ASTM B23-20

Standard Specification for White Metal Bearing Alloys<brk/> (Known Commercially as &#x201c;Babbitt Metal&#x201d;)

ABSTRACT
This specification deals with eight typical white metal bearing alloys, in bar or ingot form, known commercially as "Babbitt metal." Covered in this specification are tin-based alloys, namely, UNS-L13910 (alloy no. 1), UNS-L13890 (alloy no. 2), UNS-L13840 (alloy no. 3), and UNS-L13870 (alloy no. 11); and lead-based alloys, namely, UNS-L53585 (alloy no. 7), UNS-L53565 (alloy no. 8), UNS-L53346 (alloy no. 13), and UNS-L53620 (alloy no. 15). Materials shall be manufactured in accordance with such practice as to obtain the chemical composition, weight, and dimensions as prescribed herein.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers eight typical white metal bearing alloys, in bar or ingot form, known commercially as “babbitt metal.” The alloys are specified, covering the range commercially used, and are designated by the alloy numbers shown in Table 1.  
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to become familiar with all hazards including those identified in the appropriate Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for this product/material as provided by the manufacturer, to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices, and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Sep-2020
• ICS: 77.150.60 - Lead, zinc and tin products
• Technical Committee: B02 - Nonferrous Metals and Alloys
• Drafting Committee: B02.02 - Refined Lead, Tin, Antimony, and Their Alloys

Relations

• Refers: ASTM E29-08 - Standard Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2008
• Refers: ASTM E29-06b - Standard Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2006
• Refers: ASTM E29-06a - Standard Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications
• Effective Date: 15-Sep-2006
• Refers: ASTM E29-06 - Standard Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications
• Effective Date: 01-May-2006
• Refers: ASTM E29-04 - Standard Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2004
• Refers: ASTM E29-02e1 - Standard Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications
• Effective Date: 10-May-2002
• Refers: ASTM E29-93a(1999) - Standard Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications
• Effective Date: 10-May-1999

Overview

ASTM B23-20 is the standard specification for white metal bearing alloys, commonly referred to as "Babbitt metal". Published by ASTM International, this standard provides requirements for eight typical bearing alloys delivered in bar or ingot form. These alloys are widely used in industrial applications for their superior bearing properties. The standard details both tin-based and lead-based compositions, ensuring uniform quality and consistency for manufacturers, suppliers, and end users.

The document covers essential factors such as chemical composition, ordering requirements, inspection, sampling, product marking, and certification, supporting reliable sourcing and quality control for white metal bearing alloys.

Key Topics

Alloy Types Covered

• Tin-Based Alloys: Four alloys (UNS-L13910 - Alloy No. 1, UNS-L13890 - No. 2, UNS-L13840 - No. 3, UNS-L13870 - No. 11)
• Lead-Based Alloys: Four alloys (UNS-L53585 - Alloy No. 7, UNS-L53565 - No. 8, UNS-L53346 - No. 13, UNS-L53620 - No. 15)

Specification Requirements

• Chemical composition must meet defined limits for tin, lead, antimony, copper, and other trace elements
• Alloys provided in bars or ingots with prescribed weight and dimensions
• Clearly defined sampling and test methods to verify chemical composition
• Detailed marking and certification requirements for traceability and quality assurance
• Inspection and rejection procedures to support compliance with the standard

Safety and Compliance

• Responsibility for safety, health, and environmental considerations lies with the user
• Reference to Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for hazard identification and safe practices

Applications

White metal bearing alloys specified in ASTM B23-20 are used in a variety of industrial and mechanical applications where low friction and good wear resistance are critical. Key application areas include:

• Bearings in rotating equipment: Used extensively in turbines, engines, compressors, pumps, and electric motors
• Heavy-duty industrial machinery: Essential in equipment subjected to intermittent or continuous high loads and speeds
• Repair and maintenance: Suitable for repair or rebabbitting of old bearings in legacy equipment
• New bearing manufacture: Supports production of new babbitt-lined bearings for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs)
• Custom component manufacturing: Used by machine shops and foundries producing specialized bearing components

These alloys provide an excellent balance of strength, conformability, and embeddability, making them a versatile choice for bearing materials in demanding environments.

Related Standards

When working with white metal bearing alloys and Babbitt metals, the following related ASTM standards may also be relevant:

• ASTM E29 - Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications
• ASTM E57 (Withdrawn) - Methods for Chemical Analysis of White Metal Bearing Alloys

Additional specifications may be required for certain applications, including standards for other nonferrous alloys and methods for physical or chemical testing.

