The Dakota PMX2-DL and PMX3-DL are ultrasonic precision thickness gauges with built-in data logger. Both have A-Scan and B-Scan; the PMX3-DL adds the colour AMOLED display.
- Two models : PMX2-DL and PMX3-DL
- A-Scan and B-Scan: On both models
- Built-in data logger : Measurement storage in the field
- 0.001 mm resolution : Precision on thin materials
- Echo-Echo: Contact mode on steel
- 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 data logger and A-Scan and B-Scan display.
Distinctive features include five measurement modes, two-point calibration with sound velocity compensation, a data logger with extended memory for organising inspections and a backlit display. Compatible with the Dakota probe range of high-frequency probes for precision measurements on thin components. Dedicated software allows structured, application-specific inspection routines to be planned.
Universal Precision Gauges
Suited to quality control of aerospace components, precision mechanical parts, thin sheet metal and composite materials. Available from RODER SRL, official Dakota NDT distributor, with calibration, repair and dedicated technical support. P/N Z-157-0006 and Z-157-0007. Also recommended for calibration laboratories and accredited calibration centres.
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.
Need help choosing the right product?
PMX2-DL vs PMX3-DL: what is the difference
| Feature | PMX2-DL | PMX3-DL |
| Part Number | Z-157-0006 | Z-157-0007 |
| Display | 1/8 VGA greyscale | Colour AMOLED 1/4 VGA |
| A-Scan | Rectified +/-, Full Waveform (RF) | Rectified +/-, Full Waveform (RF), Landscape View |
| Battery life (alkaline) | 35 hours | 12 hours |
| Battery life (NiCd) | 10 hours | 5 hours |
| Battery life (NiMH) | 35 hours | 12 hours |
| Measurement hardware | Identical (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.
Positioning within the Dakota range
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.
Documentation download
Official Dakota NDT technical documentation. Files open in a new tab.
 | PMX2-DL and PMX3-DL datasheet | Datasheet |
| PMX2-DL user manual | Manual |
| PMX3-DL user manual | Manual |
When to choose 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
| Mode | Range on steel | Typical use |
| PE contact (Pulse-Echo) | 1.00 – 9144 mm | General measurement on clean surfaces |
| IE (Interface Echo) steel | 1.27 – 25.4 mm | Thin substrates with delay line |
| IE on plastic | from 0.127 mm | Plastic films, thin packaging |
| EE contact (Echo-Echo) | 2.54 – 914.4 mm | Contact measurement on steel |
| IEE (Interface Echo-Echo) | 0.152 – 12.7 mm | Thin multilayer with coating |
| EEV (Echo-Echo Verified) | 2.54 – 152.4 mm | Consistency check between multiple echoes |
Main features
- 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 digitizer 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
- Automatic V-path correction
- Hybrid power supply: 3 × AA + USB
- DakMaster™ software supplied as standard
Full technical specifications
| Parameter | PMX2-DL | PMX3-DL |
| Part Number | Z-157-0006 | Z-157-0007 |
| Display modes | Readings, Bar Graph, Run Chart, Statistics, Differential, B-Scan, A-Scan (RF/Rect+/Rect-) | Same + A-Scan Landscape View |
| PE contact range, steel | 1.00 – 9144 mm | 1.00 – 9144 mm |
| IE range, steel | 1.27 – 25.4 mm | 1.27 – 25.4 mm |
