When you are picking a controller for a small machine, one of the first choices is whether to buy an integrated HMI and PLC in one unit or a standalone programmable logic controller. If you are building a packaging line, a labeling station, or a positioning rig, this choice affects wiring, enclosure layout, and how you program the machine. The two options here sit close in price but take opposite approaches: one is an integrated 5-inch HMI display controller, and the other is a Mitsubishi FX3U PLC. The comparison below centers on what changes when the display and controller are in one box versus separate.
Quick verdict
The integrated combo is the straightforward pick if the display and controller should live together. The FX3U PLC is the conventional pick if you want a separate PLC and already have an operator interface in mind.
Price and feature comparison
| Consideration | 5-inch HMI PLC combo | FX3U PLC |
|---|---|---|
| Listed price | $95.99 | $116.96 |
| Price bar | ||
| Condition | New | New |
| Product type | PLC with integrated HMI display | PLC processor module |
| Distinguishing specs | 5-inch touch screen, 9 inputs, 8 relay outputs, 2-axis pulse up to 100 kHz | FX3U model |
Where each product wins
- The integrated HMI PLC combo is the option to look at when you want one unit that includes the display and the control logic, especially for compact machines where wiring space is tight.
- The FX3U PLC is the option to look at when you want the controller as a separate module and already have a display or interface planned.
Product notes
Integrated HMI PLC Combo
This unit pairs an HMI display with the control logic, so a small packaging, labeling, or positioning setup can be wired with fewer separate components. Its listed price is $95.99, and it includes 9 inputs, 8 relay outputs, and 2-axis pulse output up to 100 kHz for stepper or servo drives. For a machine that needs a visible operator panel and a controller in the same enclosure, this all-in-one shape reduces the number of boxes you have to mount and wire. The software path is described as GX Works2/Developer, and the HMI software supports multiple languages. The trade-off: the HMI and PLC are packed together, so this is not a standalone PLC. If you prefer to mix and match your own display with a separate controller, the integrated form factor is the thing to weigh.
FX3U PLC
This is a new FX3U-series programmable logic controller at $116.96, about $21 more than the integrated combo. The product type is a PLC processor module, so it makes sense when you want to pair the controller with a display you choose yourself. That flexibility matters for machines where the display is already specified, or where the controller area is separate from the operator panel. If your project already has an HMI, or you plan to program and monitor from a separate panel, this separates the control logic from the interface. The limitation is the higher price for a processor-module-only form, meaning you are paying for the controller itself rather than an all-in-one HMI bundle.
Final choice by use case
Choose the integrated HMI PLC combo if you want a complete display and controller in one unit. Choose the FX3U PLC if you need a new PLC and already have a way to display and control the machine.
