Tattoo Machine
What is Tattoo Machine
"Tattoo Machine" means a machine or device used for tattooing. A tattoo machine is an electric or manual tool used to inject ink or pigment into the skin to create a lasting pattern or design. These machines usually consist of a needle and a drive mechanism that controls the movement of the needle and the injection of ink.
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Customized Services
We understand that each customer has unique manufacturing needs. That’s why we offer customization options to cater to your specific requirements.
Rich Experience
Dedicated to strict quality control and attentive customer service, our experienced staff is always available to discuss your requirements and ensure complete customer satisfaction.
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We have professional personnel to monitor the production process, inspect the products and ensure that the final product meets the required quality level standards, guidelines and specifications.
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We are confident in the quality of our products and are willing to provide you with long-term technical service support.
Advantages of Tattoo Machine
Personalization
Getting the chance to use your own custom tattoo machine can allow for experimentation. This can provide you with an opportunity to find out what works best for you. Some mechanisms might work better with your own particular tattooing methods. By mixing and matching parts, you might be able to come up with the perfect tool for your practice.
Design and aesthetic
So much of what draws people into tattoo artistry is about design skill and aesthetics. Most people from the outside would prefer to walk into a studio to find a cool vibe that represents the artistic side of the people who work there. There are some really cool tattoo machine and frame designs out there, and being able to customize your own equipment can help showcase your artistic personality.
The most famous tattoo artists aren’t just good because they can draw, but because they are true artists, right down to the tools they use to create their work.
Pushing the envelope
Despite its rise within mainstream culture, with nearly 36% of American adults having at least one tattoo, the industry is still all about pushing boundaries. To stand out in the profession everything needs to come together, from your skills, to your attitude and the tools that you use. If you want to be the best, then sticking to the same old machines that get the same old results isn’t going to cut it.
With custom tattoo machines, you can create and modify your tools to look great and do things a bit differently. Tattooing is a risky game, you never know if your client is going to be happy, but you can make moves by experimenting, showing your keen artistic eye, and playing around with classic machine mechanisms and new frames to produce tools that give the best results for you.
Different results
Different machines and frames are going to produce different results, which will also depend on your artistic style, your methods, and what you’re intending to create. A custom machine gives you all the control over what you are creating, especially if you are putting it together yourself. You can have better control, speed, ensure precision and accuracy, and match the tool to your own tattooing methods.
There is always risk involved in tattooing. If you’re creating your own custom machine, make sure you are familiar with all the mechanisms and that you follow all safety procedures to ensure you aren’t doing wrong by your client. A bad tattoo experience can leave someone with an infection, a bloodborne disease, or worse.
Types of Tattoo Machines
Pneumatic machines
The pneumatic machine was a revolution when it first hit the scene, and this is because of how these tattoo guns work. Compressed air powers the needles inside the machine using a forced air-flow circuit. Because they use an air supply which can be noisy, some people don’t use them much.
Rotary tattoo machines
In terms of popularity, the rotary machine takes the cake. It has a motor-powered mechanism that powers the needles up and down motion. This motor works by spinning, which moves the attached needle (or set of needles) up and down. The motor is small and moves the needles very quickly. They often have a simple but sleek design, and despite the motor, are quality and lightweight.
Coil tattoo machines
Coil machines essentially use magnets to power the machine, which moves the armature bar and needles towards the coil. This pulls the needle into the skin, which breaks the circuit, causing the needles to go back into the machine. Once they’re back in the machine, the magnet activates again, and the process repeats.
How the Tattoo Machine Works
1. Machine types
There are a few basic types of tattoo machines: coil, rotary, and pneumatic.
The magnetic coil machine is a classic machine which uses an alternating electromagnetic current to pass through coils and turn magnets on and off in rapid succession. This pulls a spring loaded armature bar and creates an up and down motion, which results in the armature bar tapping the needles into the skin. Coil machines create the notorious buzzing sound that tattoo shops are known for!
