The Eckelmann EXC series is a powerful and versatile control platform that seamlessly integrates PLC, CNC, and motion control capabilities within an ultra-compact, DIN rail-mountable form factor. Built upon over 40 years of in-house CNC development, the EXC series delivers exceptional performance, flexibility, and scalability for a wide range of industrial automation applications. The series is divided into the EXC 88x (compact) and EXC 89 (modular) families, each offering distinct advantages in customization, cost, and performance.

Unified Control Platform

The EXC series excels at unifying diverse control tasks. It can function as a standalone PLC, a high-performance CNC, or a sophisticated motion controller, often simultaneously. The controller supports up to 64 axes, which can be flexibly assigned as CNC or motion axes, even allowing for superimposition on a single axis. Motion functionalities, compliant with PLCopen standards, are seamlessly integrated with the comprehensive CNC kernel, offering one of the most extensive command sets available on the market.

Advanced Connectivity and I/O

Networking is a cornerstone of the EXC platform. All controllers feature integrated EtherCAT and CANopen master interfaces for connecting drives and I/O devices. For Industry 4.0 and IIoT applications, an integrated OPC-UA server and client enables seamless data exchange with higher-level systems. The basic controller configuration includes a robust set of onboard I/O, typically comprising 20 digital inputs, 16 digital outputs, 4 analog inputs, and 4 analog outputs. For complex tasks, the system can be modularly expanded using the extensive E°UBM I/O family, which includes over 30 module types for digital, analog, and safety functions.

Modular Architecture and Safety Integration

The EXC 89 series offers a uniquely modular and flexible architecture. Its compact design saves valuable cabinet space while allowing for simple and variable configuration. A key differentiator is the seamless integration of the E°SLC 89 safety controller, which is certified to SIL 3 (IEC 61508) and PL e (ISO 13849-1) standards. This dedicated safety master can be programmed within the same CODESYS V3 environment as the standard PLC, unifying engineering and simplifying the implementation of complex safety functions, including safe communication via FSoE (Fail-Safe over EtherCAT).

Powerful Software and Engineering Tools

Eckelmann provides a comprehensive suite of software tools to streamline development and commissioning. The EXC 89 series is programmed using a customized version of CODESYS V3, providing a familiar and powerful environment for PLC, motion, and safety logic. The EXC 88x series utilizes a proprietary CNC core with an extensive instruction set. Both series are supported by E°ConSet, an all-around tool for initial setup, firmware updates, and fieldbus diagnostics. For HMI and specific industry solutions, Eckelmann offers packages like E°CUT for cutting applications, accelerating time-to-market for machine builders.

Applications

The Eckelmann EXC series is a trusted solution across numerous demanding industries, including:

• CNC cutting machines (laser, plasma, oxyfuel, waterjet)
• Metal forming and machining centers
• Packaging and material handling machinery
• Robotics and automated production lines
• Special-purpose machinery requiring integrated safety

Technical Specifications