There has been a recent widespread adoption of the use of tattoo cartridges in rotary machines by many artists, and I am not left out.
I use various cartridge-based machines to draw body art and one of the machines I use the most is the Cheyenne tattoo machines, and this is all thanks to its high-quality cartridges.
And due to how efficient these Cheyenne cartridges are, I started wondering if it was universal, and then I quenched my curiosity by trying it out.
In this article, I will be revealing the result of that experience, so if you are an artist who is curious to know if Cheyenne cartridges are universal then you are in the right place to get the answer you are looking for.
However, for clarity, before we get into that, let’s first of all explain what universal cartridges are.
What Are Universal Cartridges?
You know that kind of cartridge that can fit and work perfectly in different tattoo machines?
Yes, that is a universal cartridge.
Universal cartridges are tattoo needle cartridges that can be compatible with different tattoo machines from different brands and manufacturers, whether the machines are rotary or pen-style.
The versatility of these cartridges is made possible by the standardized connection mechanism which they are made with, which enables them to fit into various types of machines.
They also feature different needle configurations which makes them able to accommodate different tattooing styles and preferences, giving tattooing artists like myself the flexibility to change it between different machines without needing to purchase separate cartridges for each of my machines.
related: The 7 Best Red Tattoo Ink For Dark Skin [Reviewed and Tested by Us]
Are Cheyenne Cartridges Universal?
No, Cheyenne Cartridges are not universal.
Despite coming in various configurations for different tattooing styles, Cheyenne Cartridges are proprietary cartridges that are made specifically for Cheyenne tattoo machines and might not be universally compatible with tattoo machines from other brands.
I tried fitting them into different tattoo machines that were made by different brands and they didn’t fit.
In the machines that they did fit in, they performed poorly and also misaligned the needle before I could use them to draw even a line.
I discovered that if I persisted, I would possibly cause my equipment to be damaged so I removed it and stuck with using it with the tattoo machine from the same manufacturer that it is compatible with and the performance has been top-notch ever since.
So, before you purchase a Cheyenne cartridge, make sure you verify that it is compatible with your specific tattoo machine.
However, not being a universal cartridge doesn’t make Cheyenne cartridges any less effective.
They are still one of the best I have used and still use.
They have a safety membrane that prevents ink backflow and cross-contamination and ensures the tattooing process is safe and hygienic.
In addition, they are available in different needle configurations, including liners, shaders, and magnums, that fit the diverse preferences of me and my customers.
Are All Ink Cartridges Compatible?
No, not all ink cartridges are compatible with all kinds of tattoo machines.
While some ink cartridges are universal and can match various machines, some are proprietary and are designed to be compatible with specific types of machines and their corresponding system.
Whether an ink cartridge fits with a machine is influenced by factors such as the cartridge system, the connection mechanism, and the configuration of the needle.
Let’s take a deep look into each of these factors.
• Cartridge System: Tattoo machines use various cartridge systems, some use the proprietary system while others make use of the universal system.
Proprietary systems are specially made to fit specific machine brands, meanwhile, universal systems can be compatible with machines from different brands.
• Connection Mechanism: There are various mechanisms by which cartridges can connect to tattoo machines such as the click-on, screw-on, and twist-on mechanism, amongst others.
So, make sure you check the type of connection mechanism that the ink cartridge is built with and compare it to that of your tattoo machine so that you know whether they are compatible or not.
• Needle Configuration: Another way I use to confirm if an ink cartridge is compatible with my tattoo machine is by the needle configuration.
Cartridges usually come in different needle configurations such as shaders, liners, and magnums for different tattooing styles so you can choose which one works best for you.
Also, bear in mind that the needle configuration of a cartridge also depends on whether it is an open-tip or closed-tip cartridge.
So, make sure you choose the cartridges that best suit your techniques and work best for you.
Conclusion
Cheyenne Cartridges are well-designed and high-quality cartridges that I enjoy using due to how effective they are, but one thing is certain — they are not universal cartridges — so I can’t use them on tattoo machines from different brands, just on those made by the Cheyenne brand.
I’m Tommy Hanks, a professional tattoo artist with over a decade of experience under my belt.
I’ve always had a passion for art, and tattooing has become my favorite medium for expressing creativity.
I own and operate a successful tattoo studio, where I get to create intricate designs and connect with a diverse range of clients.
In addition to my work in the studio, I run a blog called taggrs.com.
Through my blog, I share my experiences, insights into the latest tattoo trends, and tips for both aspiring tattoo artists and enthusiasts.
Tattooing is more than just a job for me; it’s a lifelong journey, and I love being able to share that journey with others.