When a tattoo needle is connected to a tattoo machine, it rapidly moves up and down. Each time the tattoo needle pierces your skin, a tiny amount of tattoo ink is always left behind. When these tiny drips are combined, they form the tattoo image.
A tattoo machine works almost like a sewing machine. During the process, the tattoo machine moves very rapidly and this movement enables the tattoo artist to produce complex and interesting images from hundreds and hundreds of tiny ink-filled holes in your skin.
According to the International Dermal Institute, on average, a tattoo needle can penetrate the skin between 50 to 3,000 times per minute, depending on the speed setting on the tattoo machine.
In this article, you’ll know all the necessary information on how a tattoo needle moves in the first place. So, if you are enthusiastic about the tattoo industry or getting yourself a tattoo then you should definitely read this.
The Speed of the Tattoo Needles
Fast facts, a tattoo machine works at varying speeds, depending on the tattoo artist’s desired style. They can effortlessly move the tattoo needles up and down at a very sluggish rate of 50 times per minute to even 3,000 times per minute.
A professional tattoo artist will penetrate the epidermis, the outer layer of skin, using their needle. The needle penetrates the dermis (second layer of your skin) to create proper tattoos.
The human skin consists of 3 layers; epidermis (surface and outer layer of the skin), dermis and subcutaneous tissue. In comparison to the epidermis, the dermis is a more stable layer.
The dermis is located between the epidermis and hypodermis. The dermis layer is composed of a network of fibrous tissues that provide structure and resilience.
Tattoo needles should penetrate into the dermis layer. If the tattoo needle depth is not enough, the ink particle will only penetrate the epidermis sublayers, and the tattoo will bleed out as it heals.
Why Do These Needles Jump While Getting a Tattoo?
Needle jumping or leaping is a common problem with tattoo machines due to the stroke length being insufficient. Since the pinpoint of the needle protrudes shortly in a single location, pierces can easily occur there, resulting in infection if you are not careful.
The second reason for this jump is, when this occurs, the skin appears to pierce deeply but does not cut through or penetrate beyond that point, preventing a kind of severe infection or bleeding from
Thirdly, as the tattooing machine runs slowly, it has no opportunity to jump around on your skin. The tattoo needle then might bounce on different locations, giving these lines a jagged appearance rather than a smooth one on the skin.
How do These Tattoo Needles Work?
A particular tattoo needle is made up of several tips and between these tips, the ink is held. When the needle pierces your skin, the ink is sucked into the tiny hole and remains on the skin surface.
With automatic coil tattoo machines, tattooing is easier than ever as a coil tattoo machine uses an electromagnetic coil. The best thing about modern tattoo machines is that you can effectively and quickly deposit the ink into these tiny holes, creating intricate and realistic permanent art on your skin pretty fast.
The swift movement of the needles makes shading, line work or filling huge sections of the skin giving an elegant and aesthetic look very easy for artists.
The artist can be certain that the tattoo ink reaches the exact layer of the skin with each stroke due to the needle’s regular movement. This repeated motion ensures that the designs are of good quality and color is consistent.
How Do the Machines Operate for Creating a Tattoo?
Since the nineteenth century, tattoo machines have evolved relatively little. Samuel O’Reilly invented the gadget, which was modeled after the engraving machine.
The needle of a tattoo gun is moved by an electric motor fitted in tattoo machines. Skilled tattoo artists today use one-time use, sterilized needles.
These cartridge needles are discarded after one usage especially for safety and health reasons. This machine also has a reservoir that contains all the ink that is used during tattooing.
If you are planning to open a tattoo parlor, you can buy a tattoo kit that contains all the necessary equipment such as needles, rubber band, coil machine, tattoo power supply, clip cord, etc. Furthermore, if you are looking to buy a rotary tattoo machine or coil tattoo machine for your tattoo shop, FK irons can be your go to option!
Additional Factors that Contribute to the Speed of the Needles
The quantity of energy supplied to the machine, the armature bar, foot pedal and also the machine’s tuning all have an effect on the tattoo needle’s overall speed.
