Graphco’s CNC Technology Elevates Creativity at HMR Designs
SOLON, OH — September 22, 2025 — Graphco, the exclusive distributor of SD-Italy’s Augusta Hybrid CNC Routing & Cutting Solutions, is proud to announce the successful installation of an SD Augusta F150R Pro at HMR Designs, Chicago’s premier event design and production firm.
Inside HMR’s 175,000-square-foot creative studio, the Augusta F150R Pro is transforming event fabrication with its precision CNC routing and cutting capabilities. For over four decades, HMR has earned a national reputation for producing immersive, one-of-a-kind experiences—luxury weddings, high-profile galas, and both private and corporate celebrations—by blending custom fabrication, 3D installations, dramatic lighting, hi-res printing, floral artistry, and custom furniture design. “Aside from the food, we have our hands in basically anything that you can touch or see at the events we design,” says Robert Mertzlufft, Owner of HMR Designs.
Bringing More Production In-House
Driven by a relentless pursuit of originality, HMR sought to bring more of its fabrication process under one roof. “We were tired of the delays and costs of subcontracting things out,” explains Mertzlufft. “As our sales volume grew, it just made sense to invest in our own system. I thought, ‘How hard is it to run a CNC machine?’ When I saw how simple the SD Augusta machine was to operate at the ISA Expo in Orlando, I said we need to get our own machine.”
Today, the SD Augusta’s CNC technology is central to producing HMR’s signature décor—from bespoke tabletops and bar fronts to dramatic 3D installations. One standout application has been Augusta-cut lattice walls. “But it’s not your typical lattice,” Mertzlufft emphasizes. “These can be custom-built with ovals and circles to form backdrops up to 30 feet long and 20 feet tall. Layered lattice work gives them incredible depth.” This commitment to originality ensures that, as Mertzlufft puts it, “With us, you don’t have to worry about seeing another wedding years later with the same things. Yours will always be special.”
Versatility That Sets the Standard
Among the key reasons HMR selected the SD Augusta F150R Pro was its unmatched versatility. “What attracted us was its ability to cut all the materials we work with—fabrics, vinyls, foam core,” says Mertzlufft. Engineered to handle dense, hard-to-cut substrates up to six inches thick, the SD Augusta F150R Pro tackles a wide variety of jobs on a single platform without operator intervention. “Our art team used to cut gator board by hand. Now the machine does it much more quickly, accurately and efficiently.”
Speed, Precision, and Performance
The SD Augusta F150R Pro isn’t just flexible—it’s fast. Operating at more than 3,700 inches per minute (6.5 feet per second) with nearly 2G acceleration, the SD Augusta F150R Pro maximizes throughput without sacrificing accuracy. For HMR, outperforming subcontractors’ CNC services was a decisive factor, so the automation of having 25 different tools on-board is key. Yet even after installation, the system continues to impress. “At first, it actually seemed slower than the demos—but we quickly realized our operator wasn’t used to how fast this machine can run,” recalls Mertzlufft. “So we just keep learning how much faster you can push it.”
A Partnership in Creativity
Chris Manley, President of Graphco, sees the SD Augusta F150R Pro as a natural fit for HMR’s visionary team. “This system truly expands what’s possible—especially in the hands of the designers and artists at HMR. It’s always inspiring to partner with companies who use technology to push creative boundaries and bring their ideas to life.”