WM1 White Metal Bearing Alloy
Lead-Free Bearing Alloy
WM1 is a high-performance, lead-free white metal bearing alloy specifically recommended for inside and outside big end bearings operating under high load and high temperature conditions. This tin-based bearing metal is delivers exceptional resistance to heavy loads and reliable performance in both industrial and automotive bearing applications.
Thanks to its carefully balanced tin, antimony and copper content, WM1 alloy is ideal for use in high-speed engines and mechanical systems where friction, wear resistance and fatigue strength are critical. It offers very good thermal stability and anti-friction properties, supporting long service life even in demanding continuous operation.
Before application, the base metal should be tinned with pure tin solder paint to achieve optimum bonding and surface integrity. Correct surface preparation and tinning improve adhesion between the bearing shell and the alloy layer, enhancing load transfer and helping maintain a stable lubricating film during operation.
Ensure you prepare the surface correctly using our recommended pure tin solder paint for optimal results.
Key Features and Benefits of WM1 White Metal
- Lead-free composition for environmentally compliant white metal bearing manufacture and modern engine rebuilds.
- Superior resistance to high-temperature heavy loads in big end and other heavily loaded bearing positions.
- Achieves excellent bonding performance when you correctly tin the base with pure tin solder paint.
- Ideal for high-load bearings in engines, compressors and industrial machinery requiring durable white metal linings.
- Reliable anti-friction properties and good embeddability typical of high-tin babbitt and white metal alloys.
Typical Applications
- Big end bearings in automotive, marine and industrial engines where high unit loads are present.
- Heavy-duty bearing surfaces such as connecting rod bearings, main bearings and bearing bushes.
- Industrial rotating components including pumps, turbines and electric motors using white metal lined bearings.
Chemical Composition (Typical Analysis)
| Element | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Tin (Sn) | 84.0 – 86.0 |
| Lead (Pb) | 0.20% Max (Trace Impurity) |
| Antimony (Sb) | 9.0 – 11.0 |
| Copper (Cu) | 4.0 – 6.0 |
| Zinc (Zn) | 0.05% Max |
| Iron (Fe) | 0.08% Max |
| Nickel (Ni) | – |
| Bismuth (Bi) | 0.08% Max |
| Cadmium (Cd) | – |
| Silver (Ag) | – |
| Gold (Au) | – |
| Arsenic (As) | 0.10% Max |
| Aluminium (Al) | 0.05% Max |
| Indium (In) | – |
WM1 tin-based lead-free white metal alloy is produced to stringent quality standards to ensure consistent physical and chemical properties in every batch. It is a trusted choice across automotive, marine and industrial sectors for big end bearing re-metalling, plain bearing repairs and other applications that demand both high load capacity and environmental compliance.
The consistent quality and performance data underscore why engineers rely on the WM1 White Metal Bearing Alloy for critical machinery repairs.
Some Links!
Wikipedia – Babbitt
DKL Metals – What is Babbitt?