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Wireless tattoo pens have fundamentally changed the game in terms of long sessions, providing wireless convenience without compromising machine size and portability. However, the motor is what ultimately powers the device and plays a huge role in its lifespan, battery efficiency, heat management, and overall long-term performance.
Two types of motors have been seen to dominate the conversation on brushless vs coreless: coreless and brushless. While both types of motors are quite capable of powering a high-performance tattoo machine, the mechanics of each type ultimately determine how long the motor will last under strain and what sort of performance to expect from a given machine.
Workings of a Brushless Motor
Coreless Motor
A tattoo pen works by transforming electrical energy from the battery into rotational force via the motor. This rotational force is then transferred to an eccentric cam, which ultimately translates this rotation into an up-and-down motion of the machine's needle cartridge.
Coreless motors utilize a relatively lightweight rotor that typically does not incorporate an iron core. Because of the lightness of the rotor, coreless motors have a distinct mechanical advantage in terms of responsiveness and acceleration.
Coreless motors can offer the following advantages:
· Excellent response to voltage changes and load
· Smooth needle action
· Lightweight motor
· High power-to-weight ratio
· Low rotational inertia
However, coreless motors typically incorporate brushes and a commutator, which can add to the overall weight and introduce mechanical wear as the brush constantly rubs against the commutator.
Brushless Motors
Brushless motors utilize a set of electronics to power the rotor, eliminating the need for brushes and a commutator. This ultimately eliminates the mechanical wear associated with brushed motors, offering a number of advantages.
Brushless motors can offer the following advantages:
· Significantly increased motor lifespan
· Reduced mechanical wear
· Excellent power and performance
· Efficiency
· Lower maintenance requirements
However, the addition of electronics adds complexity and can ultimately increase weight and reduce the overall power-to-weight ratio, depending on the motor's design.
Torque, the Power Behind Needle Movement
In short, torque is the rotational force produced by a motor.
When working on a tattoo, the rotating mass of the motor is ultimately turned into a reciprocating force that drives the needle mechanism. This means that the motor is constantly fighting against the inertia of the needle mechanism and the workload imposed by the cartridge, the skin, and the artist's technique.
A motor with sufficient torque will be able to maintain speed even under increased load, and will ultimately offer more consistent performance throughout the session. Torque is ultimately important in terms of the machine's performance - having too little torque will ultimately rob the machine of power, response, and ultimately consistency, while too much torque will ultimately rob the machine of efficiency, vibration control, and heat management, depending on the overall design.
However, when it comes to long-term performance and the machine's overall lifespan, the question should not be "how much torque does the motor have?", but rather "is the motor efficient enough?"
Battery Draw Matters
Since the tattoo pen is ultimately powered by a battery, motor efficiency ultimately determines how long the machine will last between charges.
While coreless motors can be exceptionally quick due to the lightness of the rotor, the overall energy consumption depends on a variety of variables that ultimately have nothing to do with the motor itself.
Stroke length, voltage, group of needles, speed, skin resistance, and tuning ultimately play a bigger role in terms of the current draw. While brushless motors can be more efficient than their brushed counterparts due to the elimination of brush resistance, the entire system has to be considered when comparing two different motor types.
When comparing different machines, look beyond manufacturers' claims about long battery life. Ultimately, battery capacity, voltage, operating range, efficiency, and charging time all play a part in the machine's overall runtime and performance.
Larger capacity batteries typically offer more runtime, but ultimately add to the weight of the machine. When considering an upgrade, make sure to consider these factors in addition to the overall machine weight.
Heat, The Silent Longevity Killer
Heat has a major impact on the pen's overall performance and longevity. Ultimately, any excess heat generated by the motor is wasted energy that could have been used to drive the needle mechanism. Mechanical resistance, inefficiency of the motor, and the overall workload can ultimately increase the temperature of the machine beyond acceptable limits, ultimately shortening the lifespan of the motor and other components.
While brushless motors do not have the brush-to-commutator contact found in brushed motors, they still generate heat as a result of other factors. The overall build quality and design ultimately determine how much heat a given motor will produce and how well it can dissipate this heat. While increased voltage ultimately boosts power, it can also raise temperatures, especially if the motor is not built to handle it.
