Press release: New Controller Generation and Expanded Line of Products

With its new generation of controllers within the well-proven XCx series, Schleicher is expanding its modular system for integrated PLC and CNC solutions. The XCx series is characterized by a wide range of functions. It provides the user with the option to choose as close a custom-fit model as possible on the basis of his particular requirements. With the new high-end model XCx 800, Schleicher is now introducing to the market a controller that provides easy-to-use facilities that take into account increasingly demanding user needs. The most important novelties in the XCx 800 include a standard SERCOS III interface as well as an integrated full-graphics display with a plain-text output to provide easy-to-use diagnostics support. The XCx 800 can be used to control up to 32 axes. For less demanding applications, Schleicher provides the scaled-down and thus more cost-effective alternative, the XCx 400. It can control up to eight interpolated axes and has a larger working memory as well as a higher computing speed than the comparable preceding model. Both controllers are equipped with eight integrated fast direct I/Os, which the integrated PLC and CNC can access with almost no delay, and each has a USB host interface and a USB device interface. However, Schleicher has not only upgraded its modular controller system, but has at the same time also revised and expanded its entire range of products. "Today we no longer consider ourselves to be just a controller manufacturer, but a provider of complete solutions", explains Armin Belle, President of Schleicher Electronic. "Based on our expanded range of products – from controllers with matching operator panel via software and I/O systems and finally the drives – we serve our customers by working out integrated solutions for almost every application."