Babbitt Bearing Alloys
Babbitt Bearing Alloys
Babbitt Bearing Alloys
Babbitt 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 Uses
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
Chemical Composition (%) Tin Base
Alloy Number (GRADE)
1 2 3 11
Tin 90.0 - 92.0 88.0 - 90.0 83.0 - 85.0 86.0 - 89.0
Antimony 4.0 - 5.0 7.0 - 8.0 7.5 - 8.5 6.0 - 7.5
Lead 0.35 0.35 0.35 0.50
Copper 4.0 - 5.0 3.0- 4.0 7.5 - 8.5 5.0 - 6.5
Iron 0.08 0.08 0.08 0.08
Arsenic 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10
Bismuth 0.08 0.08 0.08 0.08
Zinc 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.005
Aluminum 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.005
Cadmium 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05
Total Named Elements, Min. 99.80 99.80 99.80 99.80
Babbitt # 7
AIM’s Babbitt # 7 is composed of lead, antimony, tin and arsenic. This is equivalent to ASTM B-23 # 7.
This alloy has a melting temperature of 240-268° C (466-514° F). Babbitt # 7 is typically used for
sleeve bearings operating at moderate loads and speeds such as bearings for blowers, pumps, electric
motors and machine tools.
AIM-Co Babbitt
AIM’s AIM-Co Babbitt is a patent pending alloy similar to ASTM B-23 # 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. AIM-Co 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 #2.
Packaging
Babbitt # 2, Babbitt # 7 and AIM-Co Babbitt are available in 20 lb and 25 lb handy ingots and 7 lb notch
bar. Babbitt # 2 and AIM-Co 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 AIM.
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