Dakota NDT PZX1 Precision Thickness Gauge

Overview:

High-Resolution Ultrasonic Thickness Testing

The Dakota NDT PZX1 Precision Thickness Gauge (formerly known as the Dakota PZX-7) is a compact, handheld ultrasonic measurement device engineered to provide exceptionally precise thickness readings on thin materials. Designed around single-element transducers with multiple measurement modes, the PZX1 excels in demanding industrial quality control environments such as aerospace, automotive, precision machining, stamping, and thin plastic evaluation. 

Equipped with advanced ultrasonic measurement modes — including Pulse-Echo (P-E), Echo-Echo (E-E), Interface-Echo (I-E), and Plastics (PLAS) — this gauge delivers accurate and repeatable thickness results down to minute tolerances. Its ability to measure thin walls with high resolution makes it indispensable in applications where precise material specification and validation are critical.

Dakota PZX1-DL Precision Thickness Gauge Downloads Instruction Manual
Dakota PZX1-DL Precision Thickness Gauge Datasheet

Key Features & Capabilities

• Precision Ultrasonic Measurement: Multiple ultrasonic measurement modes — Pulse-Echo, Echo-Echo, Interface-Echo, and Plastics — for versatile thickness evaluation on a range of materials. 

• High Resolution: Capable of high-resolution measurement with typical accuracy down to 0.01 mm (0.001 inch). 

• Wide Thickness Range: Effective measurement across broad ranges depending on transducer type; including thin materials in Echo-Echo mode and thicker substrates in Pulse-Echo. 

• Material Calibration: Manual calibration options allow users to enter or select sound velocity values for accurate thickness calculation tailored to specific material types. 

• Display & Interface: Clear digital display with selectable units (mm/inches) optimized for field readability. 

• Lightweight & Portable: Compact, ergonomic design makes this precision thickness gauge ideal for on-site inspection and handheld use. 

• Data Logging (on some variants): Some versions such as PZX1-DL offer onboard memory to store thousands of readings — valuable for traceability and reporting. 

• Auto V-Path Correction: Compensates for inherent transducer path differences to improve measurement accuracy. 

Technical Specifications (Representative)

(Exact values vary with transducer selection and measurement mode)

• Measurement Modes: Pulse-Echo (P-E), Echo-Echo (E-E), Interface-Echo (I-E), Plastics (PLAS) 

• Resolution: 0.01 mm / 0.001 inch 

• Velocity Range: 305 – 18,542 m/s (approx.) 

• Probe Types: Single element delay line and contact transducers (typically 5 – 20 MHz) 

• Display: Digital LCD with selectable units 

• Power Source: 2 × AA batteries (long life for field use) 

• Operating Temp: Typical industrial range (varies by model) 

• Calibration: Factory calibration traceable to NIST & MIL-STD-45662A 

Industrial Applications

The Dakota NDT PZX1 Precision Thickness Gauge is ideal for:

• ✈️ Aerospace materials (thin skins and composite panels) 

• 🚗 Automotive sheet metal and stamping components 

• 🛠 Precision machining quality control 

• 📦 Plastic and polymer sheets 

• 🧪 Laboratory and R&D thickness validation tasks 

Ultrasonic thickness measurement is a key non-destructive testing (NDT) method for applications where only one side of the part is accessible, or where traditional contact methods cannot reliably measure fine or coated surfaces. 

FAQ

What makes the PZX1 better for thin materials than standard gauges?

The PZX1 uses multiple ultrasonic modes, especially Echo-Echo, to isolate material thickness from coatings and surface conditions, enabling high-resolution measurement on thin walls where other gauges struggle. 

Can PZX1 store measurement data?

The base PZX1 shows real-time thickness but the PZX1-DL variant includes onboard data logging with capacity for up to tens of thousands of readings. 

Does the PZX1 require calibration?

Yes — users can calibrate to specific materials by entering sound velocity values or using sample calibration options to improve measurement accuracy. 

Is this tool suitable for coated materials?

Yes — ultrasonic modes like Echo-Echo and Interface-Echo help measure through coatings without removing them, offering non-destructive accuracy. 

Call to Action

Achieve accurate, repeatable thickness readings on thin parts with the Dakota NDT PZX1 Precision Thickness Gauge — contact Seven Star LLC for pricing, availability, and technical support.