This paper deals with the design and implementation of an open architecture CNC system for Wire-EDM, with a consideration of the difference between Wire-EDM and NC cutting machines. Recent open architecture controller(OAC) related research results could be applied to directly access Wire-EDM systems at the CNC level. However, previous research about OAC is mostly aimed at NC cutting machines such as milling or lathes, and hence these results are inadequate to apply to Wire-EDM. To close the gap between previous general research on OAC and Wire-EDM specific needs, an open architecture NC model for Wire-EDM composed of a synchronization kernel and a NC functional module is proposed. Based on the control information flow and Wire-EDM specific machining process, the conceptual CNC model and the detailed implementation model for Wire-EDM is suggested.