If Babbitt is overheated, what is the result?

When Babbitt metal is overheated, one of the primary concerns is that the service life of the bearing will be greatly reduced. Babbitt is specifically designed to provide a low-friction surface for rotating elements in bearings, and overheating can lead to several detrimental changes in its properties.

Overheating can cause a breakdown of the microstructure of the Babbitt, leading to a loss of its characteristic properties, such as the ability to withstand load and provide effective lubrication. This degradation can result in increased wear rates, eventual scoring of the bearing surfaces, and premature failure of the bearing assembly. Such complications cumulatively shorten the service life of the bearing, making it much less effective and reliable in its application.

Additionally, while overheating may lead to brittleness, increased friction resistance, or excessive softness in different contexts, the primary and most immediate consequence is indeed a significant reduction in the service life of the bearing. This broader impact on the overall durability and performance of the bearing system is critical for millwrights to understand and address in their maintenance practices.