NINE9 at TMTS 2026: Rethinking Cutting Tools Through Insert Innovation and Cost Efficiency

 

With rising material costs and increasing pressure on machining efficiency, NINE-9 Cutting Tools Co. Ltd (Jimmore International Corp.) is taking a different approach—one that challenges traditional tooling concepts.

 

At the Taiwan International Machine Tool Show (TMTS) 2026, the company highlighted its patented insert tooling systems, designed to deliver flexibility, repeatability, and lower overall cost.

 

In an interview with International Metalworking News for Asia, Ms. Vivian Yu, Sales & Marketing Director, Business Development & Distribution Management at NINE-9 Cutting, explained how the company is positioning itself in a market where both performance and cost control are becoming critical.

 

A System Built on Proprietary Design

Founded in 1994, NINE-9 has built its reputation on indexable insert tools—but with a twist.

 

“All our products are based on our own patented designs,” Ms. Yu explained. “From the insert geometry to the structure, everything is developed by us.”

 

Unlike conventional tooling systems, NINE-9’s inserts and holders are designed as a closed system, meaning they are not interchangeable with other brands.

 

“Our inserts only fit our holders, and our holders are designed specifically for our system,” she said.

 

This approach ensures performance consistency, while also allowing the company to control the entire tool design from the ground up.

 

A Shift Toward Minimum Cost Cutting

At TMTS 2026, NINE-9’s key message was clear: reduce tooling cost without compromising performance.

 

“Right now, carbide prices are very high and difficult to control,” Ms. Yu noted. “So, we are promoting a concept we call ‘minimum cost cutting.’”

 

Instead of using solid carbide tools, NINE-9 encourages manufacturers to switch to insert-based systems.

 

“You don’t need to buy the whole solid tool,” she explained. “You only replace the cutting edge—the insert—which can be around 10% of the cost.”

 

This approach not only lowers upfront cost but also reduces waste, making it increasingly attractive in today’s cost-sensitive environment.

 

Multi-Functionality for Greater Flexibility

Another key advantage of NINE-9’s system is its multi-functional design.

 

“One holder can support different inserts for different applications,” Ms. Yu said.

 

At the show, the company highlighted tools such as: insert-type corner radius end mills, and deep boring and chamfering tools.

 

These solutions allow users to perform multiple operations with a single tool system, reducing tool inventory and simplifying operations.

 

“Our concept is multifunctional tooling,” she added. “Customers can cover many applications with fewer tools.”

 

Time-Saving Through Simplicity

Beyond cost, ease of use is another major factor driving adoption.

 

“With insert tools, you just change the insert,” Ms. Yu explained. “You don’t need to reset the tool length like with solid tools.”

 

This simplifies operation and reduces reliance on highly skilled operators—an important consideration as labor shortages continue to affect the industry.

 

“It saves time, and it’s easier for operators,” she said.

 

Consistency and Repeatability

Maintaining consistent performance is critical in machining, and NINE-9 places strong emphasis on repeatability.

 

“Our inserts are precision-ground,” Ms. Yu noted. “Each cutting edge is controlled within tight tolerance.”

 

This ensures that when operators switch inserts, performance remains stable.

 

“When you change to a new cutting edge, the performance is the same,” she said.

 

Combined with effective chip evacuation and optimized geometry, the system also supports longer tool life.

 

Global Markets and Regional Growth

NINE9’s business is strongly export-oriented, with Europe as its largest market.

 

“Europe is our biggest market,” Ms. Yu shared, followed by the Americas and Asia.

 

Within Asia, Southeast Asia is emerging as a key growth region.

 

“Markets like Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and India are growing very fast,” she said. “We can see it clearly from our sales numbers.”

 

This growth is being driven by: expanding automotive and electronics industries, increasing foreign investment, and rising labor costs pushing automation and efficiency.

 

“In the past, we focused more on Japan and Korea,” Ms. Yu added. “But now the growth is really coming from Southeast Asia.”

 

Innovation Backed by Patents

A defining characteristic of NINE-9 is its commitment to innovation.

 

“Most of our products are patented,” Ms. Yu said. “And not only in Taiwan—we also have patents in the U.S. and Europe.”

 

These patents protect the company’s unique designs while reinforcing its positioning as a technology-driven manufacturer.

 

A Practical Solution for Today’s Market

As machining environments become more complex and cost pressures intensify, NINE-9’s approach offers a practical alternative.

 

By focusing on: insert-based systems, cost efficiency, multi-functionality, and ease of use the company is addressing some of the most pressing challenges faced by manufacturers today.

 

As Ms. Yu summed it up, “It’s about helping customers reduce cost, save time, and still maintain performance.”

 

In a market where efficiency is everything, that balance may be exactly what manufacturers are looking for.