Dakota Ultrasonics — T-581-5507 Single-Element Delay Line Pencil Transducer

15 MHz, 3/16 in Diameter, 1/16 in Tip, Microdot Connector
SKU: T-581-5507

Overview

The Dakota Ultrasonics T-581-5507 is a single-element delay line pencil transducer designed for high-resolution ultrasonic inspection of small, thin, or difficult-to-access components. Its compact 3/16 in diameter body, narrow 1/16 in tip, and high 15 MHz operating frequency make it well suited for localized measurements where precision and a very small contact area are required.

The delay line separates the active ultrasonic element from the test surface, helping improve near-surface resolution and allowing the transducer to evaluate thin sections and small geometries more effectively than many conventional contact probes.

Its pencil-style configuration supports inspections in confined locations, narrow surfaces, grooves, small-radius components, and other areas where larger transducers cannot establish proper contact. A Microdot connector provides a detachable cable interface for integration with compatible Dakota ultrasonic equipment.

What's Included

Note: Ultrasonic instrument, Microdot cable, couplant, calibration standards, replacement delay lines, and other accessories are not included unless specified separately.

Box Dimensions & Shipping Weight (Estimated)

Actual shipping dimensions and weight may vary depending on protective packaging.

Key Specifications

Performance Features

15 MHz High-Frequency Operation
Provides excellent resolution for suitable thin materials, small components, and near-surface inspection applications.

Single-Element Design
Uses one active element for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic energy, supporting precision pulse-echo measurements.

Delay Line Configuration
Separates the active element from the test surface and helps improve near-surface resolution by moving the initial pulse away from the inspection interface.

1/16 in Pencil Tip
The extremely small contact tip allows access to confined locations and localized measurement points where standard probes may be too large.

3/16 in Compact Body Diameter
Provides a slim probe profile for restricted inspection areas and precision manual positioning.

Microdot Connector
Allows connection to compatible detachable ultrasonic cables and simplifies cable replacement when required.

User-Friendly Design

• Slim pencil-style construction

• Very small 1/16 in inspection tip

• High-frequency response for fine-resolution applications

• Detachable Microdot cable connection

• Compact probe supports precise positioning

• Suitable for localized spot measurements

• Practical for small components and confined areas

• Easy to integrate with compatible ultrasonic instruments

• Suitable for laboratory and production inspection stations

Delay Line Advantages

The delay-line design provides several benefits for suitable ultrasonic inspection applications:

• Improved near-surface resolution

• Better separation of the initial pulse from early back-wall echoes

• Improved inspection of thin materials

• Ability to inspect very small localized areas

• Protection of the active ultrasonic element from direct surface contact

• Greater flexibility for specialized probe-tip geometries

• Useful performance on small-radius and restricted components

Actual performance depends on the material, thickness, geometry, delay-line condition, instrument setup, and calibration.

Built for Precision Inspection

• Designed for professional ultrasonic testing

• Suitable for high-resolution thickness and material evaluation

• Practical for small parts and precision components

• Supports confined-access inspection locations

• Useful in manufacturing and laboratory environments

• Compact design supports detailed manual scanning

• Appropriate for applications where standard probe diameters are too large

• Intended for use with proper coupling and calibration procedures

Compatibility

Compatible with:

• Dakota ultrasonic instruments supporting single-element transducers

• Ultrasonic equipment capable of operating at 15 MHz

• Compatible Microdot probe cables

• Pulse-echo ultrasonic inspection procedures

• Appropriate ultrasonic couplants

• Thin-material calibration standards

• Small-component reference standards

• Suitable metallic and nonmetallic materials capable of transmitting ultrasonic energy

• Laboratory and production inspection systems

Instrument frequency range, cable type, connector configuration, measurement mode, and application compatibility should be confirmed before ordering.

Ideal Applications

• Thin-material thickness measurement

• Precision ultrasonic inspection

• Small-part inspection

• Near-surface discontinuity evaluation

• Localized thickness measurements

• Small-radius component inspection

• Confined-access testing

• Precision machined components

• Tubing inspection

• Small weld-area evaluation

• Aerospace component inspection

• Electronics and precision manufacturing

• Research and laboratory testing

• Production QA/QC

• Specialized ultrasonic applications

Typical Components Inspected

The T-581-5507 may be used on suitable components such as:

• Thin metal sections

• Small-diameter tubing

• Precision machined parts

• Small castings

• Fine structural components

• Restricted-access surfaces

• Small-radius components

• Aerospace parts

• Laboratory specimens

• Mechanical components with limited probe access

• Localized wear areas

• Small inspection points

Inspection Guidelines

• Verify that the ultrasonic instrument supports 15 MHz operation

• Connect the transducer using a compatible Microdot cable

• Inspect the delay-line tip for wear or damage

• Clean the measurement surface

• Apply a small amount of suitable ultrasonic couplant

• Calibrate the instrument using an appropriate reference standard

• Position the 1/16 in tip carefully over the inspection location

• Maintain consistent probe pressure and orientation

• Obtain a stable and repeatable ultrasonic response

• Repeat measurements when necessary to confirm results

• Recalibrate periodically according to the inspection procedure

Care and Handling

• Handle the small probe tip carefully

• Avoid dropping or striking the transducer

• Do not apply excessive pressure to the 1/16 in tip

• Keep the delay-line surface clean

• Remove couplant after each inspection

• Inspect the delay line regularly for wear

• Keep the Microdot connector clean and dry

• Avoid overtightening the cable connector

• Protect the transducer from excessive heat unless specifically rated for elevated-temperature use

• Store in a protective case or container when not in use

About Dakota Ultrasonics

Dakota Ultrasonics develops ultrasonic thickness gauges, flaw detectors, transducers, cables, couplants, and related accessories for professional non-destructive testing. Its products support precision measurement, corrosion monitoring, manufacturing, fabrication, maintenance, laboratory inspection, asset integrity, and industrial quality-control applications.