First experience in the mass production of components for the LHC dipoles

This paper reports on the manufacturing features and difficulties experienced for the preliminary mass production of the main mechanical components of the dipole cold mass. The production of about 600 km of