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As someone new to industrial automation, how do I choose between Siemens S7-1200 and Mitsubishi FX5U for my first small-scale machine when both seem to offer similar capabilities but have completely different programming environments?

VivianBennett

VivianBennett

2025-11-24

answer

That's a really common dilemma for newcomers to industrial automation! Both the Siemens S7-1200 and Mitsubishi FX5U are excellent choices for small-scale machines, but you're right - their programming environments are quite different and this can be a major deciding factor.

For the Siemens S7-1200, you'll be working with TIA Portal, which uses structured text and ladder logic. It's more aligned with European standards and has a steeper learning curve, but it's incredibly powerful once you get the hang of it. The S7-1200 is great if you're planning to work with larger systems in the future or if you're in an industry where Siemens is dominant.

The Mitsubishi FX5U uses GX Works3 software with ladder logic that many find more intuitive for beginners. It's particularly popular in Asian markets and for smaller applications. The programming environment is often considered more user-friendly for those coming from an electrical background.

My advice would be to consider: What industry are you in? What do local technicians and maintenance staff typically use? And most importantly - try downloading the free trial versions of both software packages and see which one feels more natural to you. The programming environment you're comfortable with will make a huge difference in your learning journey!

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