Brother TC-31B
Key Specifications
Spindle Taper
Table Size
Accuracy
Repeatability
table type
x axis travel
Overview
The Brother TC-31B is a column traverse tapping center with a two-face pallet table that allows simultaneous loading and machining — the operator loads parts on one side while the machine cuts on the other, eliminating idle time between cycles.
X/Y/Z travels are 500 x 300 x 250 mm (19.7 x 11.8 x 9.8 in). The spindle runs at 10,000 rpm standard with a 3.7 kW motor on BT30 taper — the strongest in the TC-B series. Optional spindle speeds up to 15,000 rpm are available. The 21-tool ATC provides ample capacity for multi-operation programs.
The two-face rotary table is the TC-31B's defining feature. While one side is machined, the operator sets up the opposite side. The table indexes 180 degrees automatically at the end of each cycle, presenting fresh parts to the spindle without machine downtime. This setup enables near-continuous production with a single operator.
Column traverse design moves the spindle column in X, keeping the rotary pallet table fixed during cutting for improved stability. The CNC-B00 control manages table indexing, tool changes, and machining programs in an integrated cycle.
Machine weight is approximately 1,800 kg with a 1,400 x 1,800 mm footprint. Table load capacity is 80 kg per side.
The TC-31B suits high-volume small to medium part production where manual loading time is a bottleneck and full robotic automation is not yet justified.
New machines price $60,000-$85,000. Used units from 2012-2022 trade $28,000-$58,000.
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 | 10,000 rpm (15,000 rpm optional) |
| Spindle Motor | 3.7 kW (5 hp) |
| Spindle Taper | BT30 |
| Tool Magazine | 21-position ATC |
| Rapid Traverse Xy | 36 m/min (1,417 ipm) |
| Rapid Traverse Z | 36 m/min (1,417 ipm) |
| Positioning Accuracy | +/- 0.004 mm |
| Repeatability | +/- 0.002 mm |
| Table Load Capacity | 80 kg per face (176 lb) |
| Pallet Index Time | 2.5 seconds |
| CNC Control | Brother CNC-B00 |
| Machine Weight | 1,800 kg (3,968 lb) |
| Floor Space Required | 1,400 x 1,800 mm (55 x 71 in) |
| Power Supply | 200/220V, 3-phase |
Specifications sourced from yamazen.com — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Two-face pallet table enables load/unload while machining — near-zero idle time
- Largest footprint of the TC-B series with the strongest 3.7 kW spindle
- 500 mm X-travel is the widest work envelope in the TC-B lineup
- 2.5-second pallet index time keeps production moving fast
- Eliminates need for full robotic automation to achieve continuous production
- CNC-B00 manages pallet indexing and program flow natively
Limitations
- Two-face table fixes the pallet geometry — cannot easily adapt to non-standard fixtures
- 250 mm Z-travel is limited for taller parts
- Not suited for heavy milling — designed primarily for drilling and tapping
- Larger footprint than TC-20B and TC-22B — requires more floor space
- Operator pacing still required to fully exploit continuous cycle capability
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
New $60,000-$85,000. Used $28,000-$58,000.
02
The rotary table has two workholding faces 180 degrees apart. The machine cuts one side while the operator loads the other. At cycle end, the table indexes 180 degrees and the cycle repeats.
03
The TC-31B adds the two-face rotary pallet table, larger X-travel (500 vs 400 mm), and stronger spindle (3.7 vs 2.2 kW). It costs more but dramatically reduces idle time in high-volume production.
04
Yes, the TC-31B can mill, but it is optimized for drilling, tapping, and light milling. Heavy milling is better suited to the Speedio S-series VMCs.
05
The two-face table provides manual automation. Full robotic integration is possible but the built-in pallet system often eliminates the need for it in moderate-volume production.
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