Another type of tattoo machine is the rotary motored machine, which powers a small spinning motor attached to an armature, which produces an up and down motion. Rotary machines are much quieter than coil machines and are known to move the needles more smoothly and evenly in comparison to coil.
Pneumatic tattoo machines were invented in 2000 by Carson Hill. These machines work through the use of pressurized air from air compressors to move the needles up and down. Major advantages to this type of machine is that they’re lightweight and safe to use in an autoclave.
2. Tubes & needles
The tattoo needles are set at the end of what is called an armature bar, which connects to the part of the machine that travels up and down. The armature bar passes through the “tube” that has a hand grip attached, which is fitted into a vise on the machine to hold it in place. Some artists use tubes that are made of stainless steel, which must be cleaned and sterilized after each use. The steel tubes are preferable for several reasons, however many artists are switching over to disposable plastic tubes like those shown here for reasons of safety and convenience.
The tube is set so that the needles only extend beyond the tip of the tube an appropriate distance. The up and down motion of the needles in the tube create conditions which draw tattoo pigment up into the tube, and allow it to be released when the needles are running in the skin. The assembled machine is connected to a power supply by a special wiring harness called a “clip cord” or “RCA cord”. The power supply has settings which can control the speed of the machines, etc, and is most commonly activated by a foot switch, to keep the tattooers hands free. When the artist is working, they will stretch your skin, press the foot pedal, the machine will run the needles up and down as the tattooer passes the tip of the tube over your skin, the needles carry pigment along as they travel and deposit into your skin where it will stay forever.
Think of tattoo needles like individual hairs in a paint brush. All of the hairs in a paint brush are more or less the same, but we all know that paint brushes come in all shapes and sizes. The same is true for tattoo needles. There are some variations available within each size of needle, for instance the taper at the end of the needle may be long, or short, and the needle may be smooth or textured. Other than this all needles are more or less the same.
Basically there are “liners” and “shaders”. Liner needles are grouped together in various quantities in a round configuration, and are often tightened at the taper so that the points are very close together. Shader needles can also be configured in round patterns, as well as fanned out into what we call Magnums or “Mags”. There are other minor variations and some less common configurations that some tattooers use, but essentially this covers what is commonly used. The individual needles are grouped together and soldered in place to form what is referred to as the “tattoo needle”, the needle is then soldered onto what is called a “needle bar”, which is just a length of stainless steel wire with a loop on the end which can be fitted to the part of the tattoo machine that creates the up and down motion. The unit as a whole is then cleaned, sterilized, and ready to use.
The needle bar is placed within the “tube”, a stainless steel (re-useable) or rubber and plastic (disposable) device which provides a hand grip for the machine, that allows the mechanism to function within and through it, and also to provide a reservoir for the pigment. The amount that the needles actually penetrate the skin is about the thickness of a nickel. Any given tattoo artist may work with a range of different needle groupings in order to create their own style of tattooing, it is truly a tiny stainless steel paint brush, and what sort an artist chooses is a matter of preference.
5 Important Tattoo Aftercare Tips
Cover up
Immediately after having your tattoo, your artist will most likely apply a bandage around the area. This needs to be kept on for at least 24 hours (sometimes a shorter time is needed depending on the size) as this will protect the skin from direct sunlight, absorb some of the excess bleeding and ink colour; the anaesthetic cream will keep the skin soft and prevent dryness and flaking.
01
Wash gently
To keep the ink fresh and free from potential infection, it’s important to wash it gently with some antibacterial wash, spray or cream, over a period of one week. Do this a few times a day to help speed up the healing process making sure the tattoo is covered up at all times with either, cling wrap, pants or a long sleeve top. The less exposure to external elements, the quicker the healing will occur.
02
Keep the area hydrated
A key after care tip is to keep the affected area dry with a light application of antibacterial cream. You may notice slight itching and dryness afterwards so best to keep reapplying a cream or spray to hasten the healing. The quicker it heals the sooner you get to show off your beautiful piece of art to the world.
