What is the base metal primarily used in the manufacture of Babbitt?

Babbitt is a type of bearing material that is efficient for reducing friction between moving parts. The correct answer identifies lead as the primary base metal used in its manufacture. Lead has favorable properties such as excellent anti-friction characteristics, good wear resistance, and high conformability, making it suitable for applications in bearings where a smooth operation is paramount.

Notably, Babbitt is often used in applications where a softer metal is desirable because it can accommodate misalignments and becomes embedded with foreign materials, preventing damage to the shaft. While other metals like copper and aluminum are also used in different bearing applications, they do not have the same anti-friction properties and conformability that make lead a preferred choice for Babbitt alloys. Zinc might be used for some specialized applications but is not typically associated with Babbitt's primary composition.