Brother TC-22A
Key Specifications
Spindle Taper
Table Size
Rapid Traverse
Accuracy
Repeatability
x axis travel
Overview
The Brother TC-22A is a column-traverse tapping center that expanded on the TC-20A with a larger work envelope and improved servo dynamics for faster cycling on small precision parts. The TC-22A was succeeded by the TC-22B, which further refined the platform with higher acceleration and an upgraded control system.
X/Y/Z travels are 400 x 300 x 250 mm (15.7 x 11.8 x 9.8 in), providing a meaningful step up from the TC-20A's 300 x 200 x 200 mm envelope. The spindle runs at 8,000 RPM with a 2.2 kW motor on BT30 taper. The 21-tool ATC provides significantly more tool capacity than the TC-20A's 16 tools, enabling more complex drilling and tapping programs without manual tool swaps.
The column-traverse architecture moves the spindle column in X rather than the table, maintaining the fast acceleration that defines the TC series. The Brother NC-A00 control handles high-speed tapping cycles with rigid tapping capability. Machine weight is approximately 1,100 kg with a 1,100 x 1,500 mm footprint.
The TC-22A is available exclusively on the used market, with prices ranging from $12,000 to $35,000. It represents excellent value for shops needing a compact, capable tapping center with more work envelope and tool capacity than the TC-20A. The larger 400 x 300 mm table accepts more complex fixtures and enables multi-part setups for higher throughput.
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 sourced from premium.ipros.jp — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- 21-tool ATC enables complex multi-operation programs without manual tool intervention
- Larger 400 x 300 mm work envelope than the TC-20A accommodates bigger parts and multi-part fixtures
- Column-traverse design maintains fast acceleration for efficient hole-pattern machining
- Compact footprint still fits easily in tight cell configurations
- 2.2 kW spindle provides more cutting authority than the TC-20A's 1.5 kW motor
- Low acquisition cost on the used market for a capable production tapping center
Limitations
- Legacy NC-A00 control lacks Ethernet, probing, and modern conversational programming features
- 8,000 RPM spindle speed is slower than the TC-22B successor (10,000 RPM) and Speedio machines
- No longer manufactured — spare parts availability is increasingly limited
- Column-traverse design limits milling rigidity compared to fixed-column VMCs
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
The TC-22A is available used only, typically $12,000-$35,000 depending on condition and hours. Well-maintained units with recent servo or control updates command higher prices.
02
The TC-22B upgraded the spindle to 10,000 RPM (from 8,000), improved the control to CNC-B00 with better tapping cycle optimization, added optional 30,000 RPM spindle, and improved servo acceleration. The basic column-traverse architecture remains the same.
03
The TC-22A can perform light milling in aluminum and non-ferrous materials, but its 2.2 kW spindle motor and column-traverse design limit depth of cut. It is optimized for drilling and tapping, with milling as a secondary capability.
04
Column traverse moves the spindle column in X rather than the table and workpiece. This reduces the moving mass, enabling faster acceleration between hole positions. On parts with many drilled and tapped features, this translates to significantly shorter cycle times.
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