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Dakota PMX2-DL / PMX3-DL – Universal Precision Thickness Gauges

Famiglia Dakota NDT PMX Precision Thickness Gauges ad ultrasuoni

The Dakota PMX2-DL and PMX3-DL are ultrasonic precision thickness gauges with a built-in datalogger. The PMX3-DL adds A-Scan for visual verification of measurement quality.

  • Two models : PMX2-DL and PMX3-DL
  • A-Scan PMX3 : Waveform display
  • Built-in datalogger : Measurement storage in the field
  • 0.001 mm resolution : Precision on thin material
  • Echo-Echo : Measurement through coatings
  • 2-point calibration : Accuracy for critical applications
  • P/N Z-157-0006/0007 : Official Dakota part numbers

The Dakota PMX2-DL and PMX3-DL are ultrasonic precision thickness gauges from the Precision family. Designed for high-accuracy quality control, they offer 0.001 mm resolution, a built-in datalogger and, on the PMX3-DL, A-Scan display for advanced analysis, Reference instruments for applications requiring repeatability below one thousandth of a millimetre.

Distinctive features include Echo-Echo mode for measuring through coatings, two-point calibration with sound-velocity compensation, a datalogger with extended memory for organising inspections and a backlit display. Compatible with the Dakota probe range at high frequency for precision measurement on thin components, Dedicated software allows structured, application-specific inspection routines to be planned.

Universal Precision Gauges

Indicati per controllo qualità di componenti aeronautici, parti meccaniche di precisione, lamiere sottili e materiali compositi. Disponibili presso RODER SRL, distributore ufficiale Dakota NDT, con taratura, riparazione e supporto tecnico dedicato. P/N Z-157-0006 e Z-157-0007, Soluzione consigliata anche per laboratori di calibrazione e centri di taratura accreditati.

The Dakota PMX2-DL and the Dakota PMX3-DL are the universal precision thickness gauges in the current Dakota NDT range. They share the same hardware platform — 4 GB memory, 110 dB AGC, TCXO 100 MHz 8 bit digitiser, sequential and grid data logger, PE/IE/EE/IEE/EEV modes, 1-25 MHz probe range, selectable resolution 0.01 / 0.001 mm — and differ solely in the display: monochrome greyscale on the PMX2-DL (P/N Z-157-0006), colour with Landscape View A-Scan on the PMX3-DL (P/N Z-157-0007). They are the Dakota reference instrument for precision machining, stamping, aerospace, automotive and quality control of components with tight tolerances.

Dakota PMX family - precision thickness gauges

PMX2-DL vs PMX3-DL: what is the difference

CaratteristicaPMX2-DLPMX3-DL
Part NumberZ-157-0006Z-157-0007
Display1/8 VGA greyscale1/8 VGA a colori
A-ScanRectified +/-, Full Waveform (RF)Rectified +/-, Full Waveform (RF), Landscape View
Autonomia (alcaline)35 ore12 ore
Autonomia (NiCd)10 ore5 ore
Autonomia (NiMH)35 ore12 ore
Measurement hardwareIdentical (same accuracy, modes, memory)

The choice between the two models comes down to two questions: how much do colour display and Landscape A-Scan matter to Your work? And how many hours of continuous battery life do You need? For extended field inspection with no access to charging, the greyscale PMX2-DL with 35 h is unbeatable. For metrology laboratories, indoor quality control and advanced reporting, the colour PMX3-DL offers a better experience.

Dakota PMX3-DL precision gauge with colour display and Landscape View A-Scan

Posizionamento nella gamma Dakota

The Dakota Precision Thickness range differs from the corrosion gauges (ZX, CMX, MX series) in three structural respects:

  • Single element probes with delay tip, pencil probe or contact — more precise on thin material than dual element probes
  • Extended frequency range up to 25 MHz for fine spatial resolution
  • Interface-Echo (IE) mode to reach thicknesses that dual element probes cannot measure (from 0.127 mm on plastic)
  • 0.001 mm resolution (1 micron), selectable

For high penetration on attenuating material the reference is the PMX4-DL. For PTG applications with wireless connectivity, consider the PCX8-DL.

