In metallurgy, white metal refers to a family of silvery alloys based on tin or lead, with additions of antimony and copper. These alloys are not steels, but antifriction linings widely used inside plain bearings, protecting shafts and reducing wear.
Their special role comes from a unique balance: the alloy is soft enough to adapt to imperfections and hold lubrication, while its harder particles resist abrasion.
Babbitt Alloy
The modern story of white metal began in 1839, when American inventor Isaac Babbitt patented a tin-based alloy with antimony and copper. This material quickly became the standard for steam engines, mills, and locomotives.
By the late 19th century, two main categories were already in place:
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Tin-rich Babbitt alloys for high-speed and precision machinery.
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Lead-based versions for heavy but slower equipment, less expensive but still reliable.
Today’s ASTM and ISO standards still describe alloys very similar to Babbitt’s original invention, proof of their lasting importance in engineering.
White Metal in Plain Bearings
One of the most common and long-standing uses of these alloys is in white metal bearings. A thin lining of white metal inside a bearing shell provides a smooth, protective surface for rotating shafts.
They are still used in:
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Power generation (turbines, hydro plants, large generators)
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Heavy industry (rolling mills, crushers, cement and mining equipment)
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Marine and rail (propeller shafts, diesel engines, locomotive bearings)
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Restoration (classic engines, steam locomotives, heritage machines)
Despite the rise of ball and roller bearings, white metal remains indispensable where heavy loads, reliability, and long service life are required.
Steel Bushings
While white metal alloys have played a central role in plain bearings for almost two centuries, many modern machines also rely on steel sleeve bushings. These hardened steel components provide durability, precision, and long service life in earthmoving equipment, agricultural machinery, cranes, and other heavy-duty sectors.
If you are looking for custom steel bushings, our technical office can design and manufacture solutions tailored to your needs. Contact us for a quotation or request our catalog using the form below.
