Menu Fattorini Onwards & upwards 1980 About us … Computers OMG.. When attending a trade fair in New York in 1980, Thomas Fattorini became aware of a new ‘computer controlled’ engraving machine, developed by a company called Dahlgren Inc based in San Francisco, USA . At this time the only method of neatly engraving name badges was using a pantograph. Although accurate, pantographs took a long time to set up and to engrave a single badge. At some risk, he ordered two engraving machines for the company at the fair (serial numbers 7 and 37). These well engineered elegant machines were a fantastic break-through for engraving personalised name badges – making them instantly affordable. The rest is history … These machines were programmed using a Radio Shack TRS-80 computer (Pre Microsoft PCs) with 16K of RAM, a control unit, and engraving table with a 6″ x 8″ working range and a basic cassette tape player to load up the programs. Will Dahlgren, the pioneering engineer who designed these amazing machines was also known as known as the “father of computerized engraving.” What a dude! Related Pages 2019 The coin toss 2018 Cockerel 2018 IAAF Birmingham 2017 Eco? 2014 Royal Visit 2012 Olympics 2011 Badge in space 2008 Royal Warrant 2002 Project Diamond 1990 Yorkshire Day 1980 Computers OMG 1980 Arabian delight 1977 Diary 21st Nov 1975 Chancery 1974 First telex 1972 Tutankhamun 1964 New badge born 1941 Blitz 1939 Time capsule 1938 Deportment 1937 Churchill 1930 Skipton Shop V3 1927 Trafalgar Works 1927 Centenary 1915 Season's greetings 1912 Wake Up! 1895 Skipton Shop V2 1868 Skipton Shop V1 1826 Antonio 2021 Thomas Fattorini Ltd. LONDON - MANCHESTER - BIRMINGHAM . UK Registered in England No. 153351. Reg. Office: Skipton Castle, Skipton, N. Yorkshire, England BD23 1AW.