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Mining · head to head

FLAC3D vs Hexagon PPM Mining

F

FLAC3D

Mining

3D finite difference software for geotechnical engineering

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Hexagon PPM Mining logo

Hexagon PPM Mining

Mining

Enterprise asset management for mining operations

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; 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.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which FLAC3D and Hexagon PPM Mining actually diverge.

Attributes where FLAC3D and Hexagon PPM Mining differ
AttributeFLAC3DHexagon PPM Mining
PlatformsWindows, LinuxWindows, Cloud
Founded19811975

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
  • 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.
FLAC3D review

Choose Hexagon PPM Mining if

  • You need asset lifecycle management.
  • You work on Windows, Cloud.
  • You also want 3d plant visualization.
Hexagon PPM Mining review

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

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
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.

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
Hexagon 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.

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
Hexagon 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.

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
Hexagon 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.

Source
Hexagon 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.

Source
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