
The Dakota ZX Thickness Gauges are a range of ultrasonic corrosion thickness gauges for measuring remaining wall thickness on metal structures. The range spans seven models with increasing functionality, from the entry-level ZX1 (part number Z-300-0003) to the top of the range ZX6-DL (Z-306-0003). Inspectors use them to detect corrosion, pitting and wall loss on tanks, boilers, tubes, pipes and glass, where unchecked thinning can lead to leaks or structural failure.
All models measure with a dual element transducer over a 1 to 10 MHz frequency range, with 0.01mm resolution and a velocity calibration range of 305 to 18,542 m/s. Pulse-echo range runs from 0.63 to 914.4mm across the range, and the ZX6 and ZX6-DL add an echo-echo range of 2.54 to 152.4mm. Each Dakota ZX Thickness Gauge has a 12.7mm 4.5 digit LCD readable in sunlight, selectable mm or inch units, automatic V-path error correction and manual probe zero via an integrated disk.
Higher models add capability: high speed scan mode on the ZX3 upward, plus differential mode and limit alarm mode on the ZX5 upward. The ZX5-DL and ZX6-DL add data logging, storing 40 files of 250 readings each for 10,000 readings total. The extruded aluminium body suits harsh environments, and the range carries a 5 year manufacturer's warranty.
Factory calibration is traceable to NIST and MIL-STD-45662A. Supplied by BAMR, South Africa's authorised distributor.
Dakota ZX Thickness Gauges
The ZX Corrosion Thickness Gauge is available in seven different models. Each thickness gauge provides the inspector with increasing functionality - from the entry level Dakota ZX1 Thickness Gauge, to the top of the range Dakota ZX6-DL Corrosion Thickness Gauge. Each Dakota ZX Thickness Gauge has been designed to withstand the harshest environments, made from an extruded aluminium body and is equipped with a LCD screen for improved visibility during sunlight.
- Repeatable and reproducible measurements
- 5 year manufacturer's warranty
- Extruded aluminium body Designed to withstand the harshest environments
- LCD screen For improved visibility during sunlight
When to use the Dakota ZX Thickness Gauges
Choose a ZX gauge for corrosion thickness checks in tough field conditions, picking the model that matches the functions you need. The range spans seven models from the entry level ZX1 to the ZX6-DL, all with an extruded aluminium body and an LCD screen for visibility in sunlight.
- 1Seven models scale to needFunctionality rises from the basic ZX1 to the data logging ZX6-DL, so you pay for the features you actually use. An inspector taking spot readings needs less than one logging thousands of points across a vessel.
- 2Built for harsh environmentsThe extruded aluminium body is designed to withstand harsh environments and the LCD improves visibility in sunlight. That matters for outdoor corrosion surveys where a fragile or dim instrument would fail.
- 3Data logging on DL modelsZX5-DL and ZX6-DL store 10,000 readings across 40 files of 250, so a full survey can be recorded and downloaded rather than written by hand. This keeps an audit trail for repeat inspections.
- 4Traceable to recognised standardsThe gauges conform to NIST and MIL-STD-45662A, which supports calibration traceability where a job requires it. That is the difference for work that has to satisfy a quality regime, not just give a number.
Lower-budget alternatives



Ten minutes on a call with one of our specialists usually saves you from buying the wrong instrument.
Book a 10-minute callOr , our product assistant, for an instant answer.
When to use this
When to use the Dakota ZX Thickness Gauges
Choose a ZX gauge for corrosion thickness checks in tough field conditions, picking the model that matches the functions you need. The range spans seven models from the entry level ZX1 to the ZX6-DL, all with an extruded aluminium body and an LCD screen for visibility in sunlight.
- 1Seven models scale to needFunctionality rises from the basic ZX1 to the data logging ZX6-DL, so you pay for the features you actually use. An inspector taking spot readings needs less than one logging thousands of points across a vessel.
- 2Built for harsh environmentsThe extruded aluminium body is designed to withstand harsh environments and the LCD improves visibility in sunlight. That matters for outdoor corrosion surveys where a fragile or dim instrument would fail.
- 3Data logging on DL modelsZX5-DL and ZX6-DL store 10,000 readings across 40 files of 250, so a full survey can be recorded and downloaded rather than written by hand. This keeps an audit trail for repeat inspections.
