Brother Industries Vertical Machining Centers (VMC)

Brother TC-31A

Est. $15,000 - $45,000 (used) Updated 2026-10-03

Key Specifications

Spindle Taper

BT30

Table Size

500 x 300 mm (19.7 x 11.8 in) per face

Rapid Traverse

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

Accuracy

+/- 0.005 mm

Repeatability

+/- 0.002 mm

table type

Two-face rotary pallet table

How much does the Brother TC-31A cost?

Estimated price range

Est.$15,000 - $45,000 (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-31A is a BT30 tapping center built around a two-face rotary pallet table. The listed figures give each face 500 x 300 mm (19.7 x 11.8 in) and 80 kg per face (176 lb), with 500 mm (19.7 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 3.7 kW (5 hp) motor and a 21-position ATC.

The pallet table is the point of the machine. While one face is in the cutting zone, the operator unloads and reloads the other, and the listed pallet index time is 3.0 seconds. On short drill-and-tap cycles that keeps the spindle working through part changes that would otherwise stop a single-table machine. Fixtures have to be built in pairs, one per face, and each face has its own 80 kg (176 lb) limit.

Brother's current product pages do not show the TC-31A, and these figures have not been confirmed against Brother. Check each one on the machine and in its manuals. Note that the TC-31B and TC-31AN, despite the similar names, list a different envelope of 350 x 250 x 350 mm.

The 30 m/min (1,181 ipm) rapids and 8,000 rpm spindle are modest, so the gain is in loading time rather than cutting time. Plan for a listed weight of 1,700 kg (3,748 lb) and a 1,400 x 1,800 mm (55 x 71 in) footprint.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Table Type	Two-face rotary pallet table
Table Size	500 x 300 mm (19.7 x 11.8 in) per face
X Axis Travel	500 mm (19.7 in)
Y Axis Travel	300 mm (11.8 in)
Z Axis Travel	250 mm (9.8 in)
Spindle Speed	8,000 rpm
Spindle Motor	3.7 kW (5 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 Load Capacity	80 kg per face (176 lb)
Pallet Index Time	3.0 seconds
CNC Control	Brother NC-A00
Machine Weight	1,700 kg (3,748 lb)
Floor Space Required	1,400 x 1,800 mm (55 x 71 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

Two-face rotary pallet table lets one face be loaded while the other is machined
Listed pallet index time of 3.0 seconds
Each face is 500 x 300 mm (19.7 x 11.8 in), matching the 500 mm (19.7 in) X and 300 mm (11.8 in) Y travel
3.7 kW (5 hp) spindle motor and a 21-position ATC
Listed repeatability of +/- 0.002 mm

Limitations

Z travel of 250 mm (9.8 in) has to clear the pallet fixture, part and tool
8,000 rpm spindle and 30 m/min (1,181 ipm) rapids are slow next to the TC-31B, which runs 12,000 rpm and 50 m/min (1,968 ipm)
Table load is limited to 80 kg per face (176 lb)
Not on Brother's current pages and the figures are unconfirmed, so check the machine before buying

Best For

Short drill-and-tap cycles where loading time matters Repeat batches on duplicated fixtures, one per pallet face Parts up to 500 x 300 mm (19.7 x 11.8 in) and 80 kg (176 lb)

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does the two-face pallet table on the TC-31A do?

It carries two 500 x 300 mm (19.7 x 11.8 in) faces. One is inside the machine being cut while the operator works on the other, and the table indexes between them in a listed 3.0 seconds. The spindle therefore does not wait while parts are changed, which is where most time goes on short tapping cycles.

02 How much weight can each pallet face take?

The listed limit is 80 kg per face (176 lb). Count the fixture, the clamps and the part together, and keep the two faces close in weight, as both are carried on the same rotary table.

03 Is the TC-31A related to the TC-31B?

Only by name as far as the figures go. The TC-31B has 350 mm (13.8 in) of X, 250 mm (9.8 in) of Y and 350 mm (13.8 in) of Z, a 12,000 rpm spindle and 26 tools (+1). The TC-31A listing gives 500 x 300 x 250 mm, 8,000 rpm, a 21-position ATC and the pallet table.

04 What spindle does the TC-31A have?

The listed spindle is BT30, 8,000 rpm, driven by a 3.7 kW (5 hp) motor. That suits drilling, tapping and light milling. These figures are not confirmed against Brother, so check the nameplate and run the spindle up to speed before buying.