80 YEARS · 1946-2026
Dakota FX81-DL Benchtop Flaw Detector (DFX-8+)
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About this product

The Dakota FX81-DL Benchtop Flaw Detector (DFX-8+), part number Z-251-0001, combines ultrasonic flaw detection with material thickness measurement for laboratory use. It features Time Corrected Gain, which automatically compensates for sound attenuation in the material so that an equal reflector reads at the same amplitude regardless of its depth. That correction is what keeps flaw sizing consistent through thicker sections, which is the core challenge in reliable defect assessment.

The Dakota FX81-DL Benchtop Flaw Detector runs several measurement modes: pulse-echo for pit and flaw detection from 0.63mm to 3048cm, pulse-echo coating for material and coating together, pulse-echo temperature-compensated detection, echo-echo and echo-echo verify for through-paint and coating work, and a coating-only mode from 0.0127 to 2.54mm. Detection options include Z-Cross, Flank and Peak, with sizing toolkits DAC, AWS, TCG and DGS, and pulse repetition frequency adjustable from 8 to 333Hz. Scan speed reaches up to 50 readings per second, and probe zero, recognition and temperature compensation are automatic. Transducer support spans delay line, pencil, contact and dual probe types.

Readings appear on a sunlight-readable QVGA TFT colour display with a 60Hz refresh. Storage is 6GB internal plus an external SD slot up to 64GB, downloadable to DakMaster software, and grid batching lets users mark OBSTRUCT for inaccessible locations. The thickness gauge calibration is traceable to NIST and MIL-STD-45662A, and the flaw detector is EN12668-1 compliant. Supplied by BAMR, South Africa's authorised distributor.

Dakota

Dakota FX81-DL Benchtop Flaw Detector (DFX-8+)

SKU · Z-251-0001

The Dakota FX81-DL Bench Top Flaw Detector combines state-of-the-art flaw detection with advanced material thickness capabilities. Designed for laboratory use, it is a high-performance tool tailored for precise flaw detection featuring Time Corrected Gain (TCG), which automatically compensates for sound attenuation in materials to enhance measurement accuracy.

  • Blanview sunlight readable QVGA TFT colour display
  • Sizing Toolkits DAC, AWS, TCG, DGS
  • Pulse Repetition Frequency 8 to 333 Hz, adjustable
  • Screen Refresh Rate 60Hz
  • Detection Z-Cross, Flank & Peak
  • Automatic probe zero, probe recognition, and temperature compensation
  • Measurement Variety of modes to address a number of applications
  • Large data storage 6Gb internal & up to 64Gb external SD slot
  • Multiple formats Alpha numeric grid and sequential with auto identifier
  • Up to 12 hours of battery life
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Used by inspection teams in
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When to use this
Decision guide

When to use the Dakota FX81-DL Benchtop Flaw Detector

Use the FX81-DL when flaw detection and thickness work is done at a bench in the laboratory rather than out in the field. It pairs the DAC, AWS, TCG and DGS sizing toolkits with Time Corrected Gain that compensates for sound attenuation in the material, which matters when you need consistent readings across thicker or more attenuating parts.

  • 1
    Built for the bench
    Up to 12 hours of battery life and a 2.04kg housing suit sustained laboratory sessions where you are working through batches rather than walking an asset.
  • 2
    Time Corrected Gain compensation
    TCG automatically corrects for sound attenuation in the material, which keeps sizing accurate when defects sit at varying depths in the part.
  • 3
    Large internal plus expandable storage
    6GB internal memory and an SD slot up to 64GB hold long inspection runs with grid and sequential batching, so records stay on the instrument for later reporting.
  • 4
    Wide probe selection
    Delay line, pencil, contact and dual probe support covers thin materials, tight access, general flaw detection and corrosion inspection from one bench unit.
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Specifications

