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Mining · head to head

3DEC vs RPMGlobal XPAC

3

3DEC

Mining

3D distinct element code for underground mining

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
RPMGlobal XPAC logo

RPMGlobal XPAC

Mining

Production scheduling and planning optimization

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 XPAC rPMGlobal publishes no price, no licence model and no purchase route for XPAC; the software pages carry no cost information at all
  • They diverge on capability: 3DEC covers 3D distinct element analysis, RPMGlobal XPAC covers Production scheduling.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where 3DEC and RPMGlobal XPAC differ
Attribute3DECRPMGlobal XPAC
PlatformsWindows, LinuxWindows, Web
Founded19811995

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
  • Leapfrog
  • Python

Only in RPMGlobal XPAC

  • Production scheduling
  • Resource allocation
  • Constraint optimization
  • Multi-scenario planning
  • Real-time updates
  • MineSched
  • Whittle
  • ERP systems

Both cover

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

RPMGlobal XPAC

  • Midterm and strategic mine production schedulingnot 3DEC
  • Building life of mine schedules from geological and mine design datanot 3DEC
  • Comparing scheduling scenarios for open cut and underground operationsnot 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 XPAC

  • RPMGlobal publishes no price, no licence model and no purchase route for XPAC; the software pages carry no cost information at all
  • XPAC is one of roughly 40 separate RPMGlobal products, so scheduling, simulation and asset management are separate purchases
  • Obtaining any pricing requires contacting the vendor through a contact or support form

Pricing, plan by plan

3DEC

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

RPMGlobal XPAC

On request
  • XPAC Standard$21000/year
    • Production scheduling
    • Resource optimization
    • Constraint 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 XPAC if

  • You need production scheduling.
  • You work on Windows, Web.
  • You also want resource allocation.
RPMGlobal XPAC review

Questions people ask

Is 3DEC or RPMGlobal XPAC better?
Neither clearly leads. 3DEC starts at On request and RPMGlobal XPAC at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, 3DEC or RPMGlobal XPAC?
3DEC starts at On request and RPMGlobal XPAC at On request.
Does 3DEC or RPMGlobal XPAC run on more platforms?
3DEC runs on Windows, Linux. RPMGlobal XPAC runs on Windows, Web.
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 XPAC is typically brought in for.
What can 3DEC do that RPMGlobal XPAC cannot?
3DEC covers 3D distinct element analysis, Block motion tracking, Contact detection, Support design. RPMGlobal XPAC covers Production scheduling, Resource allocation, Constraint optimization, Multi-scenario planning. Both handle 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
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