03
Let your skin breathe
It’s best not to wear super tight clothing or material rubbing too closely to the skin for at least a couple of weeks after your tattoo. Your skin is highly sensitive at this time so you want to do all you can to avoid unnecessary irritation – wearing loose garments is ideal. Keep checking on the progress of it to ensure it’s healing well.
04
Minimise exercise & stay out of the sun
One of the things you’ll have to give up is excessive exercise, but only for a short period of time. It’s not ideal working up a sweat while you have a wound that’s trying to heal on your body. Avoid things like swimming, a sauna, spa and soaking in a bathtub. A big no, no are hot showers. Keep it quick with lukewarm water only. Heat will only aggravate your tattoo, making it sore and red, prolonging the healing process. Too much direct sun exposure can also be detrimental to your artwork. Keep it protected at all times to avoid burning the area and help reduce over sensitivity. Always wear a 30+ sunscreen when outdoors.
05
Now that we’ve had a look at the different types of machines out there, we need to consider the inner workings. Most machines will have the following parts:
● Needle
● Tip
● Grip
● Tube
Coil machines obviously have coils, along with an armature bar, and a rotary machine has a motor housing, plus a clip cord attachment. What is universal across all the is the tubes, needles, and, of course, the ink.
1. Tubes and Needles
Tattoo needles come in many shapes and sizes, and a tube may hold several needles or just one. The needles get set into the end of an armature bar, which connects to whatever part of the machine is moving up and down. The bar passes through the tube, which has an attached hand grip. We fit this into a vice, which holds it in place.
Some artists like to use stainless steel tubes, but these must be cleaned and sterilized after each use. Others use disposable plastic tubes. Steel is preferable for several reasons, including the fact that they’re eco-friendly. However, many artists use disposable plastic because of its safety and convenience.
The tube must be set so that the needles can only come down beyond the tip of the tube. The needles pull pigment up into the tube, which releases once the needle pierces the skin.
2 .Understanding Needles
We can think of tattoo needles as brushes. Each of the hairs in a brush may be the same, but how they’re combined and shaped is what’s important. Some needles may have a long or short taper or be smooth or textured. Other than this, needles are, by and large, the same across the board.
Liner needles come together in a round shape and are typically tightened right at the taper, so the points are tightly fitted. Not that shader needles can’t come in round shapes, because they can. However, shading needles can also come in a shape we call magnums, or “Mags,” which fan out.
These needles are not just loose in the machine. Once they’re configured, they’re soldered together to form the actual “needle.” This piece is then soldered to a needle bar, which is the part that gets fitted to the armature bar.
Additionally, the smaller the gauge (width and size), the finer the needle. Smaller gauges create a flow of ink that is more controllable and larger gauges can pack ink on faster, but they are more traumatic for the skin.
3. The Ink
Tattoo ink is not like artistic ink. It can be mixed with alcohol, water, or metal compounds to improve its feel and applicability. Some tattoo artists mix these solutions themselves or buy premixed tubes. Mixing ink is an inevitable skill an artist must learn, though this must happen in line with public safety standards.
There are plenty of great ink brands on the market, and it’s always helpful to speak to other artists to find out what ink they’re using.
Choose a Tattoo Machine That Suits Your Style
Before we even discuss whether you’re better off using a rotary, coil, or pneumatic machine, you need to consider that not one size fits all. Literally. Even within those three categories, machines will have unique shapes, weights, and designs. For example, you may want to go for something lightweight, especially if you’re working long hours. Here, aluminum will be best.
You could also opt for something made of bronze, as these are very durable. They’re also the heaviest. Consider how many hours you work per day. A heavy machine will tire your hand out and minimize your ability to apply fine detail and work at different angles. You want to avoid developing carpal tunnel syndrome, which is unfortunately very common in the tattooing world.