When it comes to heat, a few hours of real-world performance will tell you more about a given pen's performance than a few minutes of testing. Pay close attention to the pen's performance and feel for heat after extended use.
Avoid subjecting the machine to unnecessary strain, and do not overload the motor. As always, follow the manufacturer's recommendations when it comes to tuning the machine to avoid unnecessary heat buildup.
Maintenance and Wear
While this section might seem a bit self-explanatory, brushless motors have a theoretical advantage over brushed motors in this regard.
Brushed coreless motors ultimately have two major points of wear: the brushes and the commutator. The rate at which these two elements will wear down ultimately depends on the design of the motor and the operating conditions.
Brushless motors do not have these elements of mechanical wear, ultimately eliminating one point of failure in the system.
However, brushless motors are not exempt from maintenance. As always, the bearings can wear down over time, the electronics can fail, and the battery will ultimately lose capacity after hundreds of charge cycles.
For both types of machines, the following recommendations apply:
1. Make sure to clean the pen regularly, following the manufacturer's recommendations.
2. Avoid getting ink, disinfectants, and water near the motor or other sensitive electronics.
3. Avoid dropping the machine.
4. Avoid overloading the motor - do not exceed the specified voltage range and avoid unnecessary strain.
5. Avoid using damaged cartridges. Use only high-quality accessories, and make sure to replace them when needed.
Follow the manufacturer's recommendations when charging and storing the battery.
What about Long Sessions?
If you plan on doing big tattoos on a regular basis, long sessions will ultimately take a toll on your preferred pen. Ultimately, the machine should be able to keep you working without losing significant power or speed, without heating up excessively or vibrating at unsustainable rates.
While the brushless motor is a clear winner in terms of mechanical maintenance, coreless motors offer excellent performance potential without the drawbacks of mechanical wear. As always, the overall quality of the machine ultimately determines its performance and longevity - and this ultimately applies to the motor as well.
Tips that will help
When looking for a long-lasting pen, keep the following recommendations in mind.
1. Ask around - Find out about the machine's performance over extended usage.
2. Ask about heat - Performance claims over short sessions may look impressive, but ultimate performance will be dictated by the pen's performance over several hours.
3. Compare battery capacity and efficiency - Ask around about real-world performance, and make sure to compare apples to apples.
4. Ask about serviceability and warranty - A good company should stand behind their product, offering high-quality components and excellent repair options.
5. Match the motor to the type of work - Fine line work, packing, shading, and big tattoos will ultimately put varying amounts of strain on your pen. Ask around to find out if a given motor is capable of handling the type of work you do.
6. Avoid chasing power - Efficiency ultimately wins over raw power. A slightly less powerful but well-built motor will ultimately outperform an overpowered motor that vibrates excessively and has poor heat management.
Coreless and brushless motors can ultimately power excellent tattoo pens. Brushless motors typically offer advantages in terms of mechanical wear and efficiency, while coreless motors offer excellent power characteristics.
Keep in mind that motor type is only one part of the equation - overall build quality, efficiency, battery capacity, heat management, electronics, bearings, and regular maintenance ultimately determine the pen's lifespan. Remember that a high-quality brushless motor can ultimately offer comparable performance potential to a brushed coreless motor, while providing better efficiency and reduced maintenance requirements.
FAQ
Which motor is better for a wireless tattoo pen?
Brushless motors typically have lower mechanical losses and may be more efficient, while coreless motors can be more responsive and lightweight. They are not necessarily better in all aspects. The quality of a motor, its torque, heating, and battery, as well as the machine’s overall design, are also important.
Do brushless motors produce less heat during long sessions?
Yes, they can, since there are no brushes that would potentially shorten the motor’s lifespan. The heating of the motor usually depends on the controller, bearings, battery, load, and even the design. A properly engineered coreless motor should be able to handle the heat during extended use.
How can artists extend the life of a wireless tattoo pen?
The user should follow the voltage recommendations stated by the manufacturer, not overload the motor, keep the pen dry and clean, reduce the risk of damaging the machine, and care for the battery. Moreover, they may want to invest in a device with high-quality hardware, good engineering, and an extended warranty.
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