---

By closely following the requirements of ASTM B23-20, manufacturers and end users achieve consistent, high-quality results in the selection, testing, and application of white metal bearing alloys, supporting equipment reliability and performance in critical industrial sectors.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation:B23 −20
Standard Specification for
White Metal Bearing Alloys
(Known Commercially as “Babbitt Metal”)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B23; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of original
adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.Asuperscript
epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope Alloys (Withdrawn 1986)
1.1 This specification covers eight typical white metal
3. Ordering Information
bearing alloys, in bar or ingot form, known commercially as
3.1 Orders for materials under this specification shall in-
“babbitt metal.” The alloys are specified, covering the range
clude the following information:
commercially used, and are designated by the alloy numbers
3.1.1 Name of material (white metal bearing alloy),
shown in Table 1.
3.1.2 Form and nominal weight of individual bars,
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
3.1.3 Quantity,
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
3.1.4 Alloy number,
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
3.1.5 Inspection required (Section 9),
and are not considered standard.
3.1.6 Certification required (Section 10),
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3.1.7 Marking required (Section 11), and
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.1.8 ASTM designation and year of issue.
responsibility of the user of this standard to become familiar
with all hazards including those identified in the appropriate
4. Materials and Manufacture
Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for this product/material as provided
4.1 The bars or ingots shall be made in accordance with
by the manufacturer, to establish appropriate safety, health,
such practice as to obtain the chemical composition, weight,
and environmental practices, and determine the applicability
and dimensions as prescribed in this specification.
of regulatory limitations prior to use.
4.2 The bars or ingots shall be as uniform in quality as
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
practicable.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
5. Chemical Composition
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
5.1 Thealloyscoveredbythisspecificationshallconformto
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
the requirements for chemical composition prescribed in Table
1.
2. Referenced Documents
5.2 By agreement between manufacturer and purchaser,
2.1 ASTM Standards:
analysis may be required and limits established for elements
E29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to
not specified in Table 1.
Determine Conformance with Specifications
6. Dimensions and Weights
E57 Methods for ChemicalAnalysis ofWhite Metal Bearing
6.1 The babbitt shall be furnished in bars of a convenient
weightandsizeforhandling.Unlessotherwiseagreedupon,no
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee B02 on unnotched bar shall exceed 10 lb (4.5 kg) in weight, nor
Nonferrous Metals and Alloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
notched bar exceed 15 lb (6.8 kg).
B02.02 on Refined Lead, Tin, Antimony, and Their Alloys.
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2020. Published October 2020. Originally 6.2 By mutual agreement, babbitt may be furnished in small
approved in 1926. Last previous edition approved in 2014 as B23 – 00 (2014). DOI:
round bars about 3.5 in. (90 mm) in diameter.
10.1520/B0023-20.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
the ASTM website. www.astm.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
B23−20
A
TABLE 1 Chemical Composition — wt% (range or maximum)
Alloy Number
Tin Base Lead Base
Chemical
Composition, %
1 2 3 11 7 8 13 15
UNS—L13910 UNS—L13890 UNS—L13840 UNS—L13870 UNS—L53585 UNS—L53565 UNS—L53346 UNS—L53620
B B B B
Tin remainder remainder remainder remainder 9.3–10.7 4.5–5.5 5.5–6.5 0.8–1.2
Antimony 4.0–5.0 7.0–8.0 7.5–8.5 6.0–7.5 14.0–16.0 14.0–16.0 9.5–10.5 14.5–17.5
B B B B
Lead 0.35 0.35 0.35 0.50 remainder remainder remainder remainder
Copper 4.0–5.0 3.0–4.0 7.5–8.5 5.0–6.5 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.6
Iron 0.08 0.08 0.08 0.08 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10
Arsenic 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.30–0.60 0.30–0.60 0.25 0.8–1.4
Bismuth 0.08 0.08 0.08 0.08 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10
Zinc 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.005
Aluminum 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.005
Cadmium 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05
Total named 99.80 99.80 99.80 99.80
elements,
min
A
Alloy Number 9 was discontinued in 1946 and numbers 4, 5, 6, 10, 11, 12, 16, and 19 were discontinued in 1959. A new number 11, similar to SAE Grade 11, was added
in 1966.
B
To be determined by difference.
7. Sampling 7.5 When bars, by agreement, exceed 15 lb (6.8 kg) in
weight, the number of sample bars taken and the sampling
7.1 Three bars shall be selected to represent a shipment of
procedureshallbebyagreementbetweenthemanufacturerand
less than 1000 lb (450 kg), five bars to represent a shipment of
the purchaser.
1000 lb to 10 000 lb (4500 kg) inclusive, and ten bars to
represent a shipment of over 10 000 lb to one carload.
8. Test Methods
7.2 Saw cuts shall be made at points in the bars as indicated
8.1 In case of dispute, the chemical analysis shall be made
in Fig. 1. No lubricants shall be used for sawing. The savings
in accordance with Methods E57.
shallbecarefullytreatedwithamagnettoremoveanyparticles
8.2 The method of analysis for cadmium and aluminum in
of steel introduced in taking the sample.
case of dispute shall be as agreed upon between manufacturer
