Investigation of the Properties of Anti-Friction Coatings Deposited with Different Casting Methods

This article presents the research results of depositing anti-friction coatings (Babbitt) using three different casting methods: static casting, flame soldering, and clad welding. Babbitt alloy coatings deposited with different casting methods are discussed and explained in terms of changes in the coating properties, such as the microstructure, hardness, strength, and chemical composition. The results showed significant differences in the aforementioned properties, depending on the chosen coating deposition method. The results of the tests confirmed the importance of using shielding gas during deposition to ensure the chemical composition of the coating. The analysis revealed that decreases in the amounts of antimony and copper in the Babbitt coating compared with the initial concentrations were influenced by selective evaporation, oxidation, and the coating process parameters associated with different coating methods. To maintain the desired balance of mechanical properties in Babbitt coatings, it is important to control the antimony and copper contents. Clad welding deposition using a non-consumable tungsten electrode and argon shielding gas achieved a chemically stable coating quite close to the initial chemical composition of the Babbitt alloy.