Complete guide: Inkmachines nr. 83 - Cam 2.6mm stroke Short smooth (Red) - 1pcs
This part is a replacement cam for Ink Machines rotary machines — the internal mechanical component that converts the motor's rotation into the linear movement of the needle. Model no. 83 has a short stroke of 2.6mm and a 'Short Smooth' profile, with a red color code, being presented as the most delicate cam in the Ink Machines range. It is aimed at experienced artists who work with fine shading, black & grey, whip shading, dotwork and subtle transitions, especially on sensitive areas of the skin.
How to use
- First check that you have the cam bearings (part no. 67): the cam is sold separately and mounts onto standard Ink Machines bearings.
- To change the cam, use the Precision tool set recommended by the manufacturer; Ink Machines also provides a video with step-by-step instructions.
- Turn off and disconnect the machine, then carefully disassemble the existing cam according to your machine's mechanism.
- Mount the red cam no. 83 onto the bearings, ensuring it sits correctly, without play and without forcing the parts.
- Reassemble the machine and rotate manually (or start briefly) to check for smooth movement, without noise or abnormal vibrations.
- Start with a low voltage — the short stroke requires less power — and increase gradually until you achieve the desired needle behavior.
- Test on artificial skin before working on a client, adjusting voltage and technique according to the needle used.
Tips from us
- The red color code allows you to instantly identify the most delicate cam, useful if you have multiple cams from the range.
- For lining, choose another cam — the 2.6mm stroke is too short for durable and saturated lines; the manufacturer recommends Standard Black 3.5mm (no. 80) or Steel Cam 4mm (no. 84).
- The short stroke physically limits penetration depth, reducing the risk of blow-out on difficult areas such as fingers, joints, neck or fine skin.
- Always start with a low voltage and increase gradually: short-stroke cams require less power than long-stroke ones.
- Being a precision tool, it is not the best choice as a first cam for a beginner — Standard Black 3.5mm (no. 80) or Medium Green 3mm (no. 82) are more forgiving for learning the basics.
- Ink Machines cams are interchangeable, so you can build a set (e.g., Blue 3.5mm for general shading and Red 2.6mm for maximum fineness).
Warning: This is an internal mechanical part of the machine. Mount it only with the machine turned off and using the appropriate tools (Precision set) — do not force it, so as not to damage the cam, bearings or shaft, and check smooth rotation before use. Make sure you have the compatible bearings (no. 67) before assembly. Although the cam is internal and does not enter the sterile field, do not forget the machine's protective barrier (machine bag / clip cord sleeve) and the usual sanitization of equipment at each session.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the red 2.6mm cam for lining?▾
It is not recommended. The 2.6mm stroke is too short to deposit ink deep enough into the dermis, so lines come out superficial and may fade significantly upon healing. For lining, choose a cam with a longer stroke, such as Standard Black 3.5mm (no. 80) or Steel Cam 4mm (no. 84).
Are the cam bearings included?▾
No, the cam is sold separately, as 1 piece. It mounts onto standard Ink Machines bearings (part no. 67), which you must already have or order separately.
Which machines is it compatible with?▾
Ink Machines cams use a standardized, interchangeable system, and this model appears in the parts for Stingray and Dragonfly. However, the product sheet also contains a note 'only for Stingray and Stingray X2', so we recommend you confirm compatibility for your exact model before ordering.
Is it suitable for beginners?▾
It is a precision cam, designed for artists with an already developed technique. A beginner may find it difficult to achieve saturation with such a short stroke. The manufacturer recommends learning first with Standard Black 3.5mm (no. 80) or Medium Green 3mm (no. 82) and switching to the red one as technique refines.
What voltage do I use with this cam?▾
The short stroke usually requires a lower voltage than long-stroke cams. There is no universal number — start with a low voltage and increase gradually, depending on the needle type, working technique and your preferences, testing first on artificial skin.
How do I maintain the cam and the machine?▾
The cam is an internal mechanical part: keep the mechanism clean and periodically check the condition of the bearings and smooth movement. When assembling and disassembling, use the Precision tool set and do not force the parts. For hygiene, protect the machine with a barrier for each client and sanitize surfaces according to your usual protocol — the cam, being internal, does not come into direct contact with the skin.
Product description
Inkmachines nr. 83 - Cam 2.6mm stroke Short smooth (Red) We strongly recommend the Precision tool kit for cam change. Instruction video here: for Stingray and Stingray X2.
The Cam 2.6mm Stroke Short Smooth (Red) InkMachines (part no. 83) is the original cam with the shortest stroke and most delicate profile in the InkMachines range — 2.6mm with Short Smooth profile (red color), designed for ultra-delicate shading techniques, micro-blending, and work requiring maximum control and minimal skin traumatization. The combination of short stroke (2.6mm) with Smooth profile creates the gentlest needle behavior in the entire InkMachines cam range: the needle travels the minimum distance with gradual transition, penetrating skin superficially and delicately, ideal for transparency effects, fine whip shading, imperceptible gradients, and dotwork techniques. The Red 2.6mm cam is the precision instrument for artists working with subtle nuances: portraits crafted with indistinguishable gradients, black & grey with nearly imperceptible grey tones, and work on extremely sensitive areas (face, neck, fingers, inner arms). The short stroke significantly reduces blow-out risk (ink migration into too-deep layers) and minimizes epidermal traumatization, resulting in faster healing and cleaner colors after healing. Like all InkMachines cams, it mounts on standard cam bearings (part no. 67), is interchangeable with other options in the range, and compatible with Dragonfly and Stingray. The red color code allows instant identification of the most delicate cam in the InkMachines range. The Red 2.6mm Short Smooth cam is the ultimate expression of InkMachines precision — designed for artists working at the boundary between art and craft, where every nuance matters and every skin pass must be perfectly controlled. It is the instrument enabling gradients indistinguishable to the naked eye and transitions that naturally melt into unpigmented skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
