Babbitt alloy description

Babbitt is a white metal alloy that was patented by Isaac Babbitt in 1839. Over time, the term Babbitt has been applied to other similar white metals comprised of tin, copper and antimony. Lead can sometimes be added in place of the tin.

Babbitt alloys offer corrosion resistance, excellent wetting, low wear and friction resistance and are known for their hard/soft composition. While the tin and lead are soft, the copper and antimony form hard crystals throughout the structure. The wearing of the softer metal allows for better absorption of the lubricant as well as any foreign particles.

Babbitt alloy use

Babbitt is used as a lining for bearing shells of cast iron, steel and bronze. The Babbitt lining prevents friction and wear that is common when a lubricant is not able to prevent the bearing’s moving parts from welding together. The Babbitt therefore extends the life of the bearing.

ASTM B-23

Babbitt GRADE 2

HAIXIANG Babbitt GRADE 2 is composed of tin, antimony and copper. This is equivalent to ASTM B-23  GRADE 2. This alloy has a melting temperature of 240-355° C (466-669° F). Babbitt GRADE 2 is a high tin Babbitt, which is typically used for high operating temperatures and high unit load. These materials display very good corrosion resistance, easy bonding and fewer tendencies for segregation and welding. They are  preferred for use under steady load conditions in steam and gas turbines, electric motors, blowers and pumps.

Babbitt GRADE  7

HAIXIANG Babbitt GRADE 7 is composed of lead, antimony, tin and arsenic. This is equivalent to ASTM B-23  GRADE 7. This alloy has a melting temperature of 240-268° C (466-514° F).  Babbitt GRADE 7 is typically used for  sleeve bearings operating at moderate loads and speeds such as bearings for blowers, pumps, electric motors and machine tools.

Babbitt  GRADE 3

HAIXIANG Babbitt is a patent pending alloy similar to ASTM B-23 GRADE 3, however cobalt has been added. This alloy has a melting temperature of 240-422° C (464-792° F) and a hardness of 27-30 HV100.  Babbitt is typically used for very high loads that have multiple axes for stress strain.  It offers more than twice the tension-compression axial fatigue compared to Babbitt GRADE 2.

Packaging

HAIXIANG Babbitt GRADE 2, Babbitt GRADE 7 and Babbitt are available in 20 lb and 25 lb handy ingots and 7 lb notch bar. Babbitt GRADE 2 and  HAIXIANG Babbitt are also available in .062, .078 and .125 diameter wire packaged  on 25 lb spools or in 250 lb POPs or 25 lb hex cartons.

For assistance choosing the right Babbitt bearing alloy for your application, please contact HAIXIANG.