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Mining · head to head

FLAC3D vs RPMGlobal XPAC

F

FLAC3D

Mining

3D finite difference software for geotechnical engineering

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: FLAC3D the FLAC3D product page publishes no price and routes buyers to a quote request or an external software store; 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: FLAC3D covers 3D finite difference modeling, RPMGlobal XPAC covers Production scheduling.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which FLAC3D and RPMGlobal XPAC actually diverge.

Attributes where FLAC3D and RPMGlobal XPAC differ
AttributeFLAC3DRPMGlobal 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 FLAC3D

  • 3D finite difference modeling
  • Stress-strain analysis
  • Dynamic analysis
  • Coupled flow analysis
  • Mining-specific features
  • GeoStudio
  • AutoCAD
  • Leapfrog

Only in RPMGlobal XPAC

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

Both cover

  • 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 RPMGlobal XPAC
  • Analysing underground excavation and mine stability including cavingnot RPMGlobal XPAC
  • Coupled thermal, dynamic and creep analysis of geotechnical structuresnot RPMGlobal XPAC

RPMGlobal XPAC

  • Midterm and strategic mine production schedulingnot FLAC3D
  • Building life of mine schedules from geological and mine design datanot FLAC3D
  • Comparing scheduling scenarios for open cut and underground operationsnot 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

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

FLAC3D

On request
  • FLAC3D Professional$22000/year
    • 3D finite difference analysis
    • Slope stability
    • Mine design

RPMGlobal XPAC

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

Which should you pick?

Choose FLAC3D if

  • You need 3d finite difference modeling.
  • You work on Windows, Linux.
  • You also want stress-strain analysis.
FLAC3D 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 FLAC3D or RPMGlobal XPAC better?
Neither clearly leads. FLAC3D 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, FLAC3D or RPMGlobal XPAC?
FLAC3D starts at On request and RPMGlobal XPAC at On request.
Does FLAC3D or RPMGlobal XPAC run on more platforms?
FLAC3D runs on Windows, Linux. RPMGlobal XPAC runs on Windows, Web.
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 RPMGlobal XPAC is typically brought in for.
What can FLAC3D do that RPMGlobal XPAC cannot?
FLAC3D covers 3D finite difference modeling, Stress-strain analysis, Dynamic analysis, Coupled flow analysis. RPMGlobal XPAC covers Production scheduling, Resource allocation, Constraint optimization, Multi-scenario planning. Both handle Windows support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

FLAC3D: What licensing models does FLAC3D offer?

FLAC3D offers perpetual licenses (one-time purchase) and subscription licenses (recurring payments). Web-based license management allows central organizational control.

Source
FLAC3D: Can I run multiple instances of FLAC3D with one license?

Yes. FLAC3D licenses allow two instances to run simultaneously on the same computer.

Source
FLAC3D: How do I get a free trial or demo of FLAC3D?

FLAC3D offers a free software demo download. Visitors can request the demo through the product page or contact the company directly.

Source
FLAC3D: What is the pricing for FLAC3D?

Specific pricing is not listed on the product page. Users must request a quote through the 'REQUEST A QUOTE' button or purchase through the FastSpring payment processor.

Source
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