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Engineer Hacks 3D Printer Into DIY Tattoo Machine With Safety Features

YouTuber Emily The Engineer transformed a 3D printer into a tattoo machine, warning viewers against replicating her experiment.

A still from a YouTube video showing a 3D printer frame over the top of someone's leg, giving them a tattoo with the attached gun.
Emily The Engineer's 3D printer-tattoo-machine mod emblazoning her friend's leg with "leg".
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Overview

  • Emily The Engineer modified a 3D printer to function as a tattoo machine by disabling its Z-axis and attaching a tattoo gun to the print head.
  • The project involved extensive firmware edits, hardware modifications, and the addition of a panic button to halt the machine in case of emergencies.
  • The tattoo machine was tested on a willing participant, Dan, whose leg was flattened with a custom bracket to accommodate the machine's limitations on curved surfaces.
  • Emily emphasized that the experiment is not intended for at-home replication due to safety risks and the complexity of the modifications required.
  • The project showcases the precision of 3D printing technology but underscores the importance of professional tattoo artists for safe and reliable results.