Download documentazione

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

Download PDFPMX2-DL and PMX3-DL datasheetDatasheet
Download PDFPMX2-DL user manualManuale
Download PDFPMX3-DL user manualManuale

Quando scegliere PMX2-DL / PMX3-DL

  • Production quality control of components with tight tolerances
  • Thickness verification after machining (turning, milling, grinding)
  • Inspection of pressed sheet in the automotive or domestic appliance sector
  • Aerospace: inspection of panels and skin in aluminium/titanium, bonded structures
  • Measurement on thin plastics (film, packaging, sheet)
  • Laboratory metrology with traceable certification
  • Any application requiring 0.001 mm resolution on thicknesses down to 0.127 mm
  • You need to manage grid logging with alphanumeric identifiers for structured inspections

Supported measurement modes

ModeRange su acciaioUso tipico
PE contact (Pulse-Echo)1,00 – 9144 mmGeneral measurement on clean surfaces
IE (Interface Echo) acciaio1,27 – 25,4 mmThin substrates with delay line
IE su plasticada 0,127 mmFilm plastici, packaging sottili
EE contact (Echo-Echo ThruPaint)2,54 – 914,4 mmSuperfici verniciate
IEE (Interface Echo-Echo)0,152 – 12,7 mmThin multilayer with coating
EEV (Echo-Echo Verified)2,54 – 152,4 mmVerifica coerenza echi multipli

Caratteristiche principali

  • Selectable resolution 0.01 mm or 0.001 mm (1 micron)
  • Auto-find feature — the instrument automatically locates the detection points and adapts the display settings so the waveform is shown correctly
  • High-speed scan up to 250 readings/sec for rapid checks
  • 4 GB memory with sequential and grid logging, alphanumeric IDs, OBSTRUCT flag
  • Waveform capture — every stored measurement includes its own waveform
  • Pass/fail with configurable limits per reading or per batch, with audible/visual alarms
  • 5 display modes: Readings, Selected Statistics, Bar Graph, Run Chart, Differential Mode
  • 3 gates adjustable according to the measurement mode
  • Square wave pulser with adjustable pulse width (spike/thin/wide)
  • 110 dB AGC gain with adjustable damping (35, 50, 75, 300, 600, 1500 ohm)
  • TCXO 100 MHz 8 bit digitiser, single-shot, ultra-low power
  • 1-25 MHz probe range for high-frequency probes
  • 64 user setups, transferable to and from the PC archive
  • Bitmap graphic capture
  • Correzione V-path automatica
  • Hybrid power supply: 3 × AA + USB
  • DakMaster™ software supplied as standard

Specifiche tecniche complete

ParametroPMX2-DLPMX3-DL
Part NumberZ-157-0006Z-157-0007
Display modesReadings, Bar Graph, Run Chart, Statistics, Differential, B-Scan, A-Scan (RF/Rect+/Rect-)Same + A-Scan Landscape View
Range PE contact acciaio1,00 – 9144 mm1,00 – 9144 mm
Range IE acciaio1,27 – 25,4 mm1,27 – 25,4 mm
Range IE plasticada 0,127 mmda 0,127 mm
Range EE acciaio2,54 – 914,4 mm2,54 – 914,4 mm
Range IEE0,152 – 12,7 mm0,152 – 12,7 mm
Range EEV2,54 – 152,4 mm2,54 – 152,4 mm
Risoluzione0,01 / 0,001 mm selezionabile0,01 / 0,001 mm selezionabile
Rate manuale8 letture/sec8 letture/sec
Rate scan mode250 letture/sec250 letture/sec
Setup calibrazione64 user-definibili64 user-definibili
Gate3 regolabili3 regolabili
PulserSquare wave, pulse width regolabile (spike/thin/wide)Square wave, pulse width regolabile (spike/thin/wide)
GainManuale o AGC, range 110 dBManuale o AGC, range 110 dB
Damping regolabile35/50/75/300/600/1500 Ω35/50/75/300/600/1500 Ω
DigitizerTCXO 100 MHz 8 bit single-shotTCXO 100 MHz 8 bit single-shot
Memoria4 GB interna4 GB interna
Tipi sonda supportatiSingle element with delay tip, pencil with delay tip, contactSingle element with delay tip, pencil with delay tip, contact
Probe frequency range1 – 25 MHz1 – 25 MHz
Display1/8 VGA greyscale, 62 × 45,7 mm1/8 VGA colori, 62 × 45,7 mm
Alimentazione3 × AA e/o USB3 × AA e/o USB
Autonomia (alcaline)35 ore12 ore
Temperatura operativa-10 ÷ +60 °C-10 ÷ +60 °C
Peso383 g (con batterie)383 g (con batterie)
Dimensioni63,5 × 165 × 31,5 mm63,5 × 165 × 31,5 mm

