Brother Industries Vertical Machining Centers (VMC)

Brother TC-22A

Est. $12,000 - $35,000 (used) Updated 2026-10-03

Key Specifications

Spindle Taper

BT30

Table Size

400 x 300 mm (15.7 x 11.8 in)

Rapid Traverse

30 m/min (1,181 ipm) all axes

Accuracy

+/- 0.005 mm

Repeatability

+/- 0.002 mm

x axis travel

400 mm (15.7 in)

How much does the Brother TC-22A cost?

Estimated price range

Est.$12,000 - $35,000 (used)

Our best estimate for a vertical machining centers (vmc) in this class — not a quote from Brother Industries. Configuration moves it a long way.

Overview

The Brother TC-22A is a small BT30 tapping center. The listed figures give it 400 mm (15.7 in) of X, 300 mm (11.8 in) of Y and 250 mm (9.8 in) of Z travel, an 8,000 rpm spindle on a 2.2 kW (3 hp) motor, a 21-position ATC and 30 m/min (1,181 ipm) rapids on all axes.

The TC-22A does not appear on Brother's current product pages, and the table here has not been confirmed against Brother. Treat every figure as a starting point and check it against the machine's nameplate, manual and the seller's records.

On those figures it is a light machine for light work. The table is 400 x 300 mm (15.7 x 11.8 in), the same as the X and Y strokes, and is rated for 50 kg (110 lb), so a vise and a small part are about the limit. A 2.2 kW (3 hp) motor and 8,000 rpm suit drilling and tapping in the smaller sizes rather than face milling or heavy pocketing.

Despite the similar name, the TC-22B is much bigger: 500 mm (19.7 in) of X, 450 mm (17.7 in) of Y and 410 mm (16.1 in) of Z, with a 12,000 rpm spindle and 70 m/min (2,756 ipm) rapids. Do not read its figures across to the TC-22A. The listed machine weight is 1,100 kg (2,425 lb) on a 1,100 x 1,500 mm (43 x 59 in) footprint.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
X Axis Travel	400 mm (15.7 in)
Y Axis Travel	300 mm (11.8 in)
Z Axis Travel	250 mm (9.8 in)
Spindle Speed	8,000 rpm
Spindle Motor	2.2 kW (3 hp)
Spindle Taper	BT30
Tool Magazine	21-position ATC
Rapid Traverse Rate	30 m/min (1,181 ipm) all axes
Positioning Accuracy	+/- 0.005 mm
Repeatability	+/- 0.002 mm
Table Size	400 x 300 mm (15.7 x 11.8 in)
Table Load Capacity	50 kg (110 lb)
CNC Control	Brother NC-A00
Machine Weight	1,100 kg (2,425 lb)
Floor Space Required	1,100 x 1,500 mm (43 x 59 in)

Specifications compiled from manufacturer literature and industry references. Not independently verified against a published spec sheet — confirm with the manufacturer or an authorised dealer before making a purchasing decision.

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Compact 1,100 x 1,500 mm (43 x 59 in) footprint and a listed weight of 1,100 kg (2,425 lb)
21-position ATC covers a full drill-and-tap sequence
BT30 spindle taper, so standard 30-taper holders can be used
Listed repeatability of +/- 0.002 mm and positioning accuracy of +/- 0.005 mm

Limitations

Table load of only 50 kg (110 lb) limits fixtures and part weight
8,000 rpm and 2.2 kW (3 hp) rule out high-speed small-tool work and heavier milling
Rapids of 30 m/min (1,181 ipm), against 70 m/min (2,756 ipm) on the TC-22B
Not on Brother's current pages and the figures are unconfirmed, so every value needs checking on the machine

Best For

Light drilling and tapping on small parts Single-vise work within a 400 x 300 mm (15.7 x 11.8 in) table Shops short of floor space

Frequently Asked Questions

01 How big is the TC-22A work envelope?

The listed travels are 400 mm (15.7 in) in X, 300 mm (11.8 in) in Y and 250 mm (9.8 in) in Z, on a 400 x 300 mm (15.7 x 11.8 in) table. The 250 mm (9.8 in) Z stroke has to cover the vise, the part and the longest tool, so measure the tallest setup before committing a job.

02 Is the TC-22A the same machine as the TC-22B?

No. The TC-22B is far larger, with 500 mm (19.7 in) of X, 450 mm (17.7 in) of Y and 410 mm (16.1 in) of Z, a 12,000 rpm spindle (16,000 rpm optional) and 18 tools (+1). The TC-22A listing gives 400 x 300 x 250 mm of travel, 8,000 rpm and a 21-position ATC.

03 How much can the TC-22A table carry?

The listed table load is 50 kg (110 lb). That covers a vise and a small aluminium or steel part, but not a heavy fixture plate or a rotary unit with its workholding. Weigh the complete setup if you plan anything beyond a single vise.

04 Which control does the TC-22A use?

The listing names the Brother NC-A00. The TC-22A is not on Brother's current product pages, so confirm the control model and its condition on the machine itself, and ask the seller for the manuals and parameter backup.