Babbitt is a term applied to a series of tin-base alloys used for bearings. These relatively soft, low friction alloys are composed essentially of tin, with additions of antimony and copper to increase hardness, strength and fatigue resistance. The amount of lead in these alloys is usually limited to 0.35% to 0.50% to prevent formation of a lead-tin eutectic which reduces strength.

The basic composition range of these tin-base babbitts is 75% to 95% tin, 2% to 10% copper, and 2% to 10% antimony. Lead-base babbitts containing up to 10% tin and 12% to 18% antimony are used for bearings, but do not have the strength of the tin-base babbitts.

Babbitt is frequently melted with an air-fuel gas or oxyfuel gas flame prior to pouring. A similar flame is often used to melt babbitt from bearings and bearing caps for re-babbitting.

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