Actuator for tattoo machine

The paper deals with innovative design of drive of tattoo needle. Most of currently used solutions are realized with rotational motor and crank mechanism or with application based on “Wagner hammer” principle. Rotational drive is limited to slightly adjust velocity profile of the needle during one operating cycle and also the complex construction didn't allow easy disinfection processes. System based on “Wagner hammer” is widely used but its most significant disadvantage is instability of its mechanical parameters which leads to frequent adjusting of the system. The innovated solution is based on electromechanical actuator with enforced (controlled) dynamics, which eliminate all mentioned disadvantages of mechanical solutions. The paper describes design of electric drivers of electromagnetic actuators and the control principles are explained too. Some practical experience gained during realization of the prototype together with measured results are discussed.