What material is typically used for tinning friction bearing housings?

Tinning is a process that involves coating a metal surface with a layer of tin or a tin alloy to reduce friction and enhance corrosion resistance in bearings. When it comes to friction bearing housings, solder is commonly used because it is an alloy primarily composed of tin and is effective in providing a smooth surface that can reduce wear and tear during operation.

Using solder for tinning in friction bearing housings offers several advantages, including improved adhesion to the base metal, excellent lubrication properties, and the ability to withstand elevated temperatures commonly found in bearing applications. It also helps in preventing oxidation and enhancing the overall lifespan of the bearing by providing a protective layer.

Other options, although they may have their respective uses in various applications, do not provide the same level of efficiency or effectiveness for tinning friction bearing housings. For instance, while lead is a soft metal that might reduce friction, it is not typically used for this purpose due to concerns regarding toxicity and environmental impact. Gold, though highly conductive and resistant to corrosion, is prohibitively expensive for general applications like bearing housings, and nickel, while useful for plating due to its strength and resistance to corrosion, does not offer the same lubrication characteristics as solder. Therefore, solder remains the preferred choice for tinning friction