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Mining · head to head

3DEC vs IronCAD

3

3DEC

Mining

3D distinct element code for underground mining

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
IronCAD logo

IronCAD

CAD

Innovative 3D design software with drag-and-drop simplicity

From
$3500/one-time
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: 3DEC pricing is not published; licences are quoted, with subscription and perpetual options; IronCAD pricing page not found
  • They diverge on capability: 3DEC covers 3D distinct element analysis, IronCAD covers Hybrid parametric/direct modeling.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which 3DEC and IronCAD actually diverge.

Attributes where 3DEC and IronCAD differ
Attribute3DECIronCAD
Starting priceOn request$3500/one-time
Pricing modelsubscriptionone-time
PlatformsWindows, LinuxWindows
CategoryMiningCAD
Founded19811998

Identical on both: free tier (No), user rating (Not yet rated).

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
  • Leapfrog
  • Vulcan

Only in IronCAD

  • Hybrid parametric/direct modeling
  • Drag-and-drop design
  • Multi-body assemblies
  • Sheet metal tools
  • 2D drafting
  • STEP
  • IGES
  • Parasolid

Both cover

  • 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 IronCAD
  • Slope stability and pillar analysis for miningnot IronCAD
  • Blast and earthquake dynamic analysisnot IronCAD
  • Groundwater flow through fractured rocknot IronCAD
  • Coupled thermal, mechanical and hydraulic modelling for geothermal, CO2 sequestration and nuclear wastenot IronCAD

IronCAD

  • Product developmentnot 3DEC
  • Machine designnot 3DEC
  • Tooling designnot 3DEC
  • Rapid prototypingnot 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

IronCAD

  • pricing page not found

Pricing, plan by plan

3DEC

On request
  • 3DEC Professional$25000/year
    • 3D distinct element analysis
    • Block-to-block interaction
    • Support installation modeling

IronCAD

$3500/one-time
  • IronCAD Design Collaboration Suite$3500/one-time
    • Full parametric and direct modeling
    • Drag-and-drop design
    • Multi-format CAD import/export
  • IronCAD Ultimate$6000/one-time
    • All Design Suite features
    • Advanced simulation
    • Rendering tools

Which should you pick?

Choose 3DEC if

  • You need 3d distinct element analysis.
  • You work on Windows, Linux.
  • You also want block motion tracking.
3DEC review

Choose IronCAD if

  • You need hybrid parametric/direct modeling.
  • You work on Windows.
  • You also want drag-and-drop design.
IronCAD review

Questions people ask

Is 3DEC or IronCAD better?
Neither clearly leads. 3DEC starts at On request and IronCAD at $3500/one-time, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, 3DEC or IronCAD?
3DEC starts at On request and IronCAD at $3500/one-time.
Does 3DEC or IronCAD run on more platforms?
3DEC runs on Windows, Linux. IronCAD 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 IronCAD is typically brought in for.
What can 3DEC do that IronCAD cannot?
3DEC covers 3D distinct element analysis, Block motion tracking, Contact detection, Support design. IronCAD covers Hybrid parametric/direct modeling, Drag-and-drop design, Multi-body assemblies, Sheet metal tools. Both handle Windows support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

3DEC: Does 3DEC offer a free trial before purchasing?

Yes, 3DEC provides a free demo download available via the REQUEST DEMO button on their website. However, the specific trial period length is not stated on the product page.

Source
IronCAD: Where can I find IronCAD pricing?

IronCAD's pricing page is not available. Contact IronCAD directly through their website for CAD software licensing and pricing information.

Source
3DEC: What licensing models does 3DEC support?

3DEC offers both subscription-based licenses (annual) and perpetual licenses. Subscription licenses are available through their FastSpring store with annual subscription terms.

Source
3DEC: How is 3DEC pricing determined?

3DEC uses a quote-based pricing model rather than publishing fixed rates. Customers can request a quote through the website or purchase through their software store, with pricing customized based on specific needs.

Source
3DEC: What support resources are included with 3DEC?

3DEC includes documentation, tutorials, forum access, FAQs, applied examples, and training courses. Support appears to be included with purchases rather than sold separately.

Source
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