Compatible probes

The PMX2-DL and PMX3-DL use Dakota single element precision probes, available in three types:

  • Single element with delay tip — delay line probes for thin wall thicknesses (e.g. 1/4″ with 3/8″ and 1/2″ delay tips supplied as standard)
  • Pencil probe with delay tip — pencil probes for restricted access and small components
  • Contact probe — direct contact probes for standard applications

Typical frequencies range from 5 MHz to 25 MHz. Higher frequencies allow finer resolution but reduced penetration. The standard probe supplied with the instrument is a 1/4″ Delay Line Transducer with 2 delay tips (3/8″ and 1/2″). For selection guidance see How to choose the right ultrasonic transducer for each application.

Applicazioni tipiche

  • Precision machining — thickness verification after turning, milling and grinding of precision components
  • Stamping — checking thickness reduction in critical zones after pressing
  • Aircraft / Aerospace — measurement of skin, panels and bonded structures in Al/Ti
  • Automotive — inspection of body panels and pressed components
  • Thin plastics — inspection of film, rigid packaging, blister packs
  • Pipe and fittings — thickness checks in critical sections
  • Incoming quality control of components with tight tolerances
  • Post-weld inspection of precision parts
  • Glass industry — precision measurement on sheet

Guide tecniche correlate:

Software DakMaster™

The PMX2-DL and PMX3-DL are supplied with DakMaster™, the Dakota PC application for downloading, archiving and analysing measurements. DakMaster allows custom setups to be transferred from PC to instrument (and back), projects to be created with a folder structure, professional reports to be exported and data to be shared with the team. Transfer is via USB. For more detail: DakMaster™: managing and archiving NDT measurements on PC.

Scope of supply

  • Strumento Dakota PMX2-DL o PMX3-DL
  • Standard 1/4″ Delay Line transducer + cable
  • 2 Delay Tip (3/8″ e 1/2″)
  • Ultrasonic couplant
  • Manuale operativo
  • NIST-traceable calibration certificate
  • 3 batterie AA
  • Carrying case
  • DakMaster™ software with USB cable

Normative e certificazioni

  • NIST-traceable factory calibration
  • MIL-STD-45662A compliance
  • CE marking and EMC compliance
  • EN 14127 compliance (Ultrasonic thickness measurement)
  • ASTM E797 compliance (Standard practice for measuring thickness)
  • EN 15317 compliance (Characterisation of thickness measuring equipment)

Domande frequenti

What is the actual difference between the PMX2-DL and the PMX3-DL?

The display only: greyscale on the PMX2-DL, colour on the PMX3-DL with A-Scan in Landscape View. All measurement modes, memory, accuracy, connectivity and the probe package are identical. Colour affects battery life (35 h vs 12 h on alkaline cells) and the legibility of A-Scan waveforms.

What is the minimum measurable thickness?

In Interface-Echo mode the range on plastic starts at 0.127 mm. On steel in IE, at 1.27 mm. The real limit depends on the probe selected and on the material. With 25 MHz probes plus a delay line the highest resolution is obtained.

Can I power the instrument over USB all day?

Yes. Both PMX gauges support USB power in addition to the 3 AA batteries. For extended indoor sessions, simply connect the instrument to a PC, power bank or USB power supply to work with no battery-life limit.

What is the Auto-find function?

Auto-find is a function that automatically locates the significant echoes and adjusts the display settings so the waveform is shown correctly. It removes manual setup time when changing material or probe and makes the instrument usable by less experienced operators too.

Can I configure pass/fail limits for production checks?

Yes. The PMX gauges support configurable limits per reading or per batch, with audible and visual alarms. Every measurement is classified automatically as pass/fail — ideal for integration into an in-line quality control process.

Do the PMX gauges support Echo-Echo Through-Paint mode?

Yes. EE contact mode on steel covers the range 2.54 – 914.4 mm. This mode ignores the organic coating to measure the base metal only. There is also IEE mode (Interface Echo-Echo) for thin multilayer with coating (range 0.152 – 12.7 mm).


Request a tailored quotation for the Dakota PMX2-DL or PMX3-DL
Our technical team will help You choose the model best suited to Your precision applications and configure the optimum probe package. Contact us for dedicated advice or to arrange a demonstration at Your premises.

