Mitsubishi MELSEC PLC Series

Mitsubishi Electric organises its PLC range across two current platforms — the established FX3 compact series and the newer iQ-F generation — plus the high-end iQ-R modular platform.

MELSEC iQ-F Series (FX5U, FX5UC) — Current Generation

The MELSEC iQ-F is Mitsubishi Electric's current compact PLC platform, replacing the FX3U as the go-forward product for new machine designs. The FX5U brings built-in Ethernet (100BASE-TX), an SD memory card slot, and a USB programming port — features that required add-on modules in the FX3 era.

• FX5U-32MR/ES— 32 I/O (16 DI + 16 DO relay), built-in Ethernet, 4-axis pulse output, 200 kHz high-speed counter. Priced from approximately RM 3,500 – RM 5,500.
• FX5UC— ultra-compact form with high-density connector for installations where panel space is critical. Popular in wafer handling and semiconductor assembly equipment in Penang.
• Programming via GX Works3— fully compatible with Structured Text (IEC 61131-3), Function Block Diagram, and traditional Ladder Diagram.

MELSEC FX3 Series (FX3U, FX3G, FX3S) — Established Platform

The FX3 series remains in widespread use across Malaysian factories — particularly in maintenance and replacement scenarios, and in new projects where engineers have existing GX Works2 expertise.

• FX3U-48MR/ES— 48 I/O (24 DI + 24 DO relay), expandable to 256 points via add-on I/O modules, RS-422 programming port, high-speed counter inputs up to 100 kHz. The most common MELSEC model in Malaysian factories; stocked at Flextech. Priced from RM 2,800 – RM 4,500.
• FX3G-24MR/ES— entry-level 24 I/O compact PLC. Budget choice for simple conveyor control, basic machine interlocks, and retrofit projects replacing relay panels.
• FX3S-14MR/ES— 14-point micro PLC for ultra-compact machine panels. Fits in standard DIN-rail spaces where an FX3U would not.
• Programming via GX Works2— still the dominant programming environment in Malaysian FX3 installations.

MELSEC iQ-R Series — High-Performance Modular

The MELSEC iQ-R is Mitsubishi Electric's flagship modular platform, targeting large-scale process control, multi-axis servo systems, and automotive body lines. An iQ-R CPU with motion module handles up to 96 servo axes via SSCNET III/H (optical CC-Link). Used in automotive assembly plants in Perak and Selangor, and large semiconductor equipment OEMs.

System cost for an iQ-R system starts from approximately RM 25,000 for a basic configuration and scales to RM 200,000+ for large multi-axis installations.

How to Choose a Mitsubishi PLC for Your Application

Step 1: Choose FX5U vs FX3U. If your machine is a new design, specify the FX5U — built-in Ethernet eliminates a communication module cost of RM 1,500+, and GX Works3 is the active development platform. If you are maintaining or upgrading an existing FX3U machine, the FX3U provides the lowest risk of program compatibility issues.

Step 2: Count your I/O. The FX5U and FX3U both expand to 256 I/O points with add-on modules. Below 64 I/O, an FX5U-32M or FX3G-24M covers most machine logic tasks. Above 256 I/O, move to the iQ-R modular platform.

Step 3: Assess motion control requirements. The FX5U's built-in 4-axis pulse output handles basic positioning (ball screws, stepper motors) without extra hardware. For servo synchronization across 4+ axes, the FX5 motion module (iQ-F) or iQ-R with SSCNET III is required.

Step 4: Verify communication protocol. If your production network uses CC-Link, the FX3U-CCLINK module or iQ-R CC-Link IE Field is the connection point. For Ethernet/IP or PROFINET integration, gateways are available — or specify an iQ-R with the relevant network module.

Mitsubishi MELSEC PLC Price Guide — Malaysia (MYR)

*Contact Flextech Industrial for current pricing. Prices vary by input/output type (relay/transistor).*

Mitsubishi PLC and GOT HMI — Native Integration

Mitsubishi MELSEC PLCs communicate natively with Mitsubishi GOT2000 series HMIs — no gateway required. The GOT2000 connects via RS-422 serial (for FX3U) or Ethernet (for FX5U), using GT Works3 for screen programming. This same-brand integration eliminates communication configuration complexity and is the standard setup in Malaysian machine-builder panels. Flextech Industrial stocks both FX5U PLCs and GOT2000 HMIs for complete panel sourcing from one supplier.

