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1988

Entrepreneur Lloyd Everard and engineer Bill Wridge, team up to develop their original concept of a Computerized Mat Cutter (CMC). The first CMC is created and successfully deployed in Everard’s matboard company, U.S. Mat.

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1994

Wizard International, Inc. is founded by Everard and Wridge to make CMCs available to independent retail framers. Wizard introduces the CMC Model 5000, and a CMC Rental Program revolutionizes the custom picture framing industry.

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1997

The first CMC is introduced in Germany. Wizard places its 1000th CMC Model 5000 into service.

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1998

The Wizard CMC Purchase Program is introduced for customers who wish to buy their equipment.

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1999

Wizard’s early MatDesigner™ software is released, and the first CMC is introduced in Australia.

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2002

Brian Wolf, CPF, GCF joins Wizard as an “Artistic Ambassador” and establishes Wizard’s educational programs for custom picture framers. Wizard celebrates the placement of its 3000th CMC Model 5000 into service.

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2003

The Wizard CMC Model 8000 has its debut, and Wizard of Europe is officially opened as a sister company and distributor in Germany.

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2004

Wizard places its 1000th CMC Model 8000 into service.

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2005

The Wizard CMC Model 8500 is introduced, and Wizard’s Integrated Framer® Visualization software is released.

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2006

Wizard acquires the Eclipse™ CMC manufacturing company and offers ongoing technical support for Eclipse customers.

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2007

The Wizard CMC Model 8500e is introduced, and the decorative Debossing Kit is released.

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2008

The Wizard CMC Model 8500e SBT with SwitchBlade™ Technology is introduced. Integrated Framer® Retail Management software is released, as well as the CutArt™ Volume 1 library.

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2010

The Wizard CMC Model 9000 is introduced, featuring added cartridges and design tools like the Pen Kit.

2014

The Wizard Pneumatic Material Cutter (PMC) is introduced, and later renamed the Wizard AirGlide™ air-powered multi-material cutter.

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2015

Wizard releases its newest custom mat design software suite: FrameShop™ Design, Visualize, and Cut.

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2016

Wizard's limited edition production-optimized CMCs, the Eclipse and Eclipse Duo, are introduced with full vacuum table and high-volume cutting speeds.

2017

The CMC Model Z (9000z) makes its debut, featuring a new zero-waste SmartClamps™ board designed to facilitate edge-to-edge cutting and eliminate waste created by traditional bar clamping systems.

 
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2018

Wizard introduces a revamped brand with a whole new look for the company and its entire product line. Wizard also launches a CMC maintenance & support coverage program called Premium Service Plans, offering three affordable subscription tiers: Basic, Essential and Ultimate.

 
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2019

Wizard celebrates 25 years in business and over 10,000 CMCs placed into service by creating a one-of-a-kind “Silver Anniversary Special Edition” of the Wizard Z that was given away to a lucky customer during an anniversary party hosted at WCAF Expo in Las Vegas.

 
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2020

Wizard University officially launches along with the introduction of the next generation cutter: the CMC Model Z1, which loses the signature chrome depth adjustment dial in favor of automated digital depth control plus auto-homing and our innovative collision detection & avoidance system.

 

2022

Wizard’s user-friendly FrameShop™ 7 is released, featuring significant enhancements such as automated software updates and streamlined file navigation. A new vectorization feature in Trace is introduced, ensuring top-notch cutting quality and precision, plus hassle-free image importation for Pen and Debossing.

2023

Digital Content is launched for FrameShop™ 7, featuring unique CutArt™, LetterMat™ Fonts, Jersey designs and other ready-made template packages available for purchase in the Wizard Webstore.

2024

Wizard celebrates 30 years of products designed, built, and supported in the USA.

Building on the popularity of the CMC Model 8000 which blended affordability, ease-of-use, and reliability, Wizard introduces a newly designed Certified Factory Refurbished CMC Model 8000+ with additional capabilities.