7.3 When babbitt is furnished in bars under 5 lb (2.3 kg) in
and purchaser.
weight, three bars shall be considered the equivalent of one bar
8.3 For purposes of compliance with the specified chemical
(6.1) for sampling purposes. These may be remelted in a clean
composition limits, the reported analysis shall be rounded to
utensil at a temperature slightly above the liquids point of the
the nearest unit in the right hand
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: B23 − 00 (Reapproved 2014) B23 − 20
Standard Specification for
White Metal Bearing Alloys
(Known Commercially as “Babbitt Metal”)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B23; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of original
adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A superscript
epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope
1.1 This specification covers eight typical white metal bearing alloys, in bar or ingot form, known commercially as “babbitt
metal.” The alloys are specified, covering the range commercially used, and are designated by the alloy numbers shown in Table
1.
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to become familiar with all hazards including those identified in the appropriate Material Safety Data
Sheet (MSDS)(SDS) for this product/material as provided by the manufacturer, to establish appropriate safety safety, health, and
healthenvironmental practices, and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
E29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications
E57 Methods for Chemical Analysis of White Metal Bearing Alloys (Withdrawn 1986)
3. Ordering Information
3.1 Orders for materials under this specification shall include the following information:
3.1.1 Name of material (white metal bearing alloy),
3.1.2 Form and nominal weight of individual bars,
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee B02 on Nonferrous Metals and Alloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee B02.02 on Refined
Lead, Tin, Antimony, and Their Alloys.
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2014Oct. 1, 2020. Published October 2014October 2020. Originally approved in 1926. Last previous edition approved in 20102014 as
B23 – 00 (2010).(2014). DOI: 10.1520/B0023-00R14.10.1520/B0023-20.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on www.astm.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
B23 − 20
A
TABLE 1 Chemical Composition — wt% (range or maximum)
Alloy Number
Tin Base Lead Base
Chemical
Composition, %
1 2 3 11 7 8 13 15
UNS—L13910 UNS—L13890 UNS—L13840 UNS—L13870 UNS—L53585 UNS—L53565 UNS—L53346 UNS—L53620
B B B B
Tin remainder remainder remainder remainder 9.3–10.7 4.5–5.5 5.5–6.5 0.8–1.2
Antimony 4.0–5.0 7.0–8.0 7.5–8.5 6.0–7.5 14.0–16.0 14.0–16.0 9.5–10.5 14.5–17.5
B B B B
Lead 0.35 0.35 0.35 0.50 remainder remainder remainder remainder
Copper 4.0–5.0 3.0–4.0 7.5–8.5 5.0–6.5 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.6
Iron 0.08 0.08 0.08 0.08 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10
Arsenic 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.30–0.60 0.30–0.60 0.25 0.8–1.4
Bismuth 0.08 0.08 0.08 0.08 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10
Zinc 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.005
Aluminum 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.005
Cadmium 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05
Total named 99.80 99.80 99.80 99.80
elements,
min
A
Alloy Number 9 was discontinued in 1946 and numbers 4, 5, 6, 10, 11, 12, 16, and 19 were discontinued in 1959. A new number 11, similar to SAE Grade 11, was added
in 1966.
B
To be determined by difference.
3.1.3 Quantity,
3.1.4 Alloy number,
3.1.5 Inspection required (Section 9),
3.1.6 Certification required (Section 10),
3.1.7 Marking required (Section 11), and
3.1.8 ASTM designation and year of issue.
4. Materials and Manufacture
4.1 The bars or ingots shall be made in accordance with such practice as to obtain the chemical composition, weight, and
dimensions as prescribed in this specification.
4.2 The bars or ingots shall be as uniform in quality as practicable.
5. Chemical Composition
5.1 The alloys covered by this specification shall conform to the requirements for chemical composition prescribed in Table 1.
5.2 By agreement between manufacturer and purchaser, analysis may be required and limits established for elements not specified
in Table 1.
6. Dimensions and Weights
6.1 The babbitt shall be furnished in bars of a convenient weight and size for handling. Unless otherwise agreed upon, no
unnotched bar shall exceed 10 lb (4.5 kg) in weight, nor notched bar exceed 15 lb (6.8 kg).
6.2 By mutual agreement, babbitt may be furnished in small round bars about 3.5 in. (90 mm) in diameter.
7. Sampling
7.1 Three bars shall be selected to represent a shipment of less than 1000 lb (450 kg), five bars to represent a shipment of 1000
lb to 10 000 lb (4500 kg) inclusive, and ten bars to represent a shipment of over 10 000 lb to one carload.
B23 − 20
7.2 Saw cuts shall be made at points in the bars as indicated in Fig. 1. No lubricants shall be used for sawing. The savings shall
be carefully treated with a magnet to remove any particles of steel introduced in taking the sample.
7.3 When babbitt is furnished in bars under 5 lb (2.3 kg) in weight, three bars shall be considered the equivalent of one bar (6.1)
for sampling purposes. These may be remelted in a clean utensil at a temperature slightly above the liquids point of the alloy, mixed
thoroughly, poured into a cold mold forming a convenient size bar, and then handled in accordance with 6.2.
7.4 Savings,Shavings, thoroughly mixed, shall be separated into three equal portions, each of which shall be placed in a sealed
package, one for the manufacturer, one for the purchaser, and one for an umpire, if necessary. Each portion should exceed 0.74
oz. (21 g) in weight.
7.5 When bars, by agreement, exceed 15 lb (6.8
...