It is possible to cut for a variety of reasons. Like if the machine is running too fast, running the same area too many times or barbed needles.
There’s actually a scarification method that uses tattoo machines to scar the skin.
But it wouldn’t happen if the artist is half decent. And no. Tattoo needles don’t cut. They puncture/pierce.
On a side note. Catheter needles and piercing needles/blades do actually cut rather than pierce.
Welp im a tattoo artist so i guess i better weigh in here
Technically you are “cutting” (puntcuring is more accurate) the skin every time you tattoo, tattoos are really just fancy wounds with ink deposits when you think you about it. However i get the premise of your question, why doesnt the needle cut the skin like a knife through butter in a line, well the simple answer is, the needle is moving up and down at a fast pace, the needle needs to puntcure the outer layer of skin and insert the ink BUT not go too deep. You arent cutting, you’re puncturing.
Basically this is the process
Needle up
needle down
puncture skin
Insert ink
Repeat process
All at a rapid pace, it may look like a line but its really just dots of ink all being connected drop by drop (or more accurately puncture by puncture)
It is VERY possible for someone to get cut or hurt with tattoo needles, which is one of the million reasons why you should ALWAYS get a tattoo done by a professional.
I suggest watching “Smarter Every Day” on youtube, he has a slow motion video of tattooing.It’s really cool and you can see exactly how is put the ink in.[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8G-K7i4tTRI](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8G-K7i4tTRI)
He is also very good at explaining how things work. I hope this helps just a little.
edit: be aware there is blood and needles going into skin… obviously.
Watch a video of tattooing slowed down — they aren’t pulling a blade or wire through the skin in a straight line, that’s a tiny needle that’s moving up and down very fast. It goes in and out of the skin but isn’t cutting a continuous cut. It’s more like the action of a sewing machine where the needle goes up and down as the fabric moves beneath it, so it just makes a series of punctures.
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