Mitsubishi MELSEC Applications in Malaysian Industry

Japanese OEM machinery: The majority of Japanese-manufactured machinery imported into Malaysia — injection moulding machines, NC lathes, packaging lines — ships with Mitsubishi MELSEC FX or iQ-R PLCs installed. Malaysian maintenance engineers must source genuine MELSEC spare parts and programming cables locally; Flextech Industrial stocks the FX3U-USB-BD programming adapter and FX3U-232ADP communication module for this market.

Conveyor and palletising systems: MELSEC FX3U remains the conveyor sequencer of choice among Malaysian material handling integrators. The FX3U's high-speed pulse output drives stepper motor positioning on accumulation conveyors and transfer cars.

Palm oil processing: Sterilizer cage sequencing and clarification tank automation in Malaysian palm oil mills deployed MELSEC FX1/FX2N in the 1990s and are now undergoing NIMP 2030-driven upgrades to FX5U systems with remote monitoring via Ethernet.

Smart Automation Grant (SAG): Malaysian manufacturers upgrading relay panels to MELSEC PLC systems may qualify for MIDA's SAG matching grant — up to RM 1 million at 70:30 co-funding. New FX5U projects with Ethernet monitoring output satisfy SAG's connectivity requirement.

Top Mitsubishi MELSEC PLC Models at Flextech

• Mitsubishi FX3U-48MR/ES— 48 I/O, relay output, expandable to 256 points. Malaysia's highest-volume MELSEC model.
• Mitsubishi FX5U-32MR/ES— built-in Ethernet + SD card, current-generation iQ-F platform.
• Mitsubishi FX3G-24MR/ES— affordable 24 I/O entry compact for simple machines.
• Mitsubishi FX3S-14MR/ES— 14-point micro PLC, ultra-compact panel installation.
• Mitsubishi FX2N-48MR— legacy stock for maintenance and spare parts replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Mitsubishi FX3U and FX5U?

The FX5U (MELSEC iQ-F) is the current-generation successor to the FX3U. Key differences: FX5U has built-in Ethernet (no add-on module needed), SD card slot for data logging, and is programmed in GX Works3 (vs GX Works2 for FX3U). The FX5U is faster (scan time ~34 µs/k-step vs ~80 µs for FX3U) and supports Structured Text natively. For new designs, specify FX5U. For existing FX3U systems, maintain with FX3U parts — the two platforms are not program-compatible.

How do I program a Mitsubishi FX3U PLC?

Mitsubishi FX3U PLCs are programmed using GX Works2 software, available from the Mitsubishi Electric FA portal. Connect the PC to the FX3U via an FX3U-USB-BD USB adapter or FX-232AW RS-232/RS-422 converter. GX Works2 supports Ladder Diagram, Instruction List, and Structured Text (SFC). Flextech Industrial stocks FX3U-USB-BD programming adapters — essential for any Malaysian maintenance team working on FX3-generation machines.

What is the price of Mitsubishi FX3U in Malaysia?

The Mitsubishi FX3U series is priced from approximately RM 2,500 (32-point models) to RM 4,500 (64-point models) for the base CPU unit. Expansion I/O modules, analogue cards, and communication modules add to the total system cost. Contact Flextech Industrial for current MYR pricing on specific FX3U part numbers.

Does Mitsubishi FX5U support CC-Link?

The FX5U supports CC-Link IE Field Basic natively over its built-in Ethernet port — allowing direct connection to CC-Link IE Field networks without additional modules. For CC-Link V2 (older bus), the FX5-CCL-MS master module is required. This distinction matters when retrofitting FX5U into existing CC-Link V2 networks.

Where can I buy genuine Mitsubishi MELSEC PLC in Malaysia?

Flextech Industrial in Puchong, Selangor stocks genuine Mitsubishi Electric MELSEC PLCs — FX3U, FX3G, FX3S, and FX5U series. All stock is verified OEM. Contact our team for availability and quotation. We serve customers across Selangor, Penang, Johor, and other Malaysian states with fast delivery.

*Flextech Industrial Supplies — Puchong, Selangor, Malaysia. Genuine Mitsubishi Electric MELSEC PLC stock. Fast quotation for FX3U, FX5U, and iQ-R series.*