Second, you want to consider the grip shape and size. Some machines come with different options, so you want to make sure you aren’t overextending your hand, or you’re working with a shape that you struggle to grip. These will all have negative effects on you and your tattooing ability.
What Materials Are Used in Tattoo Machines?
Power cord and plug
Power cord: Usually made of durable rubber or plastic, used to connect the tattoo machine to an electrical outlet.
Tattoo machine body
Housing: Usually made of lightweight metal or engineering plastics to ensure the durability and portability of the device.
Motor: The core component of the tattoo machine, responsible for driving the tattoo needle for high-speed movement.
Control components: Including switches, regulators, etc., used to control the operation of the tattoo machine.
Tattoo needles and tubes
Tattoo needle: Usually made of stainless steel or titanium, its shape and size can be selected according to the needs of the tattoo pattern.
Needle tube: Used to fix the tattoo needle and guide the ink or pigment into the skin.
Ink or pigment
Tattoo Ink: Consists of a variety of chemical components, including pigments, carrier liquids and preservatives. There is a wide variety of colors to choose from.
Cleaning agents and cloths
Cleaner: Used to clean the tattoo machine and tattoo needles to ensure hygiene of the equipment and smooth flow of ink.
Cloth: Used to wipe the tattoo machine and tattoo area to keep it clean.
Maintenance tools and accessories
Maintenance tools: Iincluding screwdrivers, wrenches, etc., for daily maintenance and repair.
Accessories: Such as spare needles, syringes, etc., in case of emergency.
How are Tattoo Pens different from Traditional Tattoo Machines?
Unlike the traditional tattoo machines, which use a needle that moves up and down to create a tattoo, tattoo pens use a vibrating needle that moves in a circular motion. Tattoo pens cause less pain and trauma to the skin. Cosmetic tattoos such as permanent eyebrows, makeup, lips, and eyeliner often utilize permanent tattoo pens.
Tattoo pens are motor-driven and use needles that come in interchangeable cartridges, which are super easy to use and allow more stable work. Because of their stability, tattoo pens ensure cleaner, sharper lines, and a cleaner tattoo.
A pen-style tattoo machine’s ergonomic design is good support for extended tattooing sessions as it is gentler than traditional tattoo machines.
The Difference Between Tattoo Machine and Tattoo Pen
Tattoo machines and tattoo pens in addition to their appearance are obviously different, their construction and transmission are also different. The tattoo machine is summarized as a traditional tattoo machine, also called a coil machine. It uses the principle of electromagnetism to move the needle up and down by spraying and sucking the solenoid. The tattoo pen drive mode is motor. It drives the drive rod through the motor and then drives the needle up and down to make the power more evenly.
Both machines have their advantages and disadvantages. The traditional machine needles are well-colored and controlled, making light transitions natural and easy to master with traditional large-area coloring. The disadvantages are the change of needles, the troubles of adjusting the machines, the weight of the machines, and the poor control of the machines. They are divided into two types: secant shade and shading. At least two or more machines are required to work. Because there is no shrapnel, the wormhole tattoo pen is strong in the skin, and it is easy to have a needle mark in a light color. It needs a certain skill and time to adapt. But the body is light and easy to change needles, an excellent wormhole tattoo pen can be suitable for a variety of styles. The wormhole tattoo pen is also the future trend of tattoo tools. After all, relative to others, easy to operate and improved work efficiency is the trend.
How Many Needles Are in a Tattoo Gun?
A typical tattoo gun, also known as a tattoo machine, contains multiple needles, usually grouped together in a configuration called a needle bar. The number of needles in a tattoo gun can vary, but it is common for tattoo machines to have configurations with anywhere from 1 to 15 needles. The specific number of needles used depends on the type of tattoo work being done and the preferences of the tattoo artist.
