In the world of CNC machining, accuracy isn’t a luxury—it’s a requirement. Whether you're drilling for aerospace components or high-tolerance automotive parts, the quality of your hole location can make or break your process. That’s where the ACE Spot Drill from Nine9 steps in as a game-changer.
What Is the ACE Spot Drill?
The ACE Spot Drill is a high-performance, indexable spotting tool designed for precision hole location, countersinking, and drilling preparation. Unlike traditional solid carbide spot drills, ACE uses replaceable carbide inserts—meaning you get exceptional tool life and accuracy while significantly cutting down on material waste and tool replacement costs.
With three available angles—90°, 120°, and 142°—the ACE Spot Drill is engineered to match a wide range of drill geometries and applications.
Why Spot Drilling Matters
Before we dive into the ACE's advantages, let’s review why spot drilling is critical. Spotting creates a shallow, centered starting point that guides your main drill bit. Without this step, especially on round or angled surfaces, drills can “walk” off-center—leading to poor tolerances, rework, and even scrapped parts.
The ACE Spot Drill ensures:
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Improved hole location accuracy
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Less tool deflection
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Better tool life for subsequent drills
Key Features That Set ACE Apart
1. Indexable Inserts for Smart Cost Savings
ACE uses small carbide inserts instead of solid tools. Each insert has two cutting edges, allowing you to rotate once it wears out—doubling your tool usage before needing a replacement. That’s less carbide waste, lower tooling costs, and more uptime.
2. Internal Coolant Channels
The toolholder is designed with internal coolant delivery, essential for chip evacuation and heat control—especially in high-speed applications or deep hole spotting.
3. Dual-Point Angle Design
The insert tip has a dual-point geometry that reinforces the center, minimizing chipping and boosting rigidity. This allows you to run higher feed rates without compromising hole quality.
4. Compatibility Across Materials
Choose from three insert grades:
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NC2057: Versatile grade for alloy steels and cast iron (with TiAlN+TiSiN coating)
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NC5254: Ideal for stainless steel applications
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XP9000: Ultra-sharp and polished edge for aluminum, brass, copper, and other non-ferrous metals
Each insert is CNC-ground, offering tight tolerances and repeatability within ±0.02mm.
Real-World Results: Why ACE Is an Operator’s Favourite
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Cycle time reduced: Operators report faster drilling speeds due to the symmetric 2-flute design that reduces lateral force.
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No tool length resetting: Swapping inserts doesn’t require re-zeroing, saving setup time.
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Surface finish upgrade: The precision-ground inserts leave a burr-free, smooth surface ready for the next process.
ACE Spot Drill in Action
Let’s say you’re machining a 6061 aluminum part with a 135° high-performance drill. You can pair that with a 142° ACE Spot Drill insert to ensure the center of the drill contacts the part first—eliminating walk and ensuring optimal alignment.
Or, in tougher materials like stainless steel, use the 120° insert in NC5254. The insert’s geometry allows for aggressive feeds without sacrificing accuracy.