- 4Traceable to recognised standardsThe gauges conform to NIST and MIL-STD-45662A, which supports calibration traceability where a job requires it. That is the difference for work that has to satisfy a quality regime, not just give a number.
Lower-budget alternatives



Ten minutes on a call with one of our specialists usually saves you from buying the wrong instrument.
Book a 10-minute callOr , our product assistant, for an instant answer.
Specifications
Technical Specifications
♦ = certificate available
| Part Number | Description | Certificate |
|---|---|---|
| Z-300-0003 | Dakota ZX1 Thickness Gauge (ZX-1) | ♦ |
| Z-301-0003 | Dakota ZX2 Thickness Gauge (ZX-2) | ♦ |
| Z-302-0003 | Dakota ZX3 Thickness Gauge (ZX-3) | ♦ |
| Z-303-0003 | Dakota ZX5 Thickness Gauge (ZX-5) | ♦ |
| Z-304-0003 | Dakota ZX5-DL Thickness Gauge (ZX-5DL) | ♦ |
| Z-305-0003 | Dakota ZX6 Thickness Gauge (ZX-6) | ♦ |
| Z-306-0003 | Dakota ZX6-DL Thickness Gauge (ZX-6DL) | ♦ |
| Operating Temperature | -30 to 75ºC | |
| Power Supply | 2 x AA batteries | |
| Battery Life | Alkaline – 45 hrs and Nicad – 23 hrs | |
| Gauge Weight | 312g – including batteries | |
| Gauge Dimensions | 63.5 x 131 x 31.5mm |
- Material thickness digits display
- Available on all models
- Measurement Range
- PE: 0.63 - 914.4mm (ZX1-ZX5, ZX5-DL); PE: 0.63 - 914.4mm, EE: 2.54 - 152.4mm (ZX6, ZX6-DL)
- Measurement Resolution
- 0.01mm
- Velocity Calibration Range
- 305 - 18,542m/s
- Transducer Probe Type
- Dual element
- Transducer Frequency Range
- 1 - 10MHz
- Display
- 12.7mm 4.5 digit LCD
- Units (selectable)
- mm or inches
- LED Backlight
- on/off/auto
- V-path / dual path error correction
- Automatic
- Probe Zero
- Manual (via integrated probe disk)
- Repeatability / Stability Indicator
- Available on all models
- High Speed Scan Mode
- Available on ZX3, ZX5, ZX5-DL, ZX6, ZX6-DL
- Differential Mode
- Available on ZX5, ZX5-DL, ZX6, ZX6-DL
- Limit alarm mode
- Available on ZX5, ZX5-DL, ZX6, ZX6-DL
- Memory and Data Logging
- Sequential data storage, 40 files of 250 readings per file (10,000 readings total) on ZX5-DL and ZX6-DL
- Battery Life
- Alkaline - 45 hrs; Nicad - 23 hrs
- Dakota ZX1 Corrosion Thickness Gauge
- Z-300-0003
- Dakota ZX2 Corrosion Thickness Gauge
- Z-301-0003
- Dakota ZX3 Corrosion Thickness Gauge
- Z-302-0003
- Dakota ZX5 Corrosion Thickness Gauge
- Z-303-0003
- Dakota ZX5-DL Corrosion Thickness Gauge
- Z-304-0003
- Dakota ZX6 Corrosion Thickness Gauge
- Z-305-0003
- Dakota ZX6-DL Corrosion Thickness Gauge
- Z-306-0003
Standards
Standards
Accessories
Accessories
| Dakota ZX1 Corrosion Thickness Gauge |
| Dakota ZX2 Corrosion Thickness Gauge |
| Dakota ZX3 Corrosion Thickness Gauge |
| Dakota ZX5 Corrosion Thickness Gauge |
| Dakota ZX5-DL Corrosion Thickness Gauge |
| Dakota ZX6 Corrosion Thickness Gauge |
| Dakota ZX6-DL Corrosion Thickness Gauge |
Product Features
Product Features
♦ = available / compatible with that option or model
| Model & Part Number | ZX1 | ZX2 | ZX3 | ZX5 | ZX5-DL | ZX6 | ZX6-DL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Display Mode | |||||||
| Material thickness digits display | ♦ | ♦ | ♦ | ♦ | ♦ | ♦ | ♦ |
| Measurement Range | PE: 0.63 – 914.4mm | PE: 0.63 – 914.4mm | PE: 0.63 – 914.4mm | PE: 0.63 – 914.4mm | PE: 0.63 – 914.4mm | PE: 0.63 – 914.4mm EE: 2.54 – 152.4mm | PE: 0.63 – 914.4mm EE: 2.54 – 152.4mm |
| Measurement Resolution | 0.01mm | 0.01mm | 0.01mm | 0.01mm | 0.01mm | 0.01mm | 0.01mm |
