The first tattoo machine was invented way back in 1876. With time the mechanisms changed, and upgraded appliances were used. A revolution in the tattoo industry happened in the year 2000. Carson Hill invented a new type of machine, which is the pneumatic tattoo machine. But what was so special about it that made the revolution? The mechanism that pneumatic tattoo machine uses is air pressure. An air compressor attached to the machine creates pressurized air, which drives the needle up and down. By controlling the pressure from the compressor, the speed of the needle movement is maintained as needed. This technology made the device very lightweight compared to the Coil and Rotary tattoo machines. For this reason, doing a large and complex tattoo became very easy. Moreover, tattoo artists who had to make tattoos for a long time felt the relief, as the machine in their hand is lightweight. However, this pneumatic tattoo machine did not last long in the industry because of some significant demerits it had.
The pneumatic tattoo machine is mainly known as a neuma tattoo machine. Neuma tattoo machine was created for doing tattoos that take very long to complete. Though it has this incredible benefit compared to others, it failed to satisfy the artists soon. Buying an air compressor is compulsory for this. So people had to go deep into their pockets. Pricing for the whole tattoo machine is one of the main demerits.
⦿ Types of Pneumatic tattoo machine:
Neuma is the first one of this type of tattoo machine. Then Neuma Hybrid is introduced in the market. Neuma hybrid has some serious upgradations from neuma. Most of the people say that neuma had an ‘irritating’ noise that was uncontrollable. Also, it damages the skin more compared to other kinds of machines. Neuma hybrid covered both of the complaints well enough. After these two, Neuma Hybrid Electric is also introduced. It is quieter than both of the earlier models. Also, it uses electricity as a power source.
⦿ Advantages of Pneumatic machine:
Significant advantages that the machine had are as follows:
‣ Lightweight
The pneumatic tattoo machine is very light compared to rotary and coil machines. It is one of the main reasons most of the artists chose it. Moreover, it is a compact machine to work with for the professionals.
‣ Remote use
This type of machine is both electricity and gas-powered. This facility made the device suitable to use in remote areas with limited power supply facilities. We cannot ignore the fests and fairs where a simple setup is preferred for the tattoo artists. For this reason, the power source played a crucial role in neuma to be popular.
‣ Hygiene maintain
Neuma is very easy to clean and sterilize. Unlike others, it can be sterilized in an autoclave without dismantling. Because of this, neuma is very handy to clean, and also, hygiene maintenance is more effortless.
‣ Needles and accessories
This device is compatible with both flat and round needles. Mainly flat needles are used for lining, and round needles are used for shading. Flat needles penetrate the skin more in-depth, and ink placed in the skin makes bold lines while round needles are shallow penetration. Which means neuma is capable of both the tasks. Also, this machine works with any average needle. So finding supplies is not hard for this appliance.
‣ Neuma hybrid usage
Using neuma hybrid and neuma hybrid electric can have a tremendously positive outcome as both the machines are quieter and reduce the scarring of skin compared to neuma. Also, the neuma hybrid electric does not need the compressor as it can be electrically powered. The power supply makes the device handier for traveling artists.
⦿ Demerits regarding pneumatic tattoo machine
There were some major difficulties associated with this machine. These problems discouraged the tattoo artists, ultimately resulting in zero production of pneumatic tattoo machines. The demerits are:
‣ Can be painful
Neuma, the first of this type of machine, was the most painful experience for many consumers. It did greater skin while doing the tattoo. Though neuma hybrid dealt with this problem nicely.
‣ Can be irritatingly loud
Most of the artists had the same complaint that neuma is very loud. The sound it makes is irritating to some. Neuma hybrid and neuma hybrid electric again covered this complaint.
‣ Expensive
Using the air compressor for the tattoo machine was a great idea, but it affected the machine’s pricing. Because of the air compressor, the whole setup is much more expensive than other ones. Thus only the pricing of the machine discouraged a lot of artists.
‣ Not available
Tattoo artists do not very often use these machines because they are difficult to come by. Neuma and Neuma hybrid machines are not available as rotary and coil tattoo machines at just as many online retailers and tattoo supply stores. But once found one of these machines, supplies won’t be too difficult to get through. These tattoo machines operate with most pre-designed needles and tubes.
‣ Large setup
Using the neuma machine means the tattoo artist will need an air compressor, which is not required in the neuma hybrid. The air compressor used for the neuma makes the setup large enough. This large setup loses mobility. So, if a traveling artist buys neuma, it will be challenging for him to carry the whole structure.
Neuma changed the tattoo industry for sure and has a great impact there. It helped a lot of people with big delicate tattoos. Also artists can easily swap two of these machines for lining and shading. This will be best combination for them to use. Neuma hybrid gives them all the benefits of the classical machines as well as the modern coil or rotary tattoo machines. The neuma or the neuma hybrid should be a very good investment for the tattoo artists because of these reasons.
Although hailed as a breakthrough when it first came on the market the Neuma Tattoo Machine seems not to have lived up to its hype.
