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Mining · head to head

3DEC vs Maxwell Datacloud

3

3DEC

Mining

3D distinct element code for underground mining

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
M

Maxwell Datacloud

Mining

Cloud-based mining data management platform

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Maxwell Datacloud has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • They diverge on capability: 3DEC covers 3D distinct element analysis, Maxwell Datacloud covers Cloud data storage.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which 3DEC and Maxwell Datacloud actually diverge.

Attributes where 3DEC and Maxwell Datacloud differ
Attribute3DECMaxwell Datacloud
Starting priceOn requestFree
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsWindows, LinuxWeb, Windows, Ios, Android
Founded19812016

Identical on both: pricing model (subscription), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Mining).

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 Maxwell Datacloud

  • Cloud data storage
  • Data management
  • Collaboration tools
  • Analytics
  • API access
  • GIS systems
  • Mining software
  • Excel

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

Maxwell Datacloud

  • Data storage and sharingnot 3DEC
  • Team collaborationnot 3DEC
  • Data analyticsnot 3DEC
  • Project managementnot 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

Maxwell Datacloud

Nothing recorded yet. See the Maxwell Datacloud review.

Pricing, plan by plan

3DEC

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

Maxwell Datacloud

Free
  • Free TierFree
    • Basic cloud storage
    • Data sharing
    • Limited users
  • Professional$4000/year
    • Advanced analytics
    • Unlimited users
    • Custom integrations

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 Maxwell Datacloud if

  • You need cloud data storage.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Windows, Ios, Android.
  • You also want data management.
Maxwell Datacloud review

Questions people ask

Is 3DEC or Maxwell Datacloud better?
Neither clearly leads. 3DEC starts at On request and Maxwell Datacloud at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, 3DEC or Maxwell Datacloud?
Maxwell Datacloud has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at On request for 3DEC and Free for Maxwell Datacloud.
Does 3DEC or Maxwell Datacloud run on more platforms?
3DEC runs on Windows, Linux. Maxwell Datacloud runs on Web, Windows, Ios, Android.
Can I use Maxwell Datacloud for free?
Yes. Maxwell Datacloud has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. 3DEC starts at On request.
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 Maxwell Datacloud is typically brought in for.
What can 3DEC do that Maxwell Datacloud cannot?
3DEC covers 3D distinct element analysis, Block motion tracking, Contact detection, Support design. Maxwell Datacloud covers Cloud data storage, Data management, Collaboration tools, Analytics. 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
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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