Babbitting Metal-Spray Extends Part Life

Energy Machine has the capabilities of applying babbitt to improve performance and extend life expectancy of metal components. Babbitt is applied using the metal spray method consisting of an acetylene/oxygen flame spray gun that uses a high tin-base babbitt in wire form.

The molten alloy is sprayed on and creates a thin layer of coating on the part as applied in the photo on the right. The structure of the alloy is made up of small hard crystals dispersed in a matrix of softer alloy. As the bearing wears the harder crystal is exposed, with the matrix eroding somewhat to provide a path for the lubricant between the high spots that provide the actual bearing surface. Reduced bearing wear means that design tolerances are maintained throughout the life of the part.

Babbitting is one of the many advanced manufacturing techniques available through the hard work of the skilled technicians and state-of-the-art equipment available at Energy Machine.