babbitt metal

plural babbitt metals · alternative Babbitt metal · alternative Babbitt's metal

1. countableuncountableA soft white alloy of variable composition (for example, nine parts of tin to one of copper, or fifty parts of tin to five of antimony and one of copper) used in bearings to diminish friction.

   At a recent meeting of purchasing agents in St. Louis there was an address delivered by Alfred A. Greene, of the National Lead Co., on babbitt metal.

   1919 May, “Something Interesting in Babbitt”, in The Brass World and Platers Guide, volume 15, page 164

   2 more examples

   An elaborate test of six samples of babbitt metals was recently made in England by a Professor of Engineering, assisted by a metallurgist, which was published by a prominent engineering journal occupying six columns with charts, tables and photographs.

   1911, “Testing Babbitt Metals”, in The International Steam Engineer, volume 19, page 400

   Always use this "virgin" babbitt metal for high-speed shafts — those that spin at more than 2,000 rpm, such as cutter-heads on jointers and planers. Old babbitt metal, which may have been adulterated with lead, can be melted and repoured for less critical, low-speed shafts like countershafts and bandsaw arbors.

   1995 October, American Woodworker, page 51

   Synonyms: babbitt

plural Babbitt metals

1. countableuncountableAlternative letter-case form of babbitt metal.