| IE range, plastic | from 0.127 mm | from 0.127 mm |
| EE range steel | 2.54 – 914.4 mm | 2.54 – 914.4 mm |
| Range IEE | 0.152 – 12.7 mm | 0.152 – 12.7 mm |
| EEV range | 2.54 – 152.4 mm | 2.54 – 152.4 mm |
| Resolution | 0.01 / 0.001 mm selectable | 0.01 / 0.001 mm selectable |
| Manual rate | 8 readings/sec | 8 readings/sec |
| Scan mode rate | 250 readings/sec | 250 readings/sec |
| Calibration setups | 64 user-definable | 64 user-definable |
| Gates | 3 adjustable | 3 adjustable |
| Pulser | Square wave, adjustable pulse width (spike/thin/wide) | Square wave, adjustable pulse width (spike/thin/wide) |
| Gain | Manuale o AGC, range 110 dB | Manuale o AGC, range 110 dB |
| Adjustable damping | 35/50/75/300/600/1500 Ω | 35/50/75/300/600/1500 Ω |
| Digitizer | TCXO 100 MHz 8 bit single-shot | TCXO 100 MHz 8 bit single-shot |
| Memory | 4 GB internal | 4 GB internal |
| Supported transducer types | Single element with delay tip, pencil with delay tip, contact | Single element with delay tip, pencil with delay tip, contact |
| Probe frequency range | 1 – 25 MHz | 1 – 25 MHz |
| Display | 1/8 VGA greyscale, 62 × 45.7 mm | Colour AMOLED 1/4 VGA 320×240, 57.6 × 43.2 mm |
| Power supply | 3 × AA and/or USB | 3 × AA and/or USB |
| Battery life (alkaline) | 35 hours | 12 hours |
| Operating temperature | -10 to +60 °C | -10 to +60 °C |
| Weight | 383 g (with batteries) | 383 g (with batteries) |
| Dimensions | 63.5 × 165 × 31.5 mm | 63.5 × 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.
Typical applications
- 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
Related technical guides:
- NDT in aerospace: precision measurement on aluminium and titanium
- How to improve results on difficult materials
- 1-point vs 2-point calibration
- Thickness measurement in goods-inwards quality control
- How ultrasonic thickness measurement works: the basic principles
- Data logger vs manual recording
DakMaster™ software
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
- Dakota PMX2-DL or PMX3-DL instrument
- Standard 1/4″ Delay Line transducer + cable
- 2 Delay Tips (3/8″ and 1/2″)
- Ultrasonic couplant
- User manual
- NIST traceable calibration certificate
- 3 AA batteries
- Transit case
- DakMaster™ software with USB cable
Standards and certifications
- 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)
Frequently asked questions
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Number | Description |
|---|---|
| Z-157-0000 | PMX2-DL Precision A-Scan Thickness Gauge |
| Z-158-0000 | PMX3-DL (Colour): High Precision Thin Wall Thickness Gauge |
SPARE PARTS / ACCESSORIES PMX2 / PMX3
| Part Number | Description |
|---|---|
| F-149-0001 | MX/PMX/CMX/MVX/PVX/MMX Gauge Series Instrument Case: Nylon |
| A-149-6002 | MX/PMX/CMX/MVX/PVX/MMX Gauge Series Instrument Case: Rubber |
| A-100-6003 | MX/PMX/CMX/MVX/PVX/MMX Gauge Series Plastic Transit Case |
| N-003-0330 | USB-C to USB TYPE A 3′ Data Cable – V2.0 Gauges |
SINGLE ELEMENT DELAY LINE TRANSDUCERS for PMX
| Part Number | Type | Frequency | Diameter | Connector |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T-402-5507 | Single Element – Standard | 15 MHz | 1/4″ | Microdot (Side) |
| T-402-6507 | Single Element – Standard | 20 MHz | 1/4″ | Microdot (Side) |
SINGLE ELEMENT DELAY LINE PENCIL TRANSDUCERS for PMX
