THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CARTRIDGE AND ROD TATTOO NEEDLES

Once you've chosen the right type of tattoo machine and learned how to sterilize your equipment, the next thing you need is the right type of tattoo needles. Again, there are many different options available to you as an artist, but which one do you choose? What are the pros and cons of each needle type? If you're stuck trying to decide which one is right for your current project, read on.

We'll explain everything you need to know about cartridge needles and rod needles.

What is a cartridge tattoo needle?

A cartridge tattoo needle is a type of needle that is pre-loaded into a tube-like device that can be snapped into a standard tattoo machine. They are also often referred to as “disposable” needles because they are meant to be thrown away after one use. Cartridge tattoo needles have a number of features that make them attractive to artists, which we will discuss in the next section.

You can find more types of needles here

The advantages of using a cartridge tattoo needle

• Convenience – Cartridge needles make it easy to change ink colors on a single machine, which can be helpful if you’re doing a multi-color piece or using different ink colors for shading. This is especially important for artists who want to use a variety of different colored inks.
• Cleanliness – Since the cartridge needle is pre-filled with ink, the amount of time the needle is exposed to air is reduced, helping to minimize the risk of cross-contamination.
• Control – The needle and ink inside the cartridge are designed to work well together, meaning you can get more consistent lines and better control over shading when using a cartridge needle.
• Durability – Cartridge needles are designed to be strong and long lasting, meaning you won’t have to change them as often as you would with a rod needle. This can be helpful for artists trying to save money or who do a high volume of work. (needles are single use per person)

Disadvantages of using a cartridge needle for tattooing

• Ink Type – Since cartridge needles are already loaded inside a tube, it is difficult to change the type of ink you are using, which can be a problem if you need to change ink types mid-piece.
• Durability – Cartridge needles are designed to be strong and durable, meaning you don’t have the option of switching to a shorter needle or changing the length of your needle, which can make detailed work difficult.

How to choose the right type of ink for your needle

• Needle Length – Before you decide what type of ink you want to use, you first need to determine what type of needle you are going to use. Most artists use either a rod or cartridge needle. The two types of needles have different length options, meaning they can accommodate different skin types, including thicker or thinner skin.
• Skin Type – The thickness of the skin you are tattooing will also determine the length of the needle you should use. Thicker skin may require a longer needle that can penetrate it more easily than thinner skin.
• Ink Type – Once you’ve decided on the length of your needle, you need to figure out what type of ink you want to use. In addition to deciding what color ink you want to use, you’ll also need to decide whether you want to use water-based or oil-based inks.
• Ink Type – Water-based inks are the most commonly used, but they can only be used with a specific type of needle. If you want to use water-based inks, you will need to get a cartridge or a fixed needle.
• Oil-based inks, on the other hand, can be used with any type of needle. However, they must be cleaned off the needle with alcohol or ethyl alcohol, which can be an additional challenge if you are using a cartridge needle.

Conclusion

There are many different types of tattoo needles on the market. It can be challenging to decide which type is right for you, but it is an important decision. Once you have decided on a type, you can start to consider the different options available to you, such as the length and type of ink you want to use. For the best results, you should always choose the type of needle that best suits your skin type and tattoo design.