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Different Types of Rotary

Home / Hildbrandt Blog / Different Types of Rotary Tattoo Machines Explained
Tattoo Machines Explained

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Different Types of Rotary Tattoo Machines Explained

Rotary tattoo machines are becoming more and more popular in the industry these
past couple of years.  With popularity comes diversity and today, there are many
different types of rotary tattoo machines available.  The main types are the Direct
Drive, Armature Bar Guided, Linear Action and Swashdrive.  These 4 main types
seem to form the core from which rotaries are developed.  Modi cations to to
these main designs results in various hybrids like the popular Dragon y.  In this
article, we will explain the properties of these 4 main types.

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Direct Drive Rotary Tattoo Machine

Cam Wheel or bearing is directly placed on motor shaft and needle attaches
directly to the cam wheel. The circular motion of the wheel with the needle bar
attached makes the needle bar cycle up and down.  An example of direct drive
rotaries that we produce are the Hildbrandt Executioner, Assassin, Marksman and
Sniper.

Pros: Extremely quiet, most ef cient use of movement from motor.

Cons: Can be dif cult to stabilize needle. Less range of adjustment for depth.

Image

Armature Bar Rotary Tattoo Machine

A small cam Wheel is attached to an arm that links to an armature bar. The circular
motion of the cam wheel pushes the armature bar in an up and down motion. The
needle bar is attached to the armature bar.  Examples of armature bar rotary tattoo
machines we produce are the Hildbrandt Beretta, Silencer and Inkstar Hitman.

Pros: Needle bar up and down motion is very accurate since it is guided by the
armature bar which is held in place by the frame of the machine. Needle bar will
remain stable in just about any con guration.  Simple to adjust throw of machine,
increase length of cam arm for a slower shader or decrease length for a faster
liner.

Cons: Loud, considering one of the highlights of a rotary machine is its quiet
function, the armature bar rotary tattoo machine would be the loudest type of
rotary. It will still be quieter than most coil machines.
Linear Action Rotary Tattoo Machine

The needle bar attaches to a slider mechanism that is held in place by a channel.
The motor is usually hidden under an enclosed frame and the shaft is attached to
the slider mechanism.  An example of a linear action we make is the Inkstar
Zipliner (available after March 2013).

Pros: Fairly quiet and smooth if the channel and slider mechanism is assembled
together well. Will be just as stable as an Armature bar rotary.  If the machine has
a built in adjustment mechanism on the slider, a large degree of adjustment is
possible.

Cons: Friction between slider and frame chassis may increase chance of machine
heating up. Usually dif cult to take apart and x.
Swashdrive Rotary Tattoo Machine

Uses a swash plate to convert the rotation of the motor into an up and down
motion. These are really fun to watch in motion.  Examples of swashdrive rotaries
we make are the Inkstar Hammer and Screwdriver (both available after March
2013).

Pros: Very quiet and smooth.  Hybrid versions allow for a wide range of
adjustments.

Cons: Running at higher voltages may cause instability if poorly assembled or

swash plate/motor mechanisms are not well lubricated.

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By David | January 31st, 2013 | Hildbrandt Blog | 0 Comments

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