Why Use Babbitt Metal?

For over 50 years, Milwaukee Bearing and Machining Inc. has been an expert in babbitt lined bearing manufacturing. With babbitt metal, we assure our clients durable and efficient bearings. Our professional manufacturing team will personally work with you to ensure high-quality, custom designed bearings are delivered to your exact specifications. After development, all babbitt lined bearings are ultrasound tested to assure 100% bond of the babbitt to the backing material. We are also ISO 9001:2015 certified to ensure high quality workmanship is implemented from start to finish; guaranteeing you exceptional parts and service.

Babbitt metal is an alloy that helps make bearings extremely durable and highly resistant against corrosion. This is the main reason why manufacturers choose babbitt metal over other types of metal. The corrosion resistance is possible because the metal is composed of multiple types of metals. Modern babbitts provide a low-friction lining and may be made of high-tin alloys, high-lead alloys and intermediate tin-lead alloys. The small amounts of hard metal mixed in the soft matrix of tin or lead makes babbitt metal bearings strong enough to withstand high speeds and loads during production and not seize up.

Tin babbitts can be used at higher temperatures whereas lead alloys may not. Tin matrix babbitts were commonly used as they could stand up to the impact of connecting rods and crankshafts. Currently, babbitt metal is commonly used as a thin layer covering the surface of bearings. Babbitt metal is typically thought to be soft and easily damaged making it unsuitable as a bearing surface. However, as bearings start to wear down, the metal begins to erode, creating a path of lubricant between the hard material and the bearing’s soft surface. Now, babbitt metal bearings are made with linings of copper and aluminum alloys to be used in higher performance machinery. Some key benefits to using babbitt metal to make your custom-made bearings are compatibility, embeddability, conformability, corrosion resistance, compressive and fatigue strength, and affordability.

To make our custom-made bearings, we use high-performance machinery and technology. Thanks to our highly trained staff and advanced equipment, we can develop custom-made babbitt metal bearings for our clients with any specifications they may have. You can rest assured that when you partner with us, you’ll be fully satisfied with our service and parts. To learn more on how we can manufacture your custom-made babbitt metal bearings, contact our dependable and knowledgeable team at Milwaukee Bearing and Machining Inc.