NEE were tasked with developing a replacement open architecture high performance machine controller and Windows compatible engraving software with support for True Type fonts.

The main aims of the new control system were to:

• Achieve the highest machine productivity and part quality possible
  
  
• Support true type fonts directly and engrave them as fast as possible
  
  
• To remove operation delays
  
  
• To make operating the engraving machine as simple and error free as possible so that it could be done by unskilled people
  
  
• Give smooth quiet machine motion and small movement resolution - uses Micro-stepping stepper drives
  
  
• Provide 2 ½ D and 3D operation
  
  
• To support 8 tools with 'real time' tool length and diameter offsets
  
  
• To be supplied in a compact single enclosure
  
  
• Operate from 115 and 230vac operation
  
  

The main aims of the new control software were:

• be based on a Windows platform
  
  
• be graphical - WYSIWYG
  
  
• enable users to be as productive as possible by minimising the keystrokes and stages needed to produce engraved plates
  
  
• offer all the engraving features required by professional engravers including, auto layout, manual layout, variable text, serial numbering, arced text, columnising, dials and scales, multiple font support, job matrix, job costing, on line help.
  
  
• provide a large number of high quality engraving fonts
  
  
• enable fonts to be created and modified
  
  
• enable graphics to be imported, graphically and numerically edited and optimised to maximise machine productivity
  
  

The AMC machine controller and associated engraving software that was developed met all the design criteria.

The new system was benchmark tested against it's competitors and proved to be from 40 to 100% more productive without sacrificing quality. The new system began shipping in the early 1990's. More than 2000 have been sold and it is still setting the industry performance benchmark.