Induction or rotary? The evolution of tattoo machines

Excursion into history

The history of tattoo art goes back thousands of years. For many centuries, underwear drawings were applied by hand, the procedure was positioned as very painful and associated with various kinds of risks. And only on the threshold of the 19th century was the prototype of a modern tattoo machine created, without which it is almost impossible to imagine the modern field of tattoo art. The authorship of the invention belongs to Thomas Edison, who, being a genius of his time, created a special device for copying paper documents. And only thanks to a happy accident, the functional machine was improved and adapted for drawing patterns on the skin.

The prototype of the modern tattoo machine is called a device invented by Thomas Edison in 1876. The simplified mechanism was called a stencil pen, and was used to create paper copies. The principle of operation of the device was as follows: by means of reciprocating movements, a sharp pen perforated the paper, after which paint was applied to the finished stencil, penetrating into small holes and creating an exact copy of the document.

After 15 years, Samuel O'Reilly, a well-known tattoo artist, became interested in the principle and features of the copier. It was he who gave Edison's invention a second life, somewhat improving it - the machine was supplemented with a bunch of needles and a reservoir for the coloring liquid. These changes radically changed the functional orientation of the device, now it was used as a machine for creating tattoos.

The invention of the master radically changed the very process of applying underwear drawings - now it was not as painful as before, and took much less time. The first tattoos, performed by O'Reilly, delighted society. Tattoo machines rapidly gained popularity and quickly spread throughout the world.

Speaking about the evolution of cars, one cannot fail to mention Alfred Charles Sousa, a student of the famous O'Reilly, as well as tattoo master Percy Waters. It was they who, being interested in improving the functioning of the device, improved it by making important additions, including a change in the supply of paint and the drive of the needles. In addition, Percy Waters created several different models of tattoo machines and put them on the market.

Tattoo machines: what types of equipment are

How to choose the right device from the variety on the market, which will become a real "friend" of the master? What to pay attention to first of all? How to choose a tattoo machine without making a mistake? These questions are of interest to those who plan to open their own studios, and those who need to upgrade their equipment.

Before choosing a machine for work, you need to understand the differences between the devices. Conventionally, the equipment is divided into 2 groups: rotary and induction.

Principle of operation and other differences

The main difference between a rotary tattoo machine and an induction one is that the driving force is first converted into rotational, which after that becomes translational. The movement of the needles is due to the operation of the motor, which ensures their uniform impact on the skin. The principle of operation of induction is much more complicated - here electromagnetic coils are responsible for feeding the needles, alternately attracting and repelling the steel striker. To operate the induction device, you will need a power supply and a pedal, while the rotary apparatus operates directly from the network.

Lightweight, easy to use, rotary machines are used to create not only tattoos, but also permanent makeup. They are almost completely devoid of vibration, which allows them to be used to draw minor details.

Among the undeniable advantages of rotary machines include:

• low vibration level and, accordingly, minimizing the risks of possible errors in the process of work, which makes this option ideal for beginners;
• devices of this type are equipped with the function of adjusting softness and hardness, which also simplifies the work of the master and makes the process more comfortable for the client;
• rotary machines are great for multi-color art compositions.

Another advantage of a rotary tattoo machine is its low weight, while induction is much inferior in lightness. Rotary tattoo machine reduces the load on the arm of the tattoo artist, which allows you to work longer and reduce the risk of careless movement.

A significant disadvantage of using rotary machines is the inability to use them to draw a contour. That is, to create a high-quality drawing, it is advisable for the master to acquire several types of devices for creating a tattoo.

Induction machines are distinguished by a complex principle of operation, which consists in magnetic coils that create movement by attracting each other. The use of devices of this type allows you to adjust the power and frequency of needle movements, which simplifies the work of the master. However, we should not forget that using the wrong settings can lead to poor performance or damage to the skin.

Induction type machines are recommended for use by tattoo artists with experience and skill in tattooing. This is due to a significant mass of devices and some inconvenience when using them. Before starting to work with clients, it is recommended to master the skills of using induction machines on simulators.

Depending on the features of use and technical characteristics, tattoo devices are divided into contour and shading devices. They should be used in strict accordance with the functional purpose. For example, using a contouring machine to paint over areas of skin can lead to injury. Thus, to create a high-quality drawing, the master may need to have two, and in most cases, more machines for creating a tattoo.

