As a beginner facing a $50k automation budget, how do I choose between Siemens S7-1200 and Mitsubishi FX5U for my first small production line when everyone says 'it depends' but I need concrete decision criteria?

Q: As a beginner facing a $50k automation budget, how do I choose between Siemens S7-1200 and Mitsubishi FX5U for my first small production line when everyone says 'it depends' but I need concrete decision criteria?

Hey there! I totally get your frustration with the &#39;it depends&#39; answers. Let me break down some concrete decision criteria for your $50k budget and small production line:1. Learning Curve• Mitsubishi FX5U: Japanese-style programming that&#39;s more intuitive and easier for beginners to grasp• Siemens S7-1200: More powerful but steeper learning curve - better if you have some programming background2. Cost Breakdown• Mitsubishi software: $1,000-$5,000 range• Siemens software: $1,500-$15,000 (more expensive but often more powerful)• Hardware costs are comparable, but Siemens might have better long-term value3. Market Presence &amp; Support• Mitsubishi: Strong in Asian markets, great for simpler applications• Siemens: Global standard, better for complex tasks and future expansion4. My Recommendation for BeginnersFor your first small production line with a $50k budget, I&#39;d lean toward Mitsubishi FX5U if:• You&#39;re completely new to PLC programming• Your production line is relatively simple• You want to get up and running quicklyChoose Siemens S7-1200 if:• You plan to expand significantly in the future• You need to integrate with other industrial systems• You have some technical background and can handle the learning curveWith $50k, you have room for either system. The key question is: do you prioritize ease of learning now (Mitsubishi) or scalability for the future (Siemens)?

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Hey there! I totally get your frustration with the 'it depends' answers. Let me break down some concrete decision criteria for your $50k budget and small production line:

1. Learning Curve

• Mitsubishi FX5U: Japanese-style programming that's more intuitive and easier for beginners to grasp

• Siemens S7-1200: More powerful but steeper learning curve - better if you have some programming background

2. Cost Breakdown

• Mitsubishi software: $1,000-$5,000 range

• Siemens software: $1,500-$15,000 (more expensive but often more powerful)

• Hardware costs are comparable, but Siemens might have better long-term value

3. Market Presence & Support

• Mitsubishi: Strong in Asian markets, great for simpler applications

• Siemens: Global standard, better for complex tasks and future expansion

4. My Recommendation for Beginners

For your first small production line with a $50k budget, I'd lean toward Mitsubishi FX5U if:

• You're completely new to PLC programming

• Your production line is relatively simple

• You want to get up and running quickly

Choose Siemens S7-1200 if:

• You plan to expand significantly in the future

• You need to integrate with other industrial systems

• You have some technical background and can handle the learning curve

With $50k, you have room for either system. The key question is: do you prioritize ease of learning now (Mitsubishi) or scalability for the future (Siemens)?

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As a beginner facing a $50k automation budget, how do I choose between Siemens S7-1200 and Mitsubishi FX5U for my first small production line when everyone says 'it depends' but I need concrete decision criteria?

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