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Mining · head to head

3DEC vs Tinkercad

3

3DEC

Mining

3D distinct element code for underground mining

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Tinkercad logo

Tinkercad

CAD

Free browser-based 3D design, electronics, and coding tool by Autodesk

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Tinkercad has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: 3DEC pricing is not published; licences are quoted, with subscription and perpetual options; Tinkercad limited to simple block-based modeling, unsuitable for complex or precise mechanical CAD work.
  • They diverge on capability: 3DEC covers 3D distinct element analysis, Tinkercad covers Block-Based 3D Modeling.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where 3DEC and Tinkercad differ
Attribute3DECTinkercad
Starting priceOn requestFree
Pricing modelsubscriptionfree
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsWindows, Linuxweb
CategoryMiningCAD
Founded1981Unknown

Identical on both: 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 Tinkercad

  • Block-Based 3D Modeling
  • Circuit Simulator
  • Codeblocks Programming
  • 3D Printing Export
  • Classroom Management

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

Tinkercad

  • Teaching introductory 3D design in classroomsnot 3DEC
  • Simulating basic electronic circuitsnot 3DEC
  • Designing simple objects for 3D printingnot 3DEC
  • Introducing kids to block-based codingnot 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

Tinkercad

  • Limited to simple block-based modeling, unsuitable for complex or precise mechanical CAD work.
  • Lacks advanced surfacing, parametric assembly, and simulation tools found in professional CAD software like Fusion 360.
  • Requires an internet connection since it runs entirely in the browser with no offline desktop app.
  • Export and rendering options are basic compared to dedicated 3D modeling or CAD applications.

Pricing, plan by plan

3DEC

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

Tinkercad

Free
  • Free$undefined/mo
    • 3D design
    • Circuits simulation
    • Codeblocks

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 Tinkercad if

  • You need block-based 3d modeling.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on web.
  • You also want circuit simulator.
Tinkercad review

Questions people ask

Is 3DEC or Tinkercad better?
Neither clearly leads. 3DEC starts at On request and Tinkercad at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, 3DEC or Tinkercad?
Tinkercad has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at On request for 3DEC and Free for Tinkercad.
Does 3DEC or Tinkercad run on more platforms?
3DEC runs on Windows, Linux. Tinkercad runs on web.
Can I use Tinkercad for free?
Yes. Tinkercad 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 Tinkercad is typically brought in for.
What can 3DEC do that Tinkercad cannot?
3DEC covers 3D distinct element analysis, Block motion tracking, Contact detection, Support design. Tinkercad covers Block-Based 3D Modeling, Circuit Simulator, Codeblocks Programming, 3D Printing Export.

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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