Dakota PZX1-DL – Precision Gauge for Thin Substrates

The Dakota PZX1-DL is the single-element precision ultrasonic thickness gauge in the Dakota NDT range: four measurement modes (Pulse-Echo, Echo-Echo, Interface-Echo and Plastics), resolution down to 0.001 mm, 10,000-reading data logger with .csv export via USB-C, and delay-line or contact probes from 5 to 20 MHz. It is the instrument for measuring thin sheet, machined components, plastics and coated walls, where dual-element corrosion gauges cannot reach.

Latest-generation electronics — 120 MHz FPGA timing, 100 V spike pulser, automatic TDG with manual override — in a compact extruded aluminium housing (63.5 × 131.3 × 31.5 mm, 312 g) powered by two AA batteries or via USB-C. Low-temperature LCD display down to −30 °C, 5-year limited warranty, made in the USA. Available from RODER SRL, official Dakota NDT distributor, with calibration, repair and technical support.

Positioning within the Dakota range

Dakota NDT divides thickness gauges into two families. Corrosion gauges (ZX, CMX and MX series) use dual-element probes from 1 to 10 MHz, designed for corroded walls, irregular surfaces and attenuating materials. Precision gauges use higher-frequency single-element probes to read thin thicknesses with micrometric resolution on machined surfaces.

The PZX1-DL is the precision gauge with a numeric display: it shares the rugged housing and ease of use of the ZX series (9-key keypad, two AA batteries), but has single-element electronics with four measurement modes and the data logger. If you need to see the waveform (A-Scan), the PMX series offers the same measurement platform with a graphic display.

When to choose the PZX1-DL

The PZX1-DL is the right choice when:

• you need to measure thin thicknesses, from 0.152 mm in Echo-Echo with a delay line and from 0.127 mm in Plastics mode with a graphite delay line;
• you need 0.001 mm resolution for dimensional checks on machined components, pressed sheet metal or metal foils;
• the part is painted or coated and you want the thickness of the metal alone (Echo-Echo and Interface-Echo modes);
• you measure plastics, films and thin sheets (Plastics mode);
• you want to document the inspection campaign: 10,000 readings in 40 files, downloadable as .csv without software;
• you prefer a simple numeric display and long battery life (about 35 hours with alkaline batteries) to an instrument with A-Scan.

If instead you inspect corroded walls, tanks or pipes with irregular surfaces, the right family is the dual-element corrosion gauges: ZX5-DL and ZX6-DL.

Main features

• Four measurement modes: Pulse-Echo, Echo-Echo, Interface-Echo and Plastics
• Single-element probes, delay-line and contact, from 5 to 20 MHz, LEMO connectors
• Automatic TDG with manual override; 100 V spike pulser; 120 MHz FPGA timing
• 32 Mbit data logger (40 files × 250 readings = 10,000 readings) with .csv export via USB-C
• High Speed Scan at 100 Hz, differential mode, min/max alarm, sound velocity measurement (VX)
• Optional RS232 and Bluetooth modules for data collectors and custom applications
• 4.5-digit LCD display with backlight and stability bar, operating down to −30 °C
• 5-year limited warranty; calibration traceable to NIST and MIL-STD-45662A

The four measurement modes

Pulse-Echo (P-E)

The basic mode: measurement from the first back-wall echo, from 1.0 to 914.4 mm. It is the one to use on bare, uncoated parts, with any contact probe.

Echo-Echo (E-E)

Measures between two successive back-wall echoes, so it ignores the coating and returns the thickness of the base material only. With a delay line it reaches 0.152 mm; with a contact probe it covers 1.0 – 152.4 mm.

Interface-Echo (I-E)

Measures from the delay line/part interface to the first back-wall echo: it is the mode for thin thicknesses on highly attenuating materials, from 1.524 to 25.4 mm with a delay line.

Plastics (PLAS)

Mode dedicated to plastic materials, with a graphite delay line: from 0.127 to 6.35 mm, for films, sheets and moulded components.

Full technical specifications

Data taken from the official Dakota NDT datasheet “PZX1-DL Precision Thickness Gauge”.

Parameter	Value
Measuring mode	Pulse-Echo (P-E); Echo-Echo (E-E); Interface-Echo (I-E); Plastics (PLAS)
P-E range	1.0 – 914.4 mm (0.040 – 36.0″)
E-E range	Linea di ritardo 0.152 – 25.4 mm (0.006 – 1.00″); contatto 1.0 – 152.4 mm (0.040 – 6.0″)
I-E range	Linea di ritardo 1.524 – 25.4 mm (0.060 – 1.0″)
PLAS range	Linea di ritardo in grafite 0.127 – 6.35 mm (0.005 – 0.250″)
Resolution	0.01 o 0.001 mm (0.001 o 0.0001″) – bassa/alta risoluzione
Velocity range	305 – 18,542 m/s (0.0120 – 0.7300 in/µs)
Gain	Automatic or manual; TDG in all modes
Probes	Single-element delay-line and contact, 5 – 20 MHz; selectable diameters (contact); LEMO connectors; 4 ft cable
Electronics	120 MHz FPGA timing; 100 V spike pulser; 200 Hz PRF; 10 Hz display update
Memory / connectivity	32 Mbit flash, 40 files × 250 readings = 10,000 readings; USB-C with CDC serial; optional RS232 or Bluetooth; .csv files without software
Display	7-segment 4.5-digit LCD (0.5″); backlight on/off/auto, brightness Lo/Med/Hi; stability bar
Power supply / battery life	2 AA batteries (alkaline, NiCad or lithium); about 35 h alkaline / 18 h NiCad; USB-C from PC or power supply; auto-off 5 min
Temperature / housing / dimensions	-30 – +75 °C; extruded aluminium with sealed nickel-plated end caps; 9-key keypad; 63.5 × 131.3 × 31.5 mm; 312 g (11 oz)
Certification / warranty	Calibration traceable to NIST and MIL-STD-45662A; 5-year limited warranty

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Typical applications

• Precision machining: checking the final thickness after turning, milling or grinding
• Sheet metal pressing: checking thinning in the critical areas of the pressed part
• Aerospace: thin aluminium and titanium panels and sheets, safety components with traceable measurements
• Automotive: pressed components and body panels
• Plastics: films, sheets and moulded parts (Plastics mode with graphite delay line)
• Painted or coated parts: base metal thickness without removing the coating (Echo-Echo)

Technical application guides from our blog:

• Aerospace NDT: precision measurement on aluminium and titanium components
• How to improve results on difficult materials with an ultrasonic gauge
• 1-point vs 2-point calibration: the differences and when to use each
• How ultrasonic thickness measurement works: the basic principles
• Thickness measurement in goods-inwards quality control

Scope of supply

The Dakota PZX1-DL (order code Z-308-0000) is supplied with:

• PZX1-DL instrument
• Ultrasonic couplant
• Manual
• Calibration certificate
• AA batteries
• Plastic carrying case
• USB download cable (no software required for the .csv)

The probe is not included: it must be chosen and ordered separately from those listed in the catalogue below.

For more on choosing a single-element probe: How to choose the right ultrasonic transducer. For a quotation, please state the order code and quantity.

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Documentation download

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

	PZX1-DL datasheet	Datasheet
	PZX1-DL user manual	Manual

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 by manual contact ultrasonic methods)

For the regulatory framework see NDT standards for thickness measurement.

Frequently asked questions

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Request a quotation for the Dakota PZX1-DL
Our technical team will help you choose the probe and the precision configuration best suited to your applications. Contact us for dedicated advice.