Glossary15 January 2026 · 1 min read
Voltage
Voltage is the electrical potential, expressed in volts (V), applied to the machine's motor. In general it determines the running speed, but the relationship between volts and speed depends on the motor and the mechanics. The operating voltage range is declared by the manufacturer.
Why it matters: Two machines at the same voltage can behave differently: the value should be read together with motor, stroke and power supply, and it is not a measure of power.
Related: Power Supply, RPM, Motor, Stroke.
You may also like
- Article6 min read3.5 mm vs 4.2 mm stroke: what changes and how to read itStroke is the needle's travel: 3.5 mm and 4.2 mm are two common values on tattoo machine spec sheets. This article explains what they mean, how they compare, and why there is no universally better stroke.
- Article4 min readCheyenne Hawk Pen 2 vs Critical Torque Lite comparedTwo fixed-stroke pen machines side by side: 3.5 mm vs 3.8 mm stroke, weight, voltage and battery, from the manufacturers' own data in the Odisage database.
- Article4 min readCheyenne SOL Nova Unlimited vs Unlimited II comparedThe two generations of Cheyenne's SOL Nova Unlimited side by side: stroke options, batteries, runtime and weight, from the manufacturer's declared data in the Odisage database.
Stay one step ahead.
New tattoo gear comparisons, guidesand insights,straight to your inbox.