Nine9 I-Center – Precision Spotting & Chamfering in One Operation

by Bernard Martin

If you're CNC machining you already know that every saved second counts—especially when it comes to setup and cycle times. That’s where the Nine9 i-Center Drill System, available through Factory Tooling Solutions, sets itself apart. Engineered for high-speed CNC environments, the i-Center combines spotting, chamfering, and centering into a single tool, drastically reducing tool changes and setup complexity.

What Makes the I-Center, the World’s First Indexable Center Drill, Unique?
The i-Center is truly new patented innovation. Developed by Nine9, the i-Center holds the distinction of being the first indexable carbide center drill in the world. The tool's trademark design allows shops to replace inserts without regrinding or resetting tool lengths—saving significant time and improving repeatability.

Unlike traditional center drills or spot drills that require slower feed rates and specialized geometries, the Nine9  i-Center is designed to run at the same feed rates and speeds as your standard twist drills. That means no dwell time, no chip welding, and no additional spotting cycle—just accurate, efficient centering with clean chamfered edges.

Key Features & Benefits

• Patented Insert Geometry - The i-Center insert features a unique cutting edge geometry that delivers consistent 90° or 120° spotting and chamfering with excellent surface finish.
• Indexable Inserts - No need to regrind or reset your tools. Replaceable inserts ensure consistent performance and minimize downtime.
  
• Rigid Clamping System - The insert is mounted in a robust steel or carbide holder, ensuring high rigidity even under aggressive feed rates.
• Wide Range of Applications - Ideal for steel, stainless steel, cast iron, aluminum, titanium, and other difficult materials.
• Precision Centering - Delivers exceptional accuracy even on inclined or curved surfaces.

Precision Engineering for Demanding Applications

• Pilot Diameters: Available from Ø1mm to Ø10mm (0.039" to 0.394")
• Form Options: 4 geometries are available:
  • DIN 332 Form A
  • DIN 332 Form A+B
  • DIN 332 Form R
  • ANSI 60°
• High Accuracy:
  • Radial repeatability: ±0.02mm (0.0008")
  • Axial positional accuracy: ±0.05mm (0.002")

Tool Life, Accuracy & Coolant Delivery
The i-Center delivers more than just a precise start—it delivers productivity. With high-pressure coolant routed directly through the center of the toolholder to the insert tip, you get enhanced chip evacuation, better cooling at the cut, and longer tool life even in tough materials.

Plus, thanks to the rigid clamping system and consistent insert positioning, there’s no need to reset tool length after an insert change. That means faster changeovers and less machine downtime.

One Tool – Multiple Operations
With a standard center drill, you're often limited by tool wear, inconsistent lengths, and added tool changes. The i-Center takes all that hassle off the table. Whether you’re prepping a hole for a twist drill or chamfering before tapping, this system allows you to:

• Spot
• Center
• Chamfer
• Deburr

—all with a single tool and repeatable performance.

Real-World Efficiency
In the demo video below, the Nine9 i-Center performs rapid spotting on hardened materials without the need for slowing the spindle or retracting between cycles. This translates to:

• Faster part-to-part changeovers
• Better alignment for deep hole drilling
• Extended insert life due to optimized cutting angles

Available Tooling Options
The i-Center system includes:

• Insert types for 90° and 120° spotting
  
• Toolholders available in straight shank or modular configurations
• Coated insert options for extended life in abrasive materials

Optimize Your Toolpath
Whether you’re working in aerospace, mold & die, medical, or general machining, the Nine9 i-Center helps improve productivity, reduce tool inventory, and ensure repeatable precision with fewer setups. It’s the ideal solution for any shop looking to streamline its drilling process without compromising quality.

Ready to streamline your spotting and chamfering operations? Ask Factory Tooling Solutions how the Nine9 i-Center can save time, reduce tool changes, and improve hole quality—right from the first operation.