The paper discusses the methodology for and performance improvements gained using the patent pending 100 Bond® Laser Babbitting Process developed by Wartsila Shaft Line Solutions. This process is currently being used at the Wartsila Iberica facility for commercial Line Shaft and Thrust Bearings. The discussion covers various testing that has been performed including testing that was 2188 for ASTM B23 Grade 2 Babbitt in accordance with DOD-STD-2183.
Fatigue, hardness and bond strength are all improved from the refined microstructure of the babbitting material. The automated process eliminates the various chemicals used in traditional babbitt casting as well as the handling of molten babbitt providing significant reduction of the environmental concerns, health & safety risks and quality control issues. Together these benefits allow for improved bearing repairability, ability to produce more complex bearing shell geometries on a wide variety of base metals, and overall improvement of the hydrodynamic bearing performance.