● Sterilize Your Equipment and Wash Your Hands
You need to sterilize everything you use, for every project you take on. The tattoo gun itself needs to be sterilized along with any other tools you plan to use. Washing your hands is also important, although you’re expected to wear gloves.
This step is vital to ensure safety for yourself and the client, given that you’re breaking the skin and that blood will be present. This is one of the best ways to limit cases of contamination or infection of the area that you’re tattooing, so always wear medical-grade gloves.
Assemble Your Equipment if You Haven’t Already Done So
Depending on your experience, you will need to decide on what you’re using. Often, you’ll be buying the pieces individually or you’ll be buying a kit. The good thing about a kit is that it’s beginner-friendly.
The downside is that they are often of lower quality and this is something that could affect the quality of your work. Individual pieces may be for the more seasoned artist but will result in higher-quality designs. Before starting, you will need to put the tattoo machine together based on the method you’re using.
● Set the Needle Length
The needle will fit well into the slot designated for it. The needle shouldn’t go any farther than two millimeters past the entry point of the tattoo gun. It should also go no less than one millimeter past the entry point.
A 12-gauge needle is usually seen as the standard, but it depends on what you plan to use it for. Eight and 10-gauge needles are also common. A 10-gauge may seem more usable because it doesn’t slow down as easily as an eight gauge.
While a 12-gauge is often the most popular option, it’s mainly due to the fact that they are the easiest choice for shading larger areas. Keep in mind, though, that the flow of ink will be faster for this option. When setting your needle length, you need to be aware of the different needle diameters and the uses they are meant for.
● Place Everything as You Need It
Having everything pre-placed limits mistakes. This should always happen before starting, and each ink cap you use should be within the barrier of all of the equipment that you’ve laid out.
● Plug in the Tattoo Gun
Before taking clients, decide if you’ll be using an analog or digital power source. You want to fine-tune the voltage as well before you put the needle close to the skin.
● Start Pouring in the Ink You’re Working With
Preparing the ink you need will involve having a different cap of ink for each color you’re using. You will use the housing bottle to fill the ink caps and you should do your best to only let the needle touch the ink and not the actual cap.
● Do a Test
One of the most important things to do is to test the machine first. You should try running the gun on the skin of something like a certain fruit or something you don’t need. This should always be done before you start tattooing on actual skin.
Also, while testing that all of your equipment works and that the ink transfers properly, you should also offer your client the option to have a skin test done. This is mainly to see if the client has a reaction to the ink.
The skin test is usually done 24 hours before the actual appointment, as this would be enough time to notice any adverse reactions. The test should be on a rarely seen area of the skin and should be a barely noticeable drop of ink. Tattoo ink allergies are rare but this should still be offered to the client.
● Start Tattooing
Getting started might be harder than the setup process. That may only be if you haven’t used a tattoo gun before. After putting everything together, getting started and finishing the design is all you have to focus on.
With this, using an outline and lining the tattoo is the best way to get started, although it can be difficult to line the tattoo your first time. To get you started the right way, ensure everything is set correctly. Tattoo machines go anywhere from four to 12 volts.
Most tattoo machines should run anywhere from 7.5 to 8.5 volts when you’re designing on the skin, although you can go to nine volts when you’re lining the tattoo. Adjust this depending on where you are in the process.
For example, if you’re shading, you can get closer to 10 volts if needed, Eight volts should often be your minimum. Finding the right balance won’t take long, but this is why a practice run is always encouraged.
Our Factory
Yiwu DM Tattoo Equipment Manufactory was established in 2009. We are located in Yiwu City, China's largest small commodity producing city ! Our factory specializes in the manufacture and export of tattoo equipment.
We are focusing on R & D and production of tattoo machines and cartridge needles, with very high experience and ideas. And successfully provide customized standards for global customers.
Our aim is to build long-term relationship with tattoo suppliers and tattoo artists based on our guaranteed products, customer service and great prices.
If you're ready for a reliable supplier and top quality products – We are at your service.
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