A tattoo machine has three systems that must work together for the machine to function properly. The three systems of a tattoo machine are:

• the mechanical system
• the magnetic system
• the electrical system

The mechanical system consists of:
• the springs
• the armature bar
• the machine frame

The magnetic system consists of:
• the coil cores
• the yoke or base of the frame
• the coil shims
• the armature bar

The electrical system consists of:
• the coil windings
• the capacitor
• the binding posts and contact point screw
• the springs

The objective of any proper machine set-up is to achieve synchronization of the machine's three systems while controlling the speed and force (function) of the machine.