DAKOTANDT PMX2 & PMX3 – INSTRUMENTS

Part NumberDescription
Z-157-0000PMX2-DL Precision A-Scan Thickness Gauge
Z-158-0000PMX3-DL (Colour): High Precision Thin Wall Thickness Gauge

SPARE PARTS / ACCESSORIES PMX2 / PMX3

Part NumberDescription
F-149-0001MX/PMX/CMX/MVX/PVX/MMX Gauge Series Instrument Case: Nylon
A-149-6002MX/PMX/CMX/MVX/PVX/MMX Gauge Series Instrument Case: Rubber
A-100-6003MX/PMX/CMX/MVX/PVX/MMX Gauge Series Plastic Transit Case
N-003-0330USB-C to USB TYPE A 3′ Data Cable – V2.0 Gauges

SINGLE ELEMENT DELAY LINE TRANSDUCERS for PMX

Part NumberTypeFrequencyDiameterConnector
T-402-5507Single Element – Standard15 MHz1/4″Microdot (Side)
T-402-6507Single Element – Standard20 MHz1/4″Microdot (Side)

SINGLE ELEMENT DELAY LINE PENCIL TRANSDUCERS for PMX

Part NumberTypeFrequencyDiameterConnector
T-481-4507Single Element – Pencil 1/16″ Tip10 MHz3/16″Microdot (Top)
T-581-5507Single Element – Pencil 1/16″ Tip15 MHz3/16″Microdot (Top)
T-681-4507Single Element – Pencil 90° Right Angle10 MHz3/16″Microdot (Side)

SINGLE FINGER TIP TRANSDUCERS for PMX

Part NumberTypeFrequencyDiameterConnector
T-4033-1855Single Element – Finger Tip Contact2.25 MHz3/8″Microdot (Side)
T-4023-1855Single Element – Finger Tip Contact2.25 MHz1/4″Microdot (Side)
T-4043-1855Single Element – Finger Tip Contact2.25 MHz1/2″Microdot (Side)
T-4023-2855Single Element – Finger Tip Contact5 MHz1/4″Microdot (Side)
T-4033-2855Single Element – Finger Tip Contact5 MHz3/8″Microdot (Side)
T-4043-2855Single Element – Finger Tip Contact5 MHz1/2″Microdot (Side)
T-4023-4855Single Element – Finger Tip Contact10 MHz1/4″Microdot (Side)
T-4033-4855Single Element – Finger Tip Contact10 MHz3/8″Microdot (Side)
T-4043-4855Single Element – Finger Tip Contact10 MHz1/2″Microdot (Side)
T-5903-2875Single Element – Finger Tip Slim Line5 MHz1/8″Microdot (Top)
T-5903-4875Single Element – Finger Tip Slim Line10 MHz1/8″Microdot (Top)

DELAY TIPS for PMX

Part NumberTypeFrequencyDiameterConnector
F-000-7102Delay Tip – Standard1/4″ x 3/8″ L (Acrylic)
F-000-7103Delay Tip – Standard1/4″ x 1/2″ L (Acrylic)
X-132-0000Delay Tip – Cone1/8″ (Acrylic)
X-532-0000Delay Tip – Cone3/16″ (Acrylic)
X-633-0000Delay Tip – Standard1/4″ (Graphite)
X-533-0000Delay Tip – Cone3/16″ (Graphite)
X-152-0000Delay Tip – Pencil1/16″ x 0.45 L (Acrylic)
X-752-0000Delay Tip – Pencil1/8″ x 0.45 L (Acrylic)

MISCELLANEOUS ACCESSORIES

Part NumberDescription
F-000-7000Bell Shaped Spring Loaded Probe Holder (V-Block) – Pencil Probes, Top Cable Entry Only
A-129-60036″ Extension Wand for Single Element Microdot Transducers

TRANSDUCER CABLES for PMX

Part NumberDescription
N-104-0020Transducer Cable: 1.2m (4′) Single Lemo 00 to Microdot
N-110-0020Transducer Cable: 3m (10′) Single Lemo to Microdot
N-120-0020Transducer Cable: 6m (20′) Single Lemo to Microdot Single

COUPLANT ULTRASONICO

Part NumberDescription
T92015701Ultrasonic Couplant, 120ml/4fl oz
T92015701-5Ultrasonic Couplant, 120ml/4fl oz, Pack of 5 Bottles
T92024034-7Ultrasonic Couplant, 300ml (10fl oz)
T92024034-8Ultrasonic Couplant, 500ml (17fl oz)

CALIBRATION BLOCKS

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


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