- Fixed-Bugs List, click here. 
- For update ordering info, click HERE 

32 Bit Operating System... 
This new version of Artisan has been ported to a 32 bit operating environment. The software is shipped with a "DOS extender" which converts standard DOS to 32 bit DOS.  There are many 
advantages to this which aren't visible on the surface, but provide more robust operations. 

Large file size editing...and New Restart Mode 
Artisan 4.0 can now edit up to 32mb files.  Especially useful for toolpath verification of large files.  This version also allows Re-starting from the editor on large G-code programs. 

Tool Offset "Hot Key"... 
Now you can transfer tool length data from the main screen counters, eliminating the need to type in the tool length information by hand!  In milling mode, simply press Ctrl-F6 (pos.), or Shift-F6 (neg.).  In turning mode, pressing Ctrl-F6 will insert the Z and X axis tool offset values. 

Thread-Chamfering... 
When Thread Chamfering is turned on and configured (via  Alt^S, Option 8, Option 7) the X-axis is retracted from the thread at a position in the Z-axis that is defined in the configuration. 
This "pull out" action will prevent a ring from being cut at the end of the thread section. The chamfering function can be enabled, and disable from within a G-code program by setting system variable 
#3851. #3851=0, will disable the function. #3851=1.0, will enable the function. 

Alternate Part Program Extension... 
Now you can assign a default toolpath file extension other than AGC.  This option is found in Main Setup Menu (Alt-S), followed by "6" (Tool Path File Setup), then "L" (Misc. Tool Path Options). Option "1" allows a default extension other than AGC. If AGC is the desired extension, leave blank. 

Exec-Counter on Main Screen... 
The Exec Counter counts the number of times a G-Code file repeats when using an M31.  The Exec Counter can be accessed within a program by using system variable #3750.  A typical use  would be to stop a program after a certain number of cycle counts, making looping very easy. 

G-Code Block Display in Restart Window... 
When FeedHold or Esc is used to pause the program, the block of code being executed will display in the restart window. This is especially useful when starting (or restarting) from the editor. 

Distance-To-Go Counters in Restart Window... 
If FeedHold or the Esc key are used to pause a program mid-move, the remaining distance of that move is displayed in the restart window. 

Tool Length Compensation... 
Artisan Software now supports 2 methods of using tool length comp.  One is the Fanuc compatible method. The other does not require different compensation data for the use of G43 vs G44. 

Tool Data Window... 
The Tool Data window can now be opened from the main screen by pressing Alt-T. 

DRO in Tool Size Window... 
The axis positions will be displayed in the Tool Size window for reference when setting tool offsets. 

Subroutine Repeat Parameter "L"... 
This parameter is used with an M98 subroutine call, and is used to allow the subroutine to execute repeatedly a specified number of times. Example: "M98 P0001 L10". 

Using M99L'X' to set the "L" repetition counter... 
In a subroutine, "M99L'X' " will set the repetition count to the value of X.  This is mainly useful for setting L to zero, and that setting L to anything other than zero or one will result in an infinite loop. 

Use of M99 code to restart program execution... 
When an M99 is invoked in a mainline program, control is returned to the beginning of program. 

Use of M99 code to transfer to a specified block... 
When M99 is invoked with a target block (i.e. M99 P0030), control is passed to that block. (Block numbers must be unique, i.e. main program and subroutine should not both have a block N0100). 

Spaces no longer significant in call to subroutine... 
A subroutine can be invoked by either of the following: "M98 P10", or "M98P10". 

Use of the colon (:) for Subroutine Declaration implemented... 
A subroutine may now be declared using either of "O1000", or ":1000".  Note that Ah-ha! now supports subroutine declaration according to either the EIA or ISO standards 

Leading zeros no longer required in a Subroutine Call... 
A subroutine declared as either ":0010" or "O0010" can now be called by either of "M98 P0010" or M98 P10". Note however, that the call using leading zeros is faster.