Bishop machines are held to a high standard in the world of traditional tattooing, and their offerings for SMP and PMU are equally as impressive.

Manufactured with a Namaki motor which has been developed specifically to work on softer, more delicate skin, both the SMP and PMU pen machines from Bishop are excellent pieces of kit for their respective purposes.



What makes the Bishop PMU & SMP pen machines special?


Bishop products are well known for their high quality, and the SMP and PMU pens follow that trend.

Made in compact and lightweight designs weighing around 100g, these machines have been built specifically for PMU and SMP, with precision vertical movement to ensure that pigment is placed accurately every time.

They are both compatible with all universal PMU or SMP cartridges, and should be only be used with sterile, blister packaged needle cartridges with a safety membrane.

The pen-style machines come in premium packaging, with RCA cable and lube included. They also come with a secondary grip which is slimmer than the standard grip, perfect for use by smaller hands.


What are the differences between the SMP and PMU pens?


The major difference you’ll notice between these two machines is the stroke length and their intended purpose.

The SMP pen has a fixed stroke length of 3.5mm which is ideal for creating precise and accurate pigment implantation, which helps to replicate the appearance of an authentic shaved hair follicle while still being gentle on sensitive skin.

The PMU pen can take a little more power and you can buy it in either 2.5mm or 3.5mm stroke length, making it perfect for delicate work around the eyes and lips. It has an adjustable needle depth, varying between 0 – 5mm, which can be changed as you work and adjusted to suit all skin types.

The two machines come in different colour options; while the PMU pen comes in a range of five colour combinations incorporating silver, pink and grey, the SMP pen can be purchased in black with black spline and grey with black spline.

The SMP pen is also slightly longer than the PMU pen, but with a difference of 2mm you’re unlikely to notice a difference!



How can I use the PMU and SMP pens hygienically?


Both of these machines can be wrapped in the traditional way, by slipping a barrier grip or clip cord sleeve cover over the body of the machine and cable, then securing it with grip wrap.

The slim profiles of the PMU and SMP pens mean that they’re easily covered with standard grip and cable connectors, and if you do find the pens too thin to handle, they can be bulked out with plenty of grip wrap.

If you’re looking for a machine from a well-respected manufacturer that’s been made solely for the purpose of SMP or PMU, you can’t go wrong with the Bishop PMU pen or SMP pen.