Ultrasonic Dispersion of Tattoo Ink

Tattoo inks are specialty inks used for the artificial pigmentation of the skin. Mixing and dispersing tattoo inks with a probe-type sonicator offers advantages such as homogenization, particle size reduction, ingredient dispersion, reduced processing time, sterilization, and controlled process parameters. These benefits contribute to improved ink quality, tattoo outcomes, and overall safety and efficiency in the tattooing process.

Tattoo Inks

Tattoos are a popular form of artificial body adornment and are considered as cosmetic. During the tattooing, the ink, consisting in pigments and a carrier liquid, is inserted via a needle into the dermis, the middle layer of the skin. Most tattooists work with pre-dispersed (pre-mixed) inks. Pre-dispersed inks are convenient for the tattoo artist and ensure a safe and even application. The pre-dispersed ink is a ready-to-use solution, where the pigments are dispersed the carrier liquid. Since the pigment gives the tattoo ink a certain color and makes the tattoo permanent, the pigment particles or crystals must be evenly mixed. The particle size can vary from micro to nano range. The pigment particle size is an important factor for the color expression of the ink. Ultrasonic homogenizer are a well-known and proven tool for the reliable particle breakage and dispersion. The ultrasonic dispersion process can be precisely controlled and produces a stable fine-sized ink product.

Ultrasonic Dispersion of Tattoo Inks

Ultrasonic mixing and dispersing of tattoo inks is linked to improved tattoo ink quality. The use of a probe-type sonicator is a reliable, easy-to-use and safe mixing procedure coming with several advantages.

• Homogenization of Ink: Sonication facilitates the thorough mixing of pigments and other ingredients in tattoo ink. The ultrasound waves generated by the sonicator probe break down clumps of pigment particles, ensuring a uniform distribution throughout the ink solution. This results in a consistent color and texture, which is crucial for achieving desired tattoo outcomes.
• Particle Size Reduction: Sonication can effectively reduce the size of pigment particles in the ink. Smaller particle sizes lead to smoother ink flow and improved ink penetration into the skin during the tattooing process. This can result in finer lines, sharper details, and overall better tattoo quality. Additionally, smaller particles may enhance ink stability and reduce the risk of particle aggregation or sedimentation over time.
• Uniform Mixing of Ingredients: Tattoo ink typically contains various additives, such as stabilizers, preservatives, and solvents, in addition to pigments. Sonication helps disperse these ingredients evenly throughout the ink solution, ensuring uniformity and stability. This dispersion can enhance the ink performance and longevity, reducing the likelihood of ink separation or degradation.
• Quick and On-Time: Probe-type sonicators are efficient and capable of rapidly achieving desired mixing and dispersion effects. Compared to traditional mixing methods, such as manual stirring or shaking, sonication significantly reduces processing time, allowing tattoo artists to prepare ink batches more quickly and efficiently. Due to the simple and rapid procedure, tattoo artists can easily prepare smaller ink batches on demand.
• Sterilization and Decontamination: Hielscher sonicators offer features such as autoclaving or sterilizable probes, which can help ensure the cleanliness and safety of the tattoo ink preparation process. Proper sterilization of equipment is essential for preventing contamination and minimizing the risk of infection during tattoo procedures.

 

Whether for smaller production of specialty colors and inks or for the industrial manufacturing of large pigment suspensions – Hielscher Ultrasonics offers you the ideal ultrasonic disperser for your requirement. A small lab disperser such as the UP100H or UP200Ht are suitable for the treatment of small to mid-size volumes and therefore recommended for the production of customized pigment mixtures and specialty inks. Industrial-grade sonicators like the UIP1500hdT or UIP2000hdT give you the capacity for producing larger volumes of pigment suspensions for commercial distribution.
 
The table below gives you an overview over the most suitable ultrasonic device for a specific volume range. Click on the device type to get more information on each ultrasonicator.

Hielscher ultrasonic devices give you convenience by reducing the process time and by improving the product quality. Our ultrasonic systems are very robust, easy to use and require hardly maintenance.