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Hydrodynamic bearings play a key role wherever loads act on rotating components. So-called white metal bearings - also known as Babbit Bearings - have proven particularly effective in this regard.
In this article, we provide a practical overview of
Babbit Bearings are a proven bearing solution in industry. They are particularly suitable where high load capacity, smooth running and safety are required. They usually consist of a stable carrier material such as steel or CuCr, which is coated with a soft, sliding white metal alloy. This metal compound, which is usually based on tin or lead, gives the bearing its unique tribological properties.
Typical areas of application include:
Babbit Bearings demonstrate their advantages in these applications, particularly under changing operating conditions, high plain bearing pressure, and critical start-stop cycles. Thanks to their excellent emergency running properties and vibration damping, they are considered a robust and maintenance-friendly solution.
The combination of a soft white metal running surface and a stable backing material enables reliable operation even under difficult conditions.
Miba tilt segments are made from a combination of 16MnCr5 steel and high-quality white metal as standard. This combination is characterized by high adhesive strength in accordance with ISO 4386-2 (Chalmers test) and mechanical properties that significantly exceed the requirements for even heavily loaded bearings.
To reduce bearing temperatures under extreme conditions, Miba also uses the plain bearing base material CuCr, which has six times higher thermal conductivity than steel. The positive effect of this material property is shown in the graphic.
In the event of short-term lubrication deficiency, the plastically deformable white metal layer protects the bearing seat from irreparable damage. This property makes Babbit Bearings particularly reliable in operation.
The soft sliding surface can adapt to minor shaft misalignments or housing deformations. It does not impair the function of the Babbit Bearing.
White metal absorbs vibrations better than harder bearing materials. This increases running smoothness and protects adjacent components.
The combination of material selection and layer thickness ensures that Babbit Bearings maintain reliable performance even under cyclic temperature changes.
The performance of a Babbit Bearing depends not only on its design and material. Professional installation, precise monitoring, and systematic commissioning are also crucial for trouble-free operation.
Lubrication
You can choose between direct and flooded lubrication. Direct lubrication reduces power loss and the improved oil flow leads to lower segment temperatures. For a more direct supply of fresh oil to the lubrication gap, the oil can be fed in via a groove on the inlet edge of the segment.
Hydrostatic start-up
For start-up loads above 1.5 to 2 MPa or for continuous slow running and rotary operation, Miba provides solutions that ensure high product safety.
Measuring instruments
Miba offers a wide range of instrumentation for Babbit Bearings. This includes sensors in various sizes with different cable lengths and sensor diameters, as well as various types of thermocouples. All solutions are tailored to the individual requirements of the customer.
Eddy Grooves
Eddy grooves are grooves machined into the segment surface to reduce the maximum segment temperature. They disrupt the laminar flow of lubricant and create a cooling effect by mixing cooler oil near the shaft with warmer oil near the bearing surface.
Insulation
Electrically and mechanically resilient insulating materials are used. In addition, corrosion-protective coatings or grounding devices are used.
Self-alignment of axial segments
A self-aligning system is available to compensate for misalignment between the thrust ring and the babbit bearing. This reduces overload and significantly improves axial force distribution.
Pivot design
Miba radial tilt segments can be designed with line contact or spherical contact, among other options. Ball contact allows the pads to be tilted even in the axial direction to compensate for misalignment and thus prevent edge contact.
Customized design
All our bearings can be customized to your specific needs and requirements.
Sealing solutions for housing bearings
The seals are selected for the various operating conditions, environments, and the desired degree of protection. They range from IP 44 to IP 56 or end cover.
As one of the leading suppliers of hydrodynamic bearings, Miba develops and manufactures high-precision Babbit Bearings for industrial applications with the most demanding requirements. Our solutions are used worldwide in gearboxes, turbines, generators, compressors, turbomachinery, and many other applications.
With a deep understanding of materials, manufacturing, and operational practices, Miba offers:
Are you looking for an experienced partner for babbit bearing?
Contact the experts at Miba. We can help you select, design, and integrate Babbit Bearings that are precisely tailored to your requirements.
