How a Tattoo Machine Works

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A tattoo machine use alternating electromagnetic coils to move a needle bar up and down, therefore driving the tattoo needle up and down which in turn is driving the ink into the skin layer. Tattoo artists use the words machine, iron, or gun.

The basic machine was invented by  Edison and patented in the United States in 1876 U.S. Patent 196,747 , Stencil-Pens. It's original intention was as an engraving machine, but was modified by Samuel O'Reilly who later patented a tube and needle ink reservoir.

tattoo machines gunsMost modern tattoo machines have allowed more control of the  needle depth, speed, and force which has allowed more precision in current tattoo work.  The newer machines have even opened up whole other flavor of tattooing, permanent cosmetics or make up.

When power is applied to the magnet-bar combo, the needles vibrate together up and down thousands of times per minute. As the needles make holes in the skin, the ink is injected under the skin, between the permanent bottom layer and the surface layer.

tattoo machine gunThe tattooing technique of putting the ink at the right depth is very important. If the needles penetrate too deeply, the ink will get mixed with body fluid and may cause the color to spread. If it is not placed deep enough, the tattoo will fade and come out prematurely as skin is shed and renewed.

Each artist will tune their tattoo machines in a way most appropriate to the way they tattoo. Proper force needs to be present to ensure the needles can penetrate into the upper layers of skin and varies mostly only in the power and running variances from machine to machine, and also in force needs based on the amount, configuration, and type of needle. Stroke length, and speed at which the tattoo machine runs can vary greatly from one artist to another based on many factors including an artist's hand speed and personal style of tattooing.

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