| Part Number | Type | Frequency | Diameter | Connector |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T-481-4507 | Single Element – Pencil 1/16″ Tip | 10 MHz | 3/16″ | Microdot (Top) |
| T-581-5507 | Single Element – Pencil 1/16″ Tip | 15 MHz | 3/16″ | Microdot (Top) |
| T-681-4507 | Single Element – Pencil 90° Right Angle | 10 MHz | 3/16″ | Microdot (Side) |
SINGLE FINGER TIP TRANSDUCERS for PMX
| Part Number | Type | Frequency | Diameter | Connector |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T-4033-1855 | Single Element – Finger Tip Contact | 2.25 MHz | 3/8″ | Microdot (Side) |
| T-4023-1855 | Single Element – Finger Tip Contact | 2.25 MHz | 1/4″ | Microdot (Side) |
| T-4043-1855 | Single Element – Finger Tip Contact | 2.25 MHz | 1/2″ | Microdot (Side) |
| T-4023-2855 | Single Element – Finger Tip Contact | 5 MHz | 1/4″ | Microdot (Side) |
| T-4033-2855 | Single Element – Finger Tip Contact | 5 MHz | 3/8″ | Microdot (Side) |
| T-4043-2855 | Single Element – Finger Tip Contact | 5 MHz | 1/2″ | Microdot (Side) |
| T-4023-4855 | Single Element – Finger Tip Contact | 10 MHz | 1/4″ | Microdot (Side) |
| T-4033-4855 | Single Element – Finger Tip Contact | 10 MHz | 3/8″ | Microdot (Side) |
| T-4043-4855 | Single Element – Finger Tip Contact | 10 MHz | 1/2″ | Microdot (Side) |
| T-5903-2875 | Single Element – Finger Tip Slim Line | 5 MHz | 1/8″ | Microdot (Top) |
| T-5903-4875 | Single Element – Finger Tip Slim Line | 10 MHz | 1/8″ | Microdot (Top) |
DELAY TIPS for PMX
| Part Number | Type | Frequency | Diameter | Connector |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| F-000-7102 | Delay Tip – Standard | 1/4″ x 3/8″ L (Acrylic) | ||
| F-000-7103 | Delay Tip – Standard | 1/4″ x 1/2″ L (Acrylic) | ||
| X-132-0000 | Delay Tip – Cone | 1/8″ (Acrylic) | ||
| X-532-0000 | Delay Tip – Cone | 3/16″ (Acrylic) | ||
| X-633-0000 | Delay Tip – Standard | 1/4″ (Graphite) | ||
| X-533-0000 | Delay Tip – Cone | 3/16″ (Graphite) | ||
| X-152-0000 | Delay Tip – Pencil | 1/16″ x 0.45 L (Acrylic) | ||
| X-752-0000 | Delay Tip – Pencil | 1/8″ x 0.45 L (Acrylic) |
MISCELLANEOUS ACCESSORIES
| Part Number | Description |
|---|---|
| F-000-7000 | Bell Shaped Spring Loaded Probe Holder (V-Block) – Pencil Probes, Top Cable Entry Only |
| A-129-6003 | 6″ Extension Wand for Single Element Microdot Transducers |
TRANSDUCER CABLES for PMX
| Part Number | Description |
|---|---|
| N-104-0020 | Transducer Cable: 1.2m (4′) Single Lemo 00 to Microdot |
| N-110-0020 | Transducer Cable: 3m (10′) Single Lemo to Microdot |
| N-120-0020 | Transducer Cable: 6m (20′) Single Lemo to Microdot Single |
ULTRASONIC COUPLANT
| Part Number | Description |
|---|---|
| GEL-ACC-STD | Yellow rust-inhibiting couplant gel, RCCM compliant. Standard temperature range 0 / 80 °C. 500 ml pack |
| GEL-ACC-EXT | Blue corrosion-inhibiting couplant gel, RCCM compliant. Extended temperature range -20 / 120 °C. 500 ml pack |
| PST-ACC-MHT | Special paste for ultrasonic coupling at medium temperature, -30 / +300 °C. Non-flammable and produces no fumes. RCCM compliant. 170 g pack |
| PST-ACC-UHT | Special paste for ultrasonic coupling at very high temperature, +100 / 520 °C. Non-flammable and produces no fumes. RCCM compliant. 200 g pack |
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 |
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.
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