I suppose the key here is to what purpose are you researching white metals? If you are looking to research bearing alloys (ie "babbitt"), I could provide you a few sources. However, if you are interested in white metals for decorative work this is out of my expertise as it may include such metals as "zamak" and other aluminum alloys. Bearing alloys are made of different compositions based on loading, rpm, lubrication method, etc and can differ greatly in price. This is why such a variety existed and still does to this day. A mostly lead based alloy with minimal copper, and a hint of tin would be very inexpensive and work very well for light use whereas a mostly copper/tin alloy with some zinc would make a nice bearing for heavy work where hydraulic forming could not be allowed. Also, when creating bearing alloys, a eutectic point is reached where the melting points of the individual elements is much lower when combined. This allows some babbitt alloys to melt at points alm!
 ost as low as pure lead. Also, different melting points allow for differences in machine design as bearings can be easily melted out and repoured depending on purpose and material. There is a reason why the US Navy felt babbitt bearing metals to be one of the best inventions of the 19th century! Let me know if you would like any references or the like and good luck with your project. 
 
 Stathi Pappas
 
 ______________________________________________________
 
 Efstathios I. Pappas, MS
 Doctoral Student
 Department of Anthropology/096
 University of Nevada, Reno
 Reno, NV 89557
 (775) 323-5730
    
 -----Original Message-----
 From: [log in to unmask]
 To: [log in to unmask]
 Sent: Mon, 30 Oct 2006 6:15 AM
 Subject: White Metals
 
  I hold a MA in archaeology and am currently doing some preliminary

research on 'white metals' for a project.  I have found that the

definition of 'white metal' differs depending on the source (i.e.

manufacturers, craftsmen, material specialists, etc.).  Many craftsmen

suggest that a 'white metal' is a metal/alloy with a low melting point,

silver in color.  Some manufacturers include Pb among Sn, Sb, Zn, and Bi

while others omit it.  Some material specialists include Ni (even though

it has a higher melting point).  And still others have gone as far as

including Au, Ag, and Pt in the definition.  I would be very interested

to hear how people on this listserv define this term.  Additionally I

would be interested in any references regarding white metal alloys. 



 



 



Chris Wilkins

   
________________________________________________________________________
Check out the new AOL.  Most comprehensive set of free safety and security tools, free access to millions of high-quality videos from across the web, free AOL Mail and more.