Tattoo Cartridge Needles: Precision Meets Comfort

Tattooing is an art that requires precision, skill, and the right tools…

In fact, the tools you use when tattooing can have a big impact on how the final piece comes out - as well as your experience of doing it.

One of the most important tools in a tattoo artist's box is the needle. 

Here, we tell you everything you need to know about choosing the right cartridge needle and what to look for when shopping around.

What Are Tattoo Cartridge Needles?

Tattoo cartridge needles are a great way for artists to save time whilst working. 

Unlike traditional needles which need to be manually attached to the needle bar each time, these devices are already set up to easily click onto machines. This makes the process both easier and quicker.

Almost like lego blocks, tattoo cartridge needles are designed to be added and removed quickly to a machine and then disposed of. This not only makes them quicker to use and switch between, but more hygienic as cross-contamination becomes near-impossible.

What Are The Benefits Of Tattoo Cartridge Needles?

There are a number of benefits that come with using tattoo cartridge needles, these include:

1. Convenience: Cartridge needles make the process easier by removing the need to manually insert the needle into the needle bar. This can save time, especially with more complicated tattoo designs that require artists to constantly switch between needle types.
2. Versatility: Cartridge needles come in different configurations and sizes, meaning artists can more easily switch between different types for lining, shading, or colouring without needing to change their entire setup.
3. Hygiene: Since many cartridge needles come pre-sterilised and are disposable, they help keep the tattooing process hygienic. After use, the entire cartridge, which contains all needles is thrown out, significantly lowering the risk of cross-contamination.

What To Look For In Tattoo Cartridge Needles

When looking for tattoo cartridge needles, it’s important to look for a number of things:

1. Steel Grade: High-quality needles are typically made from high-grade stainless steel. Choosing the right grade of steel will ensure you can work safely with the knowledge that your tools are strong, durable and unlikely to cause a reaction. 316L Stainless Steel tends to be surgical grade and good for those with allergies, making it a safe choice.
2. Sterilisation: Make sure that the needles you buy are E.O. sterilised to minimise the risk of infection. This sterilisation process removes any bacteria, allowing for a safe tattooing experience - very important when selecting a needle to work with.
3. Membrane System: A built-in membrane system in the cartridge helps prevent ink flowing back to the needle from the skin. This can help keep the needle clean, prevent the risk of infection in customers and also protect the machine from damage that might affect it long-term.

What Are The Types Of Tattoo Cartridge Needles?

Different types of cartridge needles are designed for different reasons. The beauty of the cartridge is an easy switch, allowing tattoo artists to create various effects in their work with ease.

Here are some common types:

1. Round Shader Needles (RS): These needles are used for shading and blending. They are set in a circle, helping artists create smooth and even shading. Round shader needles come in various taper lengths, with shorter tapers creating brighter and darker lines and longer tapers giving a softer effect.
2. Round Liner Needles (RL): Perfect for creating clean lines, round liner needles are tightly grouped in a circle. They are used for outlines and inner detail work, usually used in more intricate areas of the design.
3. Magnum Needles (M): Magnum needles are arranged in a flat or stacked line, making them ideal for filling in areas with lots of colour and shading larger areas. Like other needle, these come in both long and short taper sizes, which can be used to create a variety of effects.

Conclusion

Choosing the right tattoo cartridge needle is important for delivering high-quality tattoos. 

Whether you’re creating big designs or small fine lines, choosing the right needle cartridge can not only create better art, it can make the entire process more comfortable too.