Mining & Resources · head to head
FLAC3D vs Hexagon PPM Mining
FLAC3D
Mining & Resources
3D finite difference software for geotechnical engineering
- From
- On request
- Rated
- -

Hexagon PPM Mining
Mining & Resources
Enterprise asset management for mining operations
- From
- On request
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Each has a real cost: FLAC3D the FLAC3D product page publishes no price and routes buyers to a quote request or an external software store; Hexagon PPM Mining pricing is custom and not publicly transparent, requiring direct negotiation with sales teams
- They diverge on capability: FLAC3D covers 3D finite difference modeling, Hexagon PPM Mining covers Asset lifecycle management.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which FLAC3D and Hexagon PPM Mining actually diverge.
| Attribute | FLAC3D | Hexagon PPM Mining |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | Windows, Linux | Windows, Cloud |
| Founded | 1981 | 1975 |
Identical on both: starting price (On request), pricing model (subscription), free tier (No), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Mining & Resources).
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 FLAC3D
- 3D finite difference modeling
- Stress-strain analysis
- Dynamic analysis
- Coupled flow analysis
- Mining-specific features
- GeoStudio
- Leapfrog
- Python scripting
Only in Hexagon PPM Mining
- Asset lifecycle management
- 3D plant visualization
- Document management
- Work order management
- Reliability analytics
- Mobile inspections
- SAP
- Oracle
Both cover
- AutoCAD
- Windows support
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
FLAC3D
- Three dimensional continuum modelling of soil and rock behaviournot Hexagon PPM Mining
- Analysing underground excavation and mine stability including cavingnot Hexagon PPM Mining
- Coupled thermal, dynamic and creep analysis of geotechnical structuresnot Hexagon PPM Mining
Hexagon PPM Mining
- Asset lifecycle managementnot FLAC3D
- Maintenance optimizationnot FLAC3D
- Document controlnot FLAC3D
- Work managementnot FLAC3D
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
FLAC3D
- The FLAC3D product page publishes no price and routes buyers to a quote request or an external software store
- Advanced capabilities including Dynamics, Thermal, Creep and IMASS are optional modules sold separately from the base licence
- Licence portability depends on a physical USB key or a web licence managed centrally, rather than a simple sign in
- One licence permits only two simultaneous instances on the same computer
Hexagon PPM Mining
- Pricing is custom and not publicly transparent, requiring direct negotiation with sales teams
- Block model management traditionally lacked version control and audit trails, though the new Block Model Manager addresses this
- Manual configuration of pit optimization scenarios is time-consuming and limits the ability to evaluate multiple scenarios quickly
- Implementation and adoption require significant training due to the breadth of modules and complex workflows
Pricing, plan by plan
FLAC3D
On request- FLAC3D Professional$22000/year
- 3D finite difference analysis
- Slope stability
- Mine design
Hexagon PPM Mining
On request- Hexagon PPM Standard$undefined/month
- Asset management
- Document control
- 3D visualization
- Hexagon PPM Enterprise$undefined/month
- All Standard
- Enterprise integration
- Advanced analytics
Which should you pick?
Choose FLAC3D if
- You need 3d finite difference modeling.
- You work on Windows, Linux.
- You also want stress-strain analysis.
Choose Hexagon PPM Mining if
- You need asset lifecycle management.
- You work on Windows, Cloud.
- You also want 3d plant visualization.
Questions people ask
- Is FLAC3D or Hexagon PPM Mining better?
- Neither clearly leads. FLAC3D starts at On request and Hexagon PPM Mining at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, FLAC3D or Hexagon PPM Mining?
- FLAC3D starts at On request and Hexagon PPM Mining at On request.
- Does FLAC3D or Hexagon PPM Mining run on more platforms?
- FLAC3D runs on Windows, Linux. Hexagon PPM Mining runs on Windows, Cloud.
- What is FLAC3D best used for?
- FLAC3D is most often used for three dimensional continuum modelling of soil and rock behaviour, analysing underground excavation and mine stability including caving, coupled thermal, dynamic and creep analysis of geotechnical structures. Of those, three dimensional continuum modelling of soil and rock behaviour and analysing underground excavation and mine stability including caving are not what Hexagon PPM Mining is typically brought in for.
- What can FLAC3D do that Hexagon PPM Mining cannot?
- FLAC3D covers 3D finite difference modeling, Stress-strain analysis, Dynamic analysis, Coupled flow analysis. Hexagon PPM Mining covers Asset lifecycle management, 3D plant visualization, Document management, Work order management. Both handle AutoCAD, Windows support.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
Hexagon PPM Mining: What does Hexagon MinePlan do?
Hexagon MinePlan is an integrated mine planning platform that handles 3D modeling, geological interpretation, block modeling, resource estimation, pit optimization, mine design, and scheduling for open pit and underground mines.
SourceHexagon PPM Mining: Does Hexagon MinePlan have APIs for integration?
Yes. The Block Model Manager includes APIs for custom analytics and seamless integration with other mining software like Datamine and Vulcan, eliminating manual import/export of block model data.
SourceHexagon PPM Mining: How much does Hexagon MinePlan cost?
Hexagon does not publicly list pricing. Costs are customized based on selected modules (geological modeling, pit optimization, scheduling, etc.), mine size and complexity, and support requirements. Licensing can be perpetual or subscription-based.
SourceHexagon PPM Mining: What platforms does Hexagon MinePlan run on?
Hexagon MinePlan runs on Windows operating systems and supports cloud deployment options through Hexagon's cloud infrastructure.
SourceHexagon PPM Mining: Does Hexagon MinePlan offer training and support?
Yes. Hexagon provides comprehensive training programs, documentation, and customer support services for MinePlan users, with training resources available through their support portal.
SourceRelated pages
More on Hexagon PPM Mining
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