White metal was invented in 1839 by Isaac Babbitt. The material is therefore also known as babbitt metal and the process of renewing it is called re-babbitting. Ever since its invention, white metal has been used extensively as a running layer on plain bearings. It has many characteristics that make it an ideal bearing metal: High tenancy, high static and dynamic load bearing capacity and low sensitivity to edge pressure.

A white metal bearing is essentially a composite bearing. Hard crystals are dispersed throughout a softer metal. As the bearing wears, the softer areas erode and create paths and pockets for the lubricant. The softer material also protects the bearing from damage caused by abrasive particles. Since the bearing is relatively soft, abrasive particles embed below the bearing surface without causing damage to the bearing journal.

Re-metalling of a crankpin bearing
Re-metalling of a crankpin bearing

QuantiServ has built up a lot of experience in white metal bearing reconditioning. Depending on the bearing’s application, we apply either a static or a centrifugal casting process and then carry out all post-casting machining work in-house. We exclusively use tin-based white metal and no lead-based one because the former has a much greater load bearing capacity and because it is much more environmentally friendly.

Some of the common engine and machinery components that we recondition very frequently are: Guide shoes, connecting rod bearings, intermediate bearings, stern tube bushes and alternator bearings.

Through cooperation with our reliable partners, QuantiServ is also able to supply other types of plain bearings such as tin-aluminium and lead-bronze, either as bushings or shells, either in standard sizes or as under-size bearings.

Image Gallery

Machining of a shaft line bearing after re-babbitting
Machining of a shaft line bearing after re-babbitting
Re-babbitting of a small alternator bearing with just 100 mm diameter
Re-babbitting of a small alternator bearing with just 100 mm diameter
Reconditioned line shaft bearing
Reconditioned line shaft bearing
Re-babbitting a large trunnion bearing for a mining installation
Re-babbitting a large trunnion bearing for a mining installation
Machining of a two-stroke engine guide shoe after re-babbitting
Machining of a two-stroke engine guide shoe after re-babbitting
Measuring a stern tube bush
Measuring a stern tube bush
Machining of the internal diameter and slope of a stern tube bush
Machining of the internal diameter and slope of a stern tube bush
Machining of the internal diameter and slope of a stern tube bush
Machining of the internal diameter and slope of a stern tube bush
Reconditioned guide shoes before delivery to the customer
Reconditioned guide shoes before delivery to the customer