Mining & Resources · head to head
3DEC vs Fusion Mining
3
3DEC
Mining & Resources
3D distinct element code for underground mining
- From
- On request
- Rated
- -
Fusion Mining
Mining & Resources
Integrated mine development software
- From
- On request
- Rated
- -
The short version
- They diverge on capability: 3DEC covers 3D distinct element analysis, Fusion Mining covers Geological modeling.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which 3DEC and Fusion Mining actually diverge.
| Attribute | 3DEC | Fusion Mining |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | Windows, Linux | Windows |
| Founded | 1981 | 2004 |
Identical on both: starting price (On request), pricing model (subscription), free tier (No), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Mining & Resources).
What each one covers
Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.
Only in 3DEC
- 3D distinct element analysis
- Block motion tracking
- Contact detection
- Support design
- Dynamic simulation
- FLAC3D
- Python
- Linux support
Only in Fusion Mining
- Geological modeling
- Mine design
- Resource estimation
- Database management
- 3D visualization
- AutoCAD
- Excel
Both cover
- Leapfrog
- Vulcan
- Windows support
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
3DEC
- Three-dimensional analysis of jointed rock and discontinuous materialsnot Fusion Mining
- Slope stability and pillar analysis for miningnot Fusion Mining
- Blast and earthquake dynamic analysisnot Fusion Mining
- Groundwater flow through fractured rocknot Fusion Mining
- Coupled thermal, mechanical and hydraulic modelling for geothermal, CO2 sequestration and nuclear wastenot Fusion Mining
Fusion Mining
- Geological modelingnot 3DEC
- Mine planningnot 3DEC
- Resource estimationnot 3DEC
- Exploration databasesnot 3DEC
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
3DEC
- Pricing is not published; licences are quoted, with subscription and perpetual options
- A specialist geomechanical tool rather than general purpose simulation, so it assumes the user is a rock mechanics engineer
Fusion Mining
Nothing recorded yet. See the Fusion Mining review.
Pricing, plan by plan
3DEC
On request- 3DEC Professional$25000/year
- 3D distinct element analysis
- Block-to-block interaction
- Support installation modeling
Fusion Mining
On request- Fusion Standard$8500/year
- Geological modeling
- Mine design
- Resource estimation
Which should you pick?
Choose 3DEC if
- You need 3d distinct element analysis.
- You work on Windows, Linux.
- You also want block motion tracking.
Choose Fusion Mining if
- You need geological modeling.
- You work on Windows.
- You also want mine design.
Questions people ask
- Is 3DEC or Fusion Mining better?
- Neither clearly leads. 3DEC starts at On request and Fusion Mining at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, 3DEC or Fusion Mining?
- 3DEC starts at On request and Fusion Mining at On request.
- Does 3DEC or Fusion Mining run on more platforms?
- 3DEC runs on Windows, Linux. Fusion Mining runs on Windows.
- What is 3DEC best used for?
- 3DEC is most often used for three-dimensional analysis of jointed rock and discontinuous materials, slope stability and pillar analysis for mining, blast and earthquake dynamic analysis, groundwater flow through fractured rock. Of those, three-dimensional analysis of jointed rock and discontinuous materials and slope stability and pillar analysis for mining are not what Fusion Mining is typically brought in for.
- What can 3DEC do that Fusion Mining cannot?
- 3DEC covers 3D distinct element analysis, Block motion tracking, Contact detection, Support design. Fusion Mining covers Geological modeling, Mine design, Resource estimation, Database management. Both handle Leapfrog, Vulcan, Windows support.