Types of Tattoo Machines

Thomas Edison patented the Stencil-Pens in 1876, a device designed for engraving. Samuel O'Reilly modified the design nearly 15 years later so that it could permanently deposit ink into the skin, according to C.R. Jordan. While the art of tattooing has evolved over the decades, the fundamental concepts of tattoo machines have changed little. There are still only a few basic types of tattoo machines.

Rotary

According to C.R. Jordan, the rotary type tattoo machine utilizes rotary bearings rather than springs to move the tattoo needle and deposit the ink into the skin. The rotary tattoo machine tends to run more quietly than a dual coil machine as a result. While rotary machines are not common in professional tattoo shops, some artists prefer to use them because the decreased noise is less intimidating to first-time customers.

Dual Coil

The dual coil tattoo machines use wound copper coils that move the needle via springs. The mechanism is similar to that of a doorbell in that it uses electromagnetic current to force the needle down and up. According to Erick Alayon, dual coil tattoo machines are favored in the modern tattooing industry. They allow greater precision and smoother lines than rotary machines. They are also more readily available through mail order and Internet retailers.
There are two subtypes of dual coil machines. The liner, which is a lighter machine, is designed for tattooing outlines and adding fine details. The shader, which features heavier frame construction and more powerful coils, is designed for coloring large areas quickly.

Pneuma

Pneuma type machines run on air compression, rather than coils or bearings, says C.R. Jordan. There are two primary advantages to pneuma type machines. They are lighter than other types of machines--most models weigh around 2 oz. Also, they can be sterilized in an autoclave. Pneuma type tattoo machines are still relatively new and are uncommon within the tattooing industry.