Complete guide: Inkmachines nr. 40 - Piston assembly - 1pcs
The piston assembly No. 40 is the original InkMachines replacement part for the Dragonfly X2 rotary machine. It is the component that converts the rotational motion of the eccentric into the linear, alternating motion of the needle bar — essentially the mechanical 'heart' of the machine, on which the smoothness and consistency of every line depend. It is intended for artists and technicians who maintain a Dragonfly X2 and need to replace a worn piston. Supplied individually (1 piece).
How to use
- Prepare the necessary tools: circlip pliers No. 55 (for the circlip) and a 1.5 mm hex key — the largest hex key supplied with the machine. Work on a clean, well-lit surface.
- Disassemble the old assembly: remove the cap and the needle bar pin. Insert the long end of the 1.5 mm hex key through the adjustment screw hole and loosen it.
- Using the circlip pliers, remove the circlip and push out the connecting pin, then extract the worn piston assembly.
- Apply a little grease or oil to the new piston assembly before installation.
- Insert the new assembly into the frame and ensure that the 'Stay up' spring is in position and engages with the spring stop screw in the frame.
- Insert the connecting pin and install the circlip using the circlip pliers.
- Check the gap: the needle bar pin should have a free space of approximately 0.5 mm from the rear of the flange to the frame.
- Lubricate, then run a short test session at progressive speeds to verify smooth movement before first use on a client.
Tips from us
- Lubricate the assembly before first use and repeat lubrication regularly — lack of lubrication is one of the biggest factors that shortens the piston's lifespan.
- Do not start the replacement without the circlip pliers No. 55 — without them you cannot properly remove/install the circlip.
- Respect the ~0.5 mm gap at the needle bar pin: this adjustment directly affects the needle's behavior, so it's worth double-checking.
- When replacing the piston, also check the condition of the associated components (spring, pin, circlip) — a worn adjacent part can quickly bring back the same symptoms.
- If you are unsure about the disassembly, consult the official InkMachines guide or contact an authorized service center; correct reassembly is critical for operation.
Warning: This is an internal mechanical part, not a single-use sterile consumable — it does not replace the usual machine hygiene. Correct reassembly is essential for safety and quality: an incorrect gap for the needle bar pin or an unengaged 'Stay up' spring can lead to jerky needle movement. Regardless of the mechanism's condition, always use a protective barrier on the machine during work and maintain proper hygiene protocol. If the operation exceeds your technical comfort level, take the machine to an authorized service center.
Frequently asked questions
Does the piston assembly No. 40 work with all Dragonfly X2 stroke lengths?▾
Yes. According to the manufacturer's data, the piston assembly No. 40 is compatible with all three stroke variants of the Dragonfly X2 (2.6 mm, 3.7 mm, and 4.5 mm). The stroke length is determined by the eccentric assembly No. 41B, which couples with the piston — the same piston works regardless of the eccentric chosen.
How do I know when to replace the piston assembly?▾
Typical signs of wear are: jerky needle movement, loss of precision in lines and shadings, increased noise from the piston area, visible play in the guide, or an overall drop in performance. If maintenance and lubrication do not resolve the issue, the piston assembly is the first suspect.
What tools do I need for replacement?▾
You need the circlip pliers No. 55 (for the circlip) and a 1.5 mm hex key — the largest hex key supplied with the machine. The key is used through the adjustment screw hole to loosen the fastening.
Can I replace the piston myself or do I need service?▾
This is a medium to high difficulty operation that requires a good knowledge of the Dragonfly X2's internal structure. Disassembly and especially correct reassembly (the 'Stay up' spring, connecting pin, circlip, and the ~0.5 mm gap) are critical. If you have experience with machine maintenance, you can do it yourself; otherwise, it is recommended to consult the InkMachines guide or an authorized service center.
Does the part require break-in or special maintenance?▾
The original InkMachines assembly is factory-tested and does not require actual break-in. However, a short test session at progressive speeds after installation is recommended, plus lubrication before first use. Afterwards, regular lubrication significantly extends the lifespan.
Is it an original part?▾
Yes, it is the original InkMachines replacement part No. 40 (model 375578) for the Dragonfly X2, supplied individually. As an original component, it meets the machine's manufacturing tolerances and installs in place of the existing piston.
