Ball Stack Compression

In force fed and some agitating systems, paintballs in the feedneck experience more than just gravitational loading. The loader’s drive assembly adds a forward component, which creates a compressive force along the column from the loader outlet to the breech. The magnitude of this force depends on drive torque, paddle stiffness, stack height, and any intermediate springs or compliant elements.

If compression remains within a moderate range, it helps ensure that the breech area stays supplied with paint, even when the marker is moving or held at an angle. However, excessive compression can increase lateral friction between paintballs and tube walls, making it more difficult for the stack to rearrange when the marker cycles. It can also contribute to shell deformation under high temperature or prolonged loading.

To manage these effects, many loader designs incorporate mechanical features that limit transmitted force. Examples include spring loaded drive shafts that absorb torque when the stack is fully seated, paddle designs that flex under load, and control algorithms that reduce drive speed once sensors detect a filled stack. These elements are discussed as part of ball stack compression because they directly influence how forces are applied and how the column behaves across different operating conditions.