Brother Industries Vertical Machining Centers (VMC)

Brother TC-R2A

Est. $80,000 - $120,000 Updated 2026-10-03

Key Specifications

Spindle Taper

BT30

Accuracy

+/- 0.004 mm

Repeatability

+/- 0.002 mm

x y z travel

500 x 300 x 250 mm (19.7 x 11.8 x 9.8 in)

spindle speed

10,000 RPM (16,000 RPM optional)

spindle motor

3.7 kW (5.0 HP)

How much does the Brother TC-R2A cost?

Estimated price range

Est.$80,000 - $120,000

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-R2A is a BT30 tapping and machining center with a two-pallet automatic changer. The listed figures give it 500 x 300 x 250 mm (19.7 x 11.8 x 9.8 in) of travel, pallets of 500 x 300 mm (19.7 x 11.8 in), a 10,000 RPM spindle (16,000 RPM optional) and the Brother CNC-C00 control. This model does not appear among Brother's current product pages, so its table could not be checked against the maker and should be confirmed on the machine itself.

The pallet changer is what defines it. While one pallet is in the work area, the operator unloads and reloads the other, and the listed index time is approx. 4.0 sec. On short cycles that keeps the spindle cutting instead of waiting for a part change. The limit is weight: each pallet is rated for 80 kg (176 lb), which covers aluminium parts in light vises or fixture plates but not heavy steel workholding.

The spindle motor is 3.7 kW (5.0 HP), so the machine is aimed at drilling, tapping and light milling rather than heavy stock removal. Rapids are 50 / 50 / 50 m/min (1,969 IPM), the 21-tool ATC changes tool to tool in 0.9 sec, and the listed positioning accuracy and repeatability are +/- 0.004 mm and +/- 0.002 mm. The machine is listed at approx. 2,400 kg (5,291 lb) on a 1,600 x 2,200 mm (63.0 x 86.6 in) footprint.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
X Y Z Travel	500 x 300 x 250 mm (19.7 x 11.8 x 9.8 in)
Spindle Speed	10,000 RPM (16,000 RPM optional)
Spindle Motor	3.7 kW (5.0 HP)
Spindle Taper	BT30
Rapid Traverse X Y Z	50 / 50 / 50 m/min (1,969 IPM)
Tool Changer Capacity	21-tool ATC
Tool to Tool Time	0.9 sec
Pallet Configuration	2-pallet automatic changer
Pallet Size	500 x 300 mm (19.7 x 11.8 in)
Pallet Index Time	approx. 4.0 sec
Max Pallet Load	80 kg per pallet (176 lb)
Positioning Accuracy	+/- 0.004 mm
Repeatability	+/- 0.002 mm
CNC Control	Brother CNC-C00
Machine Weight	approx. 2,400 kg (5,291 lb)
Floor Space Required	1,600 x 2,200 mm (63.0 x 86.6 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-pallet automatic changer with an index time of approx. 4.0 sec, so parts are loaded while the spindle cuts
21-tool ATC with a 0.9 sec tool-to-tool time
Rapids of 50 / 50 / 50 m/min (1,969 IPM) on all three axes
Listed repeatability of +/- 0.002 mm

Limitations

Each pallet is rated for 80 kg (176 lb), which rules out heavy fixtures
A 3.7 kW (5.0 HP) spindle motor limits heavy milling
Z travel is 250 mm (9.8 in), short for tall parts or long tools
The table has not been checked against Brother's own pages; confirm figures on the machine

Best For

Short-cycle drilling and tapping with loading during the cut Small aluminium parts on light pallet fixtures Production cells where one operator tends several machines

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does the two-pallet changer on the TC-R2A do?

It lets the operator load and unload one 500 x 300 mm (19.7 x 11.8 in) pallet while the other is being machined. The listed pallet index time is approx. 4.0 sec, so part changes take little spindle time. Each pallet is rated for 80 kg (176 lb).

02 What spindle does the TC-R2A have?

A BT30 spindle running to 10,000 RPM, with 16,000 RPM listed as an option, driven by a 3.7 kW (5.0 HP) motor. That suits drilling, tapping and light milling of small parts; heavy roughing would be limited by the motor rating.

03 How many tools does the TC-R2A carry?

The listed figures give a 21-tool ATC with a tool-to-tool time of 0.9 sec. When the two pallets carry different jobs, those 21 pockets have to hold the tools for both, so plan the tool list before splitting work across pallets.

04 How much floor space does the TC-R2A need?

The listed footprint is 1,600 x 2,200 mm (63.0 x 86.6 in) and the weight approx. 2,400 kg (5,291 lb). Because this model is not on Brother's current pages, confirm the dimensions and the electrical and air needs on the machine itself before planning the installation.