The needle is attached to the armature bar and controlled by the foot pedal. Ink is injected into the skin through a barred needle grouping attached to the armature bar.
Skilled tattoo artists understand the correct placement of tattoo needles and customize their machines for their customer based on their skin type, needs, and the style of the tattoo.
Before beginning their careers as full-fledged tattoo artists, new tattoo artists must complete an apprenticeship. They learn how to calibrate their equipment and the right speed settings to utilize for various types of tattoos during this time.
The Tattoo Machines’ Maximum Speed
Each tattoo machine is unique, and the power supply settings should be determined by the person who’s getting a tattoo. You can follow some fundamental standards, as there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all approach to artistry.
Ascertain that your tattoo machine operates properly by connecting it to a power supply that meets its specifications. Moreover, during the process if you feel irritation or feel any kind of pain make sure to inform the artist about it.
There’s no point in bearing the pain as it can result in a wound or worse, an infection in your body.
Is There Any Problem if the Tattoo Needles Move a lot Faster than Usual?
Many of those who have worked with advanced or rotary tattoo machines are familiar with the frustration associated with needles catching in the skin. Certain operators will accelerate their machines, believing that this is the ideal speed for creating a particular body art.
Snagging is a typical issue with tattoo machines. For example, at the top of the strokes, the needle of the machine will slow down, creating an unpleasant experience.
This snag may be more noticeable if the cloth contains embedded threads or if you have a thick material such as denim sitting on top since it might pull off some of the snags before they even begin.
People Also Asked
Tattoo Needle Configurations
The tattoo needle has several different configurations, depending on the way it is going to be used.
- A round needle is the most common needle configuration, and it is used for liningand shading.
- The flat needle is one of the most common tools for shading and coloring.
- A Magnum is a combination of a round and a flat and is one of the most advanced types of needles currently available.
To achieve a solid line with minimal skin trauma, how deep should an ink needle penetrate the skin?
As a tattooist, it is imperative that you maintain proper deep penetration of the ink. The needle should pierce the dermis, the middle layer.
A needle should be placed as close to the skin as possible. The depth of the ink is not what determines whether or not it will bleed, but rather if enough pressure is applied when inserting the needle into the skin.
If you place the needle too close to the skin, it will cause trauma. It makes for unprofessional tattoos and is not desirable
If you place the needle too far from the skin, it will not be able to transfer enough ink into the blood stream. This is also undesirable because it makes for unprofessional-looking tattoos.
Therefore, it is best to place the needle as close to the skin as possible without causing trauma or bleeding.
How to Insert Needle Bars into tube and machine
Inserting tattoo needle bars into a tube and machine can be a little tricky but it can be done. First, make sure the needle bar is inserted correctly by inserting it into the tube in the way it is intended to be inserted. Then, with your machine plugged in and on, insert the needle bar into a tube. The needle bar will now be inside of the tube and the needle bar should now be inserted into the machine.
What size needle should I use for shading?
The size should depend on what you are doing. If you are only coloring, a small-sized will be enough. For shading, a larger sized is recommended.
The Final Verdict
Now, how fast does a tattoo needle vibrates entirely depends on the type of tattoo you are planning to get.
In addition, there are other factors as well that should be considered especially when getting tattooed, such as the type of machine, the complexity of the tattoo, and the type of skin you have.
However, do make sure that when you get a tattoo, you are getting it from a skilled tattoo artist and professional tattoo artist who knows all the ins and outs about the tattoo. A skilled artist will make the tattooing process a pleasant experience for you.
Furthermore, you might want to ask your artist for ointments or medicines so your tattoo heals faster if you are worried that you will get a wound.
This way, there are fewer chances of blunders and you can get a perfect and aesthetic-looking tattoo on your body.
As final thoughts, tattoos are not easy to make or get. In fact, specific types of tattoos are more painful than others. However, it’s all worth it in the end when you see the permanent artwork engraved on your body!
