Brother Industries Vertical Machining Centers

Brother TC-R2A

$80,000 - $120,000 Updated 2026-03-19

Key Specifications

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

Overview

The Brother TC-R2A is a high-speed tapping center equipped with an integrated two-pallet changer that enables load-while-machining operation. The operator sets up parts on one pallet while the machine cuts on the other, and the pallets index automatically at cycle end. This eliminates idle time between cycles and dramatically increases spindle utilization for high-volume production.

X/Y/Z travels of 500 x 300 x 250 mm provide a work envelope suited to small and medium parts. The BT30 spindle runs at 10,000 rpm standard with a 3.7 kW motor. The 21-tool ATC maintains sub-1-second tool-to-tool changes. Brother's column-traverse architecture moves the spindle column rather than the table, reducing workpiece-side moving mass for faster acceleration.

The two-pallet system is the TC-R2A's defining feature. Pallet index time is approximately 4 seconds, and each pallet supports 80 kg of workpiece and fixture weight. The pallets are large enough for multi-part fixtures, enabling batch production of small parts with minimal operator intervention.

The CNC-C00 control manages the pallet indexing, tool changes, and machining programs in an integrated cycle. The control supports two-pallet scheduling, allowing different programs to run on each pallet for mixed-model production.

The TC-R2A is positioned between a standalone tapping center and a full horizontal machining center with pallet pool. It provides the pallet-change productivity benefit at a fraction of the cost and footprint of an HMC, making it accessible to shops that cannot justify a full pallet-pool system.

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
Control	Brother CNC-C00
Machine Weight	approx. 2,400 kg (5,291 lb)
Footprint	1,600 x 2,200 mm (63.0 x 86.6 in)

Specifications sourced from premium.ipros.jp — verified 2026-03-28

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Integrated two-pallet changer eliminates idle time between cycles for near-continuous production
Sub-1-second tool changes and 50 m/min rapids maintain class-leading cutting speed
Pallet scheduling supports mixed-model production with different programs per pallet
Significantly lower cost and footprint than horizontal machining centers with pallet pools
Column-traverse architecture delivers faster acceleration than moving-table pallet machines
80 kg per pallet accommodates multi-part fixtures for batch production of small parts

Limitations

Larger footprint than single-table TC-S2 models due to pallet changer mechanism
3.7 kW spindle motor limits milling depth of cut in harder materials
BT30 taper restricts tooling selection compared to CAT40/BT40 platforms
Two-pallet system adds complexity and maintenance compared to single-table machines

Best For

High-volume automotive parts production requiring near-continuous spindle utilization Multi-part fixture setups where operator loads while the machine cuts the previous batch Shops seeking pallet-change productivity without the cost of a horizontal machining center Mixed-model production running different programs on alternating pallets Die-cast aluminum housings and brackets with many tapped holes and short cycle times

Frequently Asked Questions

01 How does the pallet changer work on the TC-R2A?

The TC-R2A has two pallets that index automatically. While the machine cuts parts on one pallet, the operator loads raw parts on the other. At cycle end, the pallets swap in approximately 4 seconds, and machining resumes immediately.

02 How does the TC-R2A compare to the TC-S2C?

Both have 500 mm X-travel and 3.7 kW spindles, but the TC-R2A adds the two-pallet changer for load-while-machining operation. The TC-S2C has more Y and Z travel (400x300 vs 300x250 mm). Choose the TC-R2A for volume, the TC-S2C for larger parts.

03 Can different programs run on each pallet?

Yes. The CNC-C00 control supports two-pallet scheduling, allowing different programs to be assigned to each pallet for mixed-model production.

04 What is the difference between the TC-R2A and TC-R2B?

The TC-R2B has larger Y and Z travels, a stronger spindle motor, and higher pallet load capacity. The TC-R2A is the compact, lower-cost option for smaller parts.