Tattoo machine

Tattoo (PSF)

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Tattoo MKG Hamburg 2015

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Set - Rotary Gun 1978 K - Manfred Kohrs

Tattoo Maschine Nadel

Dermographe

Tattoo machine is a hand-held device generally used to create a tattoo, a permanent marking of the skin with indelible ink. Modern tattoo machines use electromagnetic coils to move an armature bar up and down. Connected to the armature bar is a barred needle grouping that pushes ink into the skin. Tattoo artists typically use the machine to deposit ink into the skin’s dermis layer.

History

The first tattoo machine was invented by Samuel O'Reilly in the late 19th century, based on an earlier invention by Thomas Edison. However, Edison's device was intended for engraving, and O'Reilly modified it to inject ink into the skin. Since then, the tattoo machine has undergone numerous modifications and improvements, but the basic principle of operation remains the same.

Types of Tattoo Machines

There are several types of tattoo machines, each serving a specific purpose in the tattooing process:

• Coil Tattoo Machines: These are the most common types of tattoo machines. They work through electromagnetic coils which control the armature bar’s movement. Coil machines can be further divided into liner and shader types, each designed for their respective tattooing tasks.

• Rotary Tattoo Machines: These machines use an electric motor to drive the needles. Rotary machines are known for their quiet operation and smooth lines and are often preferred for shading and coloring.

• Pneumatic Tattoo Machines: These are the least common types of tattoo machines. They use air pressure to move the needle and are lightweight and autoclavable, making them easy to sterilize.

Components

A typical tattoo machine consists of several components:

• Frame: The base structure that holds all other components together.
• Coils: Usually one or two, these create the electromagnetic field that drives the armature bar.
• Armature Bar: Moves up and down, driving the needles into the skin.
• Needle Bar: Attached to the armature bar, it holds the needles.
• Contact Screw: Adjusts the machine's speed and power by changing the circuit's electrical resistance.

Functioning

The tattoo machine operates by creating a rapid up and down movement of the needle(s) to puncture the skin between 50 and 3,000 times per minute. The needles dip into ink and then puncture the skin at a depth of about 1mm to deposit the ink in the dermis layer. This process creates the tattoo design.

Safety and Sterilization

Safety is a paramount concern in tattooing. The needles and tubes must be sterilized properly to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases. Many artists use disposable needles and tubes for each client. The workspace and machine are also regularly cleaned and sterilized.

Conclusion

The tattoo machine is a crucial tool in the art of tattooing, enabling artists to create detailed and vibrant tattoos. Its evolution from a rudimentary device to a sophisticated instrument reflects the growing acceptance and popularity of tattoos as a form of personal expression.

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