| Velocity Calibration Range | 305 – 18,542m/s | 305 – 18,542m/s | 305 – 18,542m/s | 305 – 18,542m/s | 305 – 18,542m/s | 305 – 18,542m/s | 305 – 18,542m/s |
| Additional Features | |||||||
| Velocity Settings | 1 programmable velocity, pre-calibrated for steel | 2 user programmable & 8 pre-calibrated velocities for: aluminium, cast iron, plexiglass, polystyrene, polyurethane, PVC, stainless steel & steel | – | – | – | – | |
| High Speed Scan Mode | ♦ | ♦ | ♦ | ♦ | ♦ | ||
| Differential Mode | ♦ | ♦ | ♦ | ♦ | |||
| Limit alarm mode | ♦ | ♦ | ♦ | ♦ | |||
| Memory and Data Logging | – | – | – | – | Sequential data storage, 40 files of 250 readings per file, for 10,000 readings | Sequential data storage, 40 files of 250 readings per file, for 10,000 readings | |
| Transducer Probe Type | Dual element | Dual element | Dual element | Dual element | Dual element | Dual element | Dual element |
| Transducer Frequency Range | 1 – 10MHz | 1 – 10MHz | 1 – 10MHz | 1 – 10MHz | 1 – 10MHz | 1 – 10MHz | 1 – 10MHz |
| V-path / dual path error correction | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic |
| Probe Zero | Manual (via integrated probe disk) | Manual (via integrated probe disk) | Manual (via integrated probe disk) | Manual (via integrated probe disk) | Manual (via integrated probe disk) | Manual (via integrated probe disk) | Manual (via integrated probe disk) |
| Display | 12.7mm 4.5 digit LCD | 12.7mm 4.5 digit LCD | 12.7mm 4.5 digit LCD | 12.7mm 4.5 digit LCD | 12.7mm 4.5 digit LCD | 12.7mm 4.5 digit LCD | 12.7mm 4.5 digit LCD |
| Units (selectable) | mm or inches | mm or inches | mm or inches | mm or inches | mm or inches | mm or inches | mm or inches |
| LED Backlight | on/off/auto | on/off/auto | on/off/auto | on/off/auto | on/off/auto | on/off/auto | on/off/auto |
| Repeatability / Stability Indicator | ♦ | ♦ | ♦ | ♦ | ♦ | ♦ | ♦ |
Downloads
Downloads
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the Dakota ZX on different metals and plastics?
Yes. The gauge calibrates across 305 to 18,542 m/s for different materials. The ZX2 includes eight pre-calibrated velocities for aluminium, cast iron, stainless steel, steel, plexiglass, polystyrene, polyurethane and PVC.
Can I log measurements for batch reporting?
The ZX5-DL and ZX6-DL models store up to 10,000 readings in 40 sequential files, enabling batch logging on site and data review in the office.
What's the battery life and operating temperature range?
The gauge runs on two AA batteries for 45 hours (alkaline) or 23 hours (NiCad). It operates from -30 to 75°C, handling cold storage and hot field conditions.
Will I see the display in direct sunlight?
Yes. The 4.5 digit LCD screen is 12.7mm tall for visibility in daylight, with a selectable LED backlight offering auto, on or off modes.
What measurement resolution does the Dakota ZX provide?
All Dakota ZX models deliver 0.01mm resolution, ensuring precise thickness readings across the measurement range.
Which Dakota ZX model should I choose?
ZX1 is entry-level. ZX3 adds high-speed scanning. ZX5 and above add differential mode and alarm limits. ZX5-DL and ZX6-DL add data logging for 10,000 readings. Contact BAMR to discuss your specific requirements.
Quote on the Dakota ZX Thickness Gauges by close of business.
Tell us about your application and we will send a quote with lead time and accessories.
Not sure this is the right model for your job? for a quick recommendation.
Request a quote
Request a quote
Tell us about your application and we will send a quote with lead time and accessories.
Shop online