Babbitt metal

Description

A Tin alloy invented in 1839 by Isaac Babbitt for use in steam engines. Babbitt metal provides a low-friction surface for bearings made of Cast iron or Steel. Several compositions are currently called babbitt metals, such as:

- tin (89%) with small quantities of Antimony (7%) and Copper (4%)

- tin (9 %) with copper (10%)

- Lead (85%) with antimony (15%), Arsenic, and tin (5%)

- a mixed tin-lead alloy with antimony and copper.

Synonyms and Related Terms

babbit metal; white metal

Authority

• Encyclopedia Britannica, http://www.britannica.com Comment: babbitt metal" Encyclopædia Britannica [Accessed December 11, 2001

• Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, at http://www.wikipedia.com Comment: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babbitt_metal (Accessed Mar. 20, 2006)