Product description
Inkmachines nr. 40 - Piston assembly Note that you will also need the No. 55 - Circlip pliers to replace this assembly. Hint! When replacing you need to remove the Cap and the Needlebar pin. Use the long end of the 1.5mm allen key ( the largest allen key supplied with the machine ) and insert it through the hole in the adjustment screw to loosen. Use the Circlip pliers to remove the Circlip and push out the Connecting pin. Put some grease or oil on the new piston assembly and insert it into the frame, make sure that the Stay up spring is in place and engages with the Spring stop screw in the frame. Insert the Connecting pin and install the Circlip. The Needlebar pin should have a clearance of aprox 0.5mm from the backside of the flange to the frame.
Piston assembly for InkMachines Dragonfly X2 tattoo machine, original spare part no. 40, 1 piece. The piston assembly is one of the central components of the Dragonfly X2 drive mechanism, responsible for converting the eccentric's rotational motion into the alternating linear motion of the tattoo needle. This precision assembly includes the piston, guide elements, and connection components, representing a complete replacement solution. Manufactured from high-quality materials with extremely tight tolerances, the piston assembly ensures the smooth, precise, and repeatable motion that defines the legendary Dragonfly X2 performance. InkMachines uses advanced manufacturing processes to guarantee each piston assembly meets the exacting standards of the Swedish manufacturer. The Dragonfly X2 is available with 2.6mm, 3.7mm, and 4.5mm strokes, and the piston assembly operates optimally with all eccentric variants. The price of approximately 35 EUR reflects this component's complexity and precision. Replacement is necessary when visible piston wear, excessive play in guidance, or mechanical performance loss is observed. A worn piston assembly directly affects the quality and consistency of every tattoo. Original InkMachines part with guaranteed performance. The piston assembly is a component that exemplifies the InkMachines philosophy: every part is manufactured to the highest precision standard to deliver consistent professional performance. Available on tatuat.ro with fast delivery in Romania and Swedish InkMachines manufacturer guarantee.
Frequently Asked Questions What does piston assembly no. 40 include? Piston assembly no. 40 includes the complete piston with guide elements and connection components needed for operation in the Dragonfly X2 machine. It is a complete replacement solution that does not require separate purchase of other basic parts. Components are pre-assembled and tested. How much does piston assembly no. 40 cost? InkMachines piston assembly no. 40 is available at approximately 35 EUR. The price reflects the complexity, premium materials, and extremely tight manufacturing tolerances of this critical component. It is an essential investment for maintaining Dragonfly X2 machine performance. How do I know the piston assembly needs replacing? Signs of wear include: jerky needle movement, loss of precision in lines and fills, increased noise from the piston area, visible play in the guide mechanism, or general decline in machine performance. If maintenance of smaller components doesn't resolve the issue, the piston assembly should be checked. Does the piston assembly work with all strokes? Yes, piston assembly no. 40 is compatible with all three Dragonfly X2 stroke variants (2.6mm, 3.7mm, 4.5mm). Stroke length is determined by the eccentric assembly no. 41B, which couples with the piston. The same piston assembly works regardless of the chosen eccentric. Can I replace the piston assembly myself? Replacing the piston assembly is a medium-to-high difficulty operation requiring good knowledge of the Dragonfly X2 internal structure. Correct disassembly and reassembly are critical for subsequent operation. We recommend consulting the InkMachines guide or using an authorized service center. What is the piston assembly lifespan? The piston assembly is a durable component designed to withstand hundreds of thousands of cycles. With proper maintenance and regular lubrication, it can last several years of professional use. Factors reducing lifespan include lack of lubrication, overloading, and lack of maintenance of associated components. Does the piston assembly need a break-in period? The original InkMachines piston assembly is factory-tested and does not require a proper break-in period. However, we recommend a short testing session at progressive speeds after installation to verify correct operation and allow components to settle. Lubricate before first use. What other parts should be checked when replacing the piston? When replacing the piston assembly, also check the condition of: inner piston spring (no. 19), connecting pin (no. 23), eccentric assembly (no. 41B), and O-rings. These components directly interact with the piston and wear on one can affect others. A complete service ensures optimal performance. Does the piston assembly affect machine noise? Yes, a piston assembly in good condition significantly contributes to the quiet operation of the Dragonfly X2 machine. Piston wear causes play and additional friction that generates noise. Replacing a worn piston can dramatically reduce the machine's noise level. Why is the piston assembly price higher than other parts? The 35 EUR price reflects the component's complexity: multiple pre-assembled parts, premium materials, extremely tight manufacturing tolerances, and individual factory testing. The piston assembly is one of the most critical-precision components in the Dragonfly X2 machine, justifying the additional investment.
