A transfer machine and system is disclosed which automatically performs a series of marking, cutting, sorting, and the like operations in the manufacture of a large number of test material samples. The transfer machine operates under the control of a card or tape reader which provides coded information such as marking indicia, pattern number and thickness of the material for each test sample. This information is encoded, temporarily stored and then shifted in a series of parallel shift registers in sequence with the corresponding test sample as it progresses through each stage of the transfer machine. The contents of the shift registers at each stage are decoded to provide the control signals for the corresponding marking, cutting, sorting, and similar operations. After the respective operations at each stage of the transfer machine have been completed, a coincidence signal is generated which causes the transfer machine to index thereby picking up a new test sample blank and discharging a completed test sample. Two lines of operation may progress simultaneously in which case a priority circuit is provided to direct new test sample blanks to whichever line has completed all operations at each respective stage in that line.