Graphco, the exclusive distributor of SD-Italy’s Augusta Hybrid CNC routing and cutting solutions, has announced the successful installation of an SD Augusta F150R Pro at HMR Designs. The system is now operational in HMR’s 100,000-plus-square-foot creative studio, where it is expanding the company’s in-house production capabilities.

HMR Designs has built a national reputation over more than four decades for producing immersive, one-of-a-kind environments, spanning luxury weddings, large-scale galas, and corporate celebrations. The company combines custom fabrication, three-dimensional installations, lighting, large-format printing, florals, and bespoke furniture to create cohesive event experiences. “Aside from the food, we have our hands in basically anything that you can touch or see at the events we design,” said owner Robert Mertzlufft.

The decision to invest in the SD Augusta F150R Pro was driven by a desire to reduce reliance on subcontractors and gain greater control over timelines and costs. As volumes increased, outsourcing fabrication became a bottleneck. After seeing the system demonstrated at the ISA Expo in Orlando, Mertzlufft said the ease of operation and production potential made the investment an obvious next step.

Since installation, the SD Augusta has become central to producing HMR’s signature décor elements, including custom tabletops, bar fronts, and complex three-dimensional structures. One standout application has been large-scale lattice walls cut on the system. Rather than a traditional lattice, HMR produces custom designs with ovals and circular elements that can form backdrops up to 30 feet long and 20 feet tall. Layered constructions add depth and visual impact, reinforcing HMR’s commitment to originality and exclusivity.

Versatility was a key factor in selecting the Augusta F150R Pro. The system can process a wide range of materials used in event fabrication, including fabrics, vinyls, foam core, and dense substrates up to six inches thick. Tasks that were once cut by hand, such as gator board, are now produced faster and with greater accuracy, freeing creative teams to focus on design rather than manual labor.

Speed and automation also play a significant role. The SD Augusta F150R Pro operates at speeds exceeding 3,700 inches per minute with nearly 2G acceleration, while carrying up to 25 tools on board. For HMR, outperforming outsourced CNC services was critical, and the system’s performance continues to reveal new productivity gains as operators become more familiar with its capabilities.

Chris Manley, President of Graphco, said the installation highlights how advanced CNC technology can unlock creative potential. He noted that the SD Augusta F150R Pro is particularly powerful in environments where designers and fabricators collaborate closely, using precision tools to push creative boundaries and deliver distinctive results.

For HMR Designs, the addition of the SD Augusta F150R Pro represents more than a production upgrade. It marks a strategic shift toward greater independence, faster turnaround, and the ability to transform ambitious creative concepts into physical reality under one roof.