Glossary
Original editorial content, made for people who want to understand before they buy.
Grip
The grip is the part of the machine held in the hand. It can be built into the body or interchangeable, and varies in material, diameter and surface. In systems with separate grips it can be a disposable or reusable component.
Battery
In wireless machines the battery is the rechargeable accumulator that powers the motor, generally lithium-ion. It can be built in or removable, and on models with several batteries the empty one can be swapped.
Runtime
Runtime is how long the machine works on a full charge. The figure in product sheets is declared by the manufacturer and refers to specific conditions (set voltage, load, temperature): in real use it can differ.
Power Supply
The power supply is the device that provides electrical energy to a corded machine, usually with adjustable voltage. It connects to the machine with a cord and a connector (for example RCA) and may include features such as a voltage display or a foot pedal.
Cartridge
A cartridge is a pre-assembled needle housed in a container that includes the tip, the membrane and the system that attaches it to the machine. It is supplied sterile and single-use, and is distinguished by configuration, gauge, count and taper type.
Needle Configuration
The configuration describes how the needle's points are arranged: in a circle (liner and shader), in a flat row (flat) or in several rows (magnum). In a needle code such as 1207RL, «12» is the gauge, «07» the number of points and «RL» the configuration (Round Liner).
Round Liner (RL)
The Round Liner is a configuration in which the points are soldered in a circle, in a tight group. It is generally indicated with the code RL and the number of points (for example 3RL, 7RL).
Round Shader (RS)
The Round Shader is a configuration in which the points are arranged in a circle but with a wider spacing than the Round Liner. It is generally indicated with the code RS and the number of points.
Magnum (M1)
The Magnum is a configuration with points arranged in two staggered (interleaved, «weaved») rows, generally indicated as M1 or simply Magnum. The variant with stacked rows is often called M2. Definitions can vary between manufacturers.
Curved Magnum (RM)
The Curved Magnum, or Round Magnum (RM), is a magnum configuration in which the row of points is arranged in an arc rather than a straight line. It is generally indicated with the code RM followed by the number of points.
Flat
The Flat is a configuration with the points aligned in a single straight row, soldered on the same plane. It is generally indicated with the code F or FL and the number of points.
Taper
The taper is the length of the conical section at the needle's tip, that is, the part that narrows to the point of contact. Manufacturers classify it into categories such as short, medium, long and extra long, but the measurements in millimetres are not the same for everyone.