Full Speed Ahead
SDHQ Motorsport’s new Mitsubishi fiber laser is a linchpin of the Arizona company’s manufacturing capabilities.
Founded in 1999 as a super-duty specialty shop, SDHQ Motorsports now specializes in lifted trucks and performance upgrades for 4×4 trucks, SUVs and UTVs.
SDHQ Manager Brice Farrell said the company’s relationship with MC Machinery began in 2022 with the purchase of a Mitsubishi Diamond BB Series electric press brake. SDHQ added a new Mitsubishi GX-F ADVANCED Series 6kW fiber laser in 2024.
“From light mounts to skid plates to sliders to even electrical components, this laser’s got a hand in just about everything we make,” Farrell said.
Having products on the shelf and ready to ship same-day is a top priority, he said.
“With the speed and accuracy of this laser, we’re able to make that happen,” Farrell said.
Laser operator and programmer Izzy Calvario said the new Mitsubishi fiber laser is reliable and easy to use.
“The material goes in, the material comes out and the parts are easy to clean,” he said. “It’s a really solid machine.”
Production Manager Andrew Rinesmith said that in the past, training new operators on machines has been time consuming. That’s not the case with the new laser.
“It’s a very simple process to get a new person up and running and comfortable with the machine,” Rinesmith said.
After a three-day training program for five people, they were “up and running no problem,” he said.
The family-run company has 45 employees ranging in age from 18 to over 60, Farrell said.
“And we do have a range just about that big that will put their hands on the Mitsubishi laser,” he said.
Rinesmith said they no longer have to redo cuts, perform cleanups or outsource jobs.
“We’re able to do it all here and get it done ASAP,” he said.
They’re also cutting up to 30 times faster than they were with their plasma laser, he said.
“That’s all while maintaining an excellent quality in the parts,” Rinesmith said. “There’s no sacrifice.”
With the laser’s capability to cut materials up to one-inch thick, SDHQ can now prototype and make products that were previously out of reach.
“Here at SDHQ, we don’t only use our laser machine for our production parts, but also for custom work,” Farrell said.
Recently, a local construction company needed custom mounting brackets produced.
“With this new machine, we got over 500 pieces knocked out in under a week’s time,” Farrell said. “They’re now a lifelong customer.”