Technical Specifications

Part NumberDescriptionCertificate
Z-251-0001Dakota FX81-DL Benchtop Flaw Detector (DFX-8+)
Operating Temperature-10 to 60ºC
Power Supply
6 x AA batteries and via USB
Battery Life 2
Alkaline (12hrs), Nicad (5hrs), and NI-MH (12hrs)
Gauge Weight
2.04kg – including batteries
Gauge Dimensions
216.0 x 165.0 x 70.0mm
Pulse-Echo Mode (P-E)
Application: Pit & Flaw Detection; Range: 0.63 mm to 3048 cm
Pulse-Echo Coating Mode (PECT)
Application: Material, Coating, Pit & Flaw Detection; Material Range: 0.63 mm to 3048 cm; Coating Range: 0.01 to 2.54 mm
Pulse-Echo Temp Comp Mode (PETP)
Application: Pit & Flaw Detection with Auto Temperature Compensation; Range: 0.63 mm to 3048 cm
Echo-Echo Mode (E-E)
Application: Thru Paint & Coatings; Range: 1.27 to 102 mm, varies based on coating
Echo-Echo Verify Mode (E-EV)
Application: Thru Paint & Coatings; Range: 1.27 to 25.4 mm, varies based on coating
Coating Only Mode (CT)
Application: Coating Thickness; Range: 0.0127 to 2.54 mm, varies based on coating
Calibration
One and two-point calibration for material and coating, or selection from basic material types
Probe Features
Auto probe zero, recognition, and temperature compensation
Scan Speed
Up to 50 readings per second
Alarm
Audible hi/lo limit alerts
Differential Mode
Built-in for quality control inspections
Custom Setups
64 user-configurable setups
Delay Line
High-frequency single element for precision testing of thin materials
Pencil
High-frequency single element for tight access areas and complex geometries
Contact
Single element for general-purpose longitudinal and shear wave flaw detection
Dual
Pitch/catch dual element for longitudinal and shear wave corrosion inspections
Battery Life
Alkaline (12hrs), Nicad (5hrs), and NI-MH (12hrs)
Power Source
Lithium-ion pack: 10.8V, 2 Ah, ~18 hours operation
Packing List

Packing List

Unit
Selectable Transducer
Couplant
Manual
Plastic Carrying Case
Certificate of Calibration
AA Batteries
PC Software
Data Transfer Cable
Standards

Standards

EN12668-1
Flaw Detector compliance
NIST & MIL-STD-45662A
Thickness Gauge factory calibration traceable
Downloads
Answers

Frequently asked questions

What distinguishes the Dakota FX81-DL as a benchtop instrument?

It is designed for laboratory use and features Time Corrected Gain (TCG), which automatically compensates for sound attenuation in materials to enhance measurement accuracy. It weighs 2.04kg and measures 216 x 165 x 70mm.

What measurement modes does the FX81-DL support?

Modes include Pulse-Echo (0.63mm to 3048cm), Pulse-Echo Coating (material and coating), Pulse-Echo Temp Comp with automatic temperature compensation, Echo-Echo thru-paint (1.27 to 102mm), Echo-Echo Verify (1.27 to 25.4mm), and Coating Only (0.0127 to 2.54mm).

What probe types are compatible with the FX81-DL?

Compatible probe types include delay line (high-frequency single element for thin materials), pencil (high-frequency single element for tight access), contact (single element for general longitudinal and shear wave detection), and dual (pitch/catch dual element for corrosion inspections).

How is the FX81-DL powered and what are the battery life options?

It runs on 6 x AA batteries or via USB, or with a lithium-ion pack (10.8V, 2Ah) providing approximately 18 hours of operation. AA alkaline and NI-MH batteries provide approximately 12 hours; NiCad provides approximately 5 hours.

What calibration and quality control features does the FX81-DL include?

It supports one and two-point calibration for material and coating, selection from basic material types, automatic probe zero and recognition, automatic temperature compensation, and a built-in differential mode for quality control. It stores 64 user-configurable setups.

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