automatico), 15 MHz, Ø 1/4″, ODU connector, side exit |
 | TXC20M0CM | 10-15-99 | Single-element probe a linea di ritardo ‘Intelligent’ (riconoscimento automatico), 20 MHz, Ø 1/4″, ODU connector, side exit |
Delay lines
Replacement delay lines for delay-line probes: choose the material and the diameter of the probe in use.
| Image | Order code | SKU | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
 | F-000-7102 | 10-15-59 | Standard delay line, 1/4″ x 3/8″ L, acrylic |
 | F-000-7103 | 10-15-60 | Standard delay line, 1/4″ x 1/2″ L, acrylic |
 | X-633-0000 | 14-09-20 | Standard delay line, 1/4″, graphite |
Couplants
A couplant is included in the supply; for refills and for high temperatures, choose from the following.
| Image | Order code | SKU | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
 | GEL-ACC-STD | 12-13-50 | Yellow anti-rust couplant gel, RCCM compliant. Standard temperature range 0 / 80 °C. 500 ml pack |
 | GEL-ACC-EXT | 12-13-51 | Blue anti-corrosion couplant gel, RCCM compliant. Extended temperature range -20 / 120 °C. 500 ml pack |
 | PST-ACC-MHT | 12-13-52 | Special medium-temperature ultrasonic coupling paste -30 / +300 °C. Non-flammable and smoke-free. RCCM compliant. 170 g pack |
 | PST-ACC-UHT | 12-13-53 | Special very-high-temperature ultrasonic coupling paste +100 / 520 °C. Non-flammable and smoke-free. RCCM compliant. 200 g pack |
Calibration blocks
For periodic verification of the instrument: choose the step block covering the thickness range you measure.
| Image | Order code | SKU | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
 | X-000-0001 | 10-15-48 | 5-step calibration block 0.1″–0.5″, steel 4340 |
 | X-000-0002 | 10-15-49 | 4-step calibration block 0.25″–1.0″, steel 4340 |
 | X-000-0021 | 10-15-51 | 4-step calibration block 6.25–25 mm, steel 1018 |
 | X-000-0005 | 10-15-52 | Case for calibration block |
For more on choosing the probe: probes for precision gauges and the guide How to choose the right ultrasonic transducer. For a quotation, please state the order code and quantity.
Documentation download
Official Dakota NDT technical documentation. Files open in a new tab.
 | PCX series datasheet | Datasheet |
| Multilingual user guide PCX8-DL (8 languages) | Guide |
| EC declaration of conformity — PCX8-DL | CE conformity |
| UKCA declaration of conformity — PCX8-DL | UKCA conformity |
Standards and certifications
- EN 14127 compliance (Ultrasonic thickness measurement)
- EN 15317 compliance (Characterisation of thickness measuring equipment)
- Calibration certificate supplied as standard
- CE marking and EMC compliance
- IP64 protection
For the complete regulatory framework: NDT standards for thickness measurement: EN 14127, ASTM E797 and EN 15317.
Frequently asked questions
The PCX8-DL is specialised for thin substrates (0.15 – 25.4 mm) with 3 dedicated modes (IE, EE, PLAS), a compact colour display, Bluetooth, 39 material presets and 40 pass/fail limit sets. The PMX2-DL has a far wider range (up to 9144 mm in PE), a full A-Scan (RF and rectified), an adjustable pulser and 110 dB AGC gain, but no Bluetooth and a more involved setup. The PCX8-DL is ideal for in-line quality control; the PMX2-DL is a multi-purpose laboratory/field instrument.
No. The PCX8-DL is a PTG (Precision Thickness Gauge) oriented to the numerical reading with statistics and batching. It has a B-Scan mode for cross-sectional display and a Scan thickness bar graph, but it does not offer the dynamic A-Scan waveform. If an A-Scan is required, the reference is the PMX2-DL / PMX3-DL.
With 2 AA alkaline batteries the PCX8-DL offers 15 hours of battery life, rising to 28 hours with lithium batteries. Measurement in Continuous Reading Mode at 4 Hz. USB power is available for extended indoor sessions.
The library includes 39 preset materials: aluminium, steel, stainless steel, cast iron, Perspex, PVC, polystyrene, polyurethane and others. If Your material is not in the library, You can enter the known sound velocity manually or perform a 1-point/2-point calibration on a reference sample. Custom settings can be stored in 3 renameable calibration memories.
Yes. The PCX8-DL uses low-power Bluetooth (BLE), which does not interfere with standard industrial equipment and has been in use for years on certified measuring instruments. The connection requires explicit pairing with the host PC — it does not expose the instrument to unauthorised connections. Alternatively, wired USB can always be used.
Yes. The PCX8-DL has a Calibration Lock function with optional PIN that prevents accidental changes to the setup. Useful when the instrument is used by several operators or when the calibration is certified for a specific production process.
Request a tailored quotation for the Dakota PCX8-DL
We will help You configure the instrument and choose the probe best suited to Your material and thickness. Contact us for dedicated advice or to arrange a demonstration at Your premises.
Further information and contacts
Systems division and sensor integration partner : www.roder.it
More information about RODER SRL : about us
Contact for general information : info@roder.it
Contact for information about these products : info@roder.it
The information contained on this web page is provided for information purposes only. Although it has been compiled with the utmost care, it does not constitute a contractual offer or a binding commitment to supply. It may contain transcription, translation or typographical errors. For precise and up-to-date information, please contact our company directly.
Some images on this website have been intentionally generated using Artificial Intelligence (AI). This is because, for many applications and projects, it is not possible to disclose photographs of the installation or of the actual system due to confidentiality agreements, confidentiality clauses and non-disclosure agreements (NDAs).