Softwr

Mining · head to head

3DEC vs RPMGlobal TALPAC

3

3DEC

Mining

3D distinct element code for underground mining

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
RPMGlobal TALPAC logo

RPMGlobal TALPAC

Mining

Mine planning and optimization software for scheduling and economics

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: 3DEC pricing is not published; licences are quoted, with subscription and perpetual options; RPMGlobal TALPAC rPMGlobal publishes no price, no licence model and no purchase route for TALPAC
  • They diverge on capability: 3DEC covers 3D distinct element analysis, RPMGlobal TALPAC covers Long-term planning.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which 3DEC and RPMGlobal TALPAC actually diverge.

Attributes where 3DEC and RPMGlobal TALPAC differ
Attribute3DECRPMGlobal TALPAC
PlatformsWindows, LinuxWindows
Founded19811987

Identical on both: starting price (On request), pricing model (subscription), free tier (No), 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
  • Python
  • Linux support

Only in RPMGlobal TALPAC

  • Long-term planning
  • Short-term scheduling
  • Economic evaluation
  • Scenario analysis
  • Optimization
  • Datamine
  • Surpac
  • SAP

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

RPMGlobal TALPAC

  • Calculating truck and loader haulage productivity and cycle timesnot 3DEC
  • Sizing a mining fleet against a required production ratenot 3DEC
  • Comparing equipment options and haul road designs on cost per tonnenot 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

RPMGlobal TALPAC

  • RPMGlobal publishes no price, no licence model and no purchase route for TALPAC
  • TALPAC is sold in separate surface and underground versions rather than as one product
  • TALPAC covers haulage productivity only; scheduling and simulation require other RPMGlobal products such as XPAC and HAULSIM

Pricing, plan by plan

3DEC

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

RPMGlobal TALPAC

On request
  • TALPAC Planning$16000/year
    • Long-term planning
    • Scenario analysis
    • Economic evaluation
  • TALPAC Optimization$26000/year
    • Advanced optimization
    • Real-time scheduling
    • Fleet management

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 RPMGlobal TALPAC if

  • You need long-term planning.
  • You work on Windows.
  • You also want short-term scheduling.
RPMGlobal TALPAC review

Questions people ask

Is 3DEC or RPMGlobal TALPAC better?
Neither clearly leads. 3DEC starts at On request and RPMGlobal TALPAC at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, 3DEC or RPMGlobal TALPAC?
3DEC starts at On request and RPMGlobal TALPAC at On request.
Does 3DEC or RPMGlobal TALPAC run on more platforms?
3DEC runs on Windows, Linux. RPMGlobal TALPAC 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 RPMGlobal TALPAC is typically brought in for.
What can 3DEC do that RPMGlobal TALPAC cannot?
3DEC covers 3D distinct element analysis, Block motion tracking, Contact detection, Support design. RPMGlobal TALPAC covers Long-term planning, Short-term scheduling, Economic evaluation, Scenario analysis. Both handle Leapfrog, Vulcan, 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
Share

Related pages

More on 3DEC

More on RPMGlobal TALPAC

Keep looking

Other head to heads