Ashlar-Vellum Argon
What Ashlar-Vellum Argon is
Ashlar-Vellum Argon is paid, entry-level precision 3D modeling software for designers who want direct modeling without a parametric history. It runs on Windows and macOS and combines wireframe, solid, and surface modeling with rendering and camera animation. Its Organic Workflow lets users move between these approaches without changing modes or views. Argon includes assembly design, dynamic and associative dimensioning, 2D and 3D drawing, and surface analysis, but no sheet-metal tools. It supports 3D printing through STL export and lists many import and export formats, including ACIS SAT, PDF, DWG, DXF, IGES, STEP, Rhino 3DM, and Adobe Illustrator, with availability varying by format. A two-week trial is offered, although demo mode cannot save, print, or export before a code is issued. Subscriptions start at $37.95 a month, with a 375.00 USD annual option.
Who it suits
It suits designers seeking precision direct modeling on Windows or macOS without high-end professional packages. Assembly work, surface modeling, drafting, and 3D printing are supported.
What it does well
- Direct modeling without parametric history
- Wireframe, solid, and surface modeling
- Assembly design and surface analysis
- STL export for 3D printing
- Windows and macOS support
What to know first
- No sheet-metal tools
- No free plan
- Demo mode cannot save, print, or export
- Internet check required at least every 30 days
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Subscription | billed monthly · Commercial single-user electronic license · First and last month charged at inception · Major upgrades included | $37.95 a month |
| One-year Subscription | billed annually · Commercial single-user electronic license · Electronic download · Major upgrades included | $375 a year |
| Argon 1-year Subscription | US $375.00 per year · Commercial single-user license · electronic download · major upgrades included · no refunds | $375 a year |
| Argon Monthly Subscription | First / Last for US $75.90 on inception, then US $37.95/month · Commercial single-user license · electronic download · major upgrades included · cancel any time · no refunds | $37.95 a month |
As ashlar.com lists them, read 19 Sept 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Verdict
Argon combines several modeling methods, drafting, assembly design, and broad file-format support in a direct-modeling workflow. Buyers should account for its paid subscriptions, trial restrictions, absent sheet-metal tools, and periodic online license verification.
Facts from Ashlar-Vellum Argon's own pages
- 3D printing
- Argon supports 3D printing and can export models as STL. · ashlar.com, 7 Oct 2026
- Assembly design
- Yes · ashlar.com, 19 Sept 2026
- Drafting
- The feature list includes dynamic and associative dimensioning, 2D/3D drawing, and surface analysis. · ashlar.com, 7 Oct 2026
- File formats
- Listed import and export formats include ACIS SAT, PDF, DWG/DXF, IGES, STEP, STL, Rhino 3DM, and Adobe Illustrator; some formats are import-only or export-only. · ashlar.com, 7 Oct 2026
- Founded
- 1988 · ashlar.com, 19 Oct 2026
- Free plan
- No · ashlar.com, 19 Sept 2026
- Headquarters
- Austin, Texas, USA · ashlar.com, 19 Oct 2026
- Intended users
- Ashlar-Vellum describes Argon as an entry-level option for designers seeking precision 3D modeling without high-end professional packages. · ashlar.com, 7 Oct 2026
- License verification
- The maker says its anti-piracy software must access its server over the internet at least once every 30 days; an optional physical hardware key is available for users without ready internet access. · ashlar.com, 7 Oct 2026
- Modeling
- It combines wireframe, solid, and surface modeling with rendering and camera animation. · ashlar.com, 7 Oct 2026
- Modeling method
- direct · ashlar.com, 19 Sept 2026
- Purpose
- Argon is entry-level precision 3D modeling software intended for people who want to model without cumbersome parametric history. · ashlar.com, 7 Oct 2026
- Sheet-metal tools
- No · ashlar.com, 19 Sept 2026
- Support
- The maker lists customer service and support email addresses and provides phone support at +1 800 877-2745. · ashlar.com, 7 Oct 2026
- Supported platforms
- Windows and macOS · ashlar.com, 19 Sept 2026
- Surface modeling
- Yes · ashlar.com, 19 Sept 2026
- System requirements
- The feature page lists Windows 10/11 x64 and macOS 12 through 15 plus macOS 26, 2 GB RAM minimum, and a high-speed internet connection. · ashlar.com, 7 Oct 2026
- Trial
- The maker offers a two-week trial; after reviewing complete contact information it issues a two-week code, while incomplete information receives a two-day code. · ashlar.com, 7 Oct 2026
- Trial limits
- Before the trial code is issued, demo mode cannot save, print, or export. · ashlar.com, 7 Oct 2026
- Workflow
- Its Organic Workflow is a non-linear design process that lets users move among modeling approaches without changing modes or views. · ashlar.com, 7 Oct 2026
Where Ashlar-Vellum Argon stands on Freedom251
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