Types of devices for permanent makeup

At first glance, permanent makeup equipment is similar to conventional tattoo equipment. But machines for permanent facial makeup are distinguished by their mechanism, which more delicately applies coloring pigments to the face and thereby injures the epidermis less. Most salons use rotary or induction machines. You can also find a device in the form of a pen, which is called a maniple. But with its help it is impossible to achieve a beautiful result, so professionals do not use it in their work.

The induction apparatus creates a lot of vibration during operation. But with such a machine, you can control the force of inserting the needle, as well as the speed of its movement. Due to vibration, such devices cannot draw clear and thin lines, and they can also leave scars or scars. For this reason, they are not used to work with the face. Also, during operation, they create discomfort due to their large weight and noise. With the help of such machines, large areas of the body are painted over or tattoos are applied.

Rotary devices have a gentle effect on the skin. Here you can control the speed of the needle and the depth of the puncture by adjusting the voltage. Also, they do not create excessive noise in operation. Some models may have a touch screen with which you can control the process and observe the features of the client's epidermis. New models of rotary devices practically do not create vibration during operation, so they are light in weight and allow the use of various needles. Thanks to this, you can easily engage in the process for a long time and accept various techniques, while the whole process will not take much time.

How to choose the right machine

Some believe that the less experience the master has, the easier it is for him to need tools. It is not right. A good device is the key to high-quality permanent makeup.

When making a choice, the master must pay attention to the technical characteristics of the machine, a number of options for tattooing.

• Vibration-free. In such devices, there is no lateral needle travel, which minimizes the possibility of injury to delicate skin. Clients only notice slight peeling, there are no terrible crusts in the healing process. The advantages of such machines are that they are easy to work with for beginners who are taking their first steps in their careers.
• Safety. The equipment of the new generation has a special design of the needle-nozzle. Disposable caps, needles in contact with the skin are used. Special membranes prevent lymph from entering the body of the apparatus. That is, the equipment always remains sterile in the middle, it will only need to be disinfected from the outside. This is a cost savings on expensive sterilizers. It is also worth paying attention to whether the machine has a built-in pigment reverse current adjustment system.
• Adjustment of the depth of immersion of the needles. A very important indicator for beginners. Modern devices introduce easily and simply pigments to any depth. At the same time, all processes are fully controlled, you don’t have to worry about unnecessary deepenings.
• Power - the speed of the procedures, and hence the guaranteed accuracy of the tattoo, depends on this indicator.
• Ease of manipulation. The manufacturer of modern machines makes sure that the craftsmen work with them comfortably and conveniently. Manufactured using a durable and lightweight alloy. The result is that the hand will not get tired even with prolonged manipulations.
• Wide range of speed modes. The selection of the necessary needle strokes for various areas on the face (eyebrows, lips, and so on) depends on this indicator. Modern models work in the latest techniques, are distinguished by a variety of high-speed modes.
• A variety of needles with the ability to select a comfortable needle for selected techniques (nano-needle for thin strips, single, beam cassettes, shading flat). Such tools have anti-allergic properties, as they are made of special medical steel, have laser sharpening, which minimizes trauma.
• Ease of management. The modern device has a comfortable touch control panel. Some models are supplemented with foot pedals, which allows the tattoo artist not to be distracted by switching speeds during work.
• Mobility. Well-known manufacturing companies have created innovative equipment that resembles a smartphone or tablet in size. Such models will be an excellent choice for those who plan to organize outdoor receptions.

What to choose

It is difficult to answer this question unambiguously. Each master decides for himself which choice is preferable for him. Before buying, it is important to clearly define for yourself what requirements for the devices you choose are a priority for you:

• adjustment of the frequency of needle punctures;
• lack of vibrations, noise;
• mobility, model design;
• compact size;
• the presence of a foot panel;
• light weight;
• capacity stability;
• minimum injury;
• choice of needle configurations and much more.

It should be borne in mind that the operation of equipment for permanent tattooing may require additional consumables (caps, needles, cartridge, module). Many companies supplement models with ready-made consumables.

When buying it is recommended:

• independent study of technical models of the device, viewing reviews on specialized forums;
• getting advice from practitioners;
• taking courses to help you make an informed choice.