Glossary
Original editorial content, made for people who want to understand before they buy.
Whip Shading
Whip shading is a shading technique based on quick, short, whip-like movements that produce a progressive gradation of tone. It is a technique term, not a product characteristic.
Dotwork
Dotwork is a style and technique in which the design is built from single dots, whose density creates shapes and gradients. In products it appears in descriptions of needles and machines indicated by the manufacturer for this type of work.
Pass
A pass is a single going-over of the needle on the same area. The term describes the repetition of the gesture, for example «one pass» or «several passes» over a line or an area.
Hand Speed
Hand speed is how fast the artist moves the hand over the skin while working. It is a variable of execution, not a product specification, and has no standard unit of measure.
Machine Speed
Machine speed is the machine's running speed, generally meaning needle hits per minute. The term is used inconsistently: sometimes it indicates motor revolutions (RPM), sometimes the voltage set.
Weight
Weight is the machine's mass expressed in grams, as declared by the manufacturer. It may refer to the body alone or include battery and cartridge: the datasheet does not always specify.
Dimensions
Dimensions indicate the machine's size, generally length and diameter in millimetres. Length may be given with or without a cartridge, and the diameter may refer to the body or the grip.
Grip diameter
Grip diameter is the measurement of the handle's cross-section, expressed in millimetres. In systems with interchangeable grips, several diameters are available.
Battery capacity
Battery capacity is the amount of charge it can store, expressed in mAh (milliamp-hours) or, sometimes, in Wh. At equal consumption, a larger capacity generally allows more running time, but the duration also depends on the motor and settings.
Charging time
Charging time is the time needed to bring the battery from empty to full, as declared by the manufacturer. It depends on the charger or cable used and on the battery's condition.
RCA
RCA is a type of connector (phono) used in many systems to connect the machine to the power supply via a cord. The connector is the same as in other uses, but internal wiring and polarity can vary between manufacturers.
Cartridge compatibility
Cartridge compatibility indicates which types of cartridge the machine can work with, based on the attachment system and dimensions. Many manufacturers declare compatibility with «standard» cartridges or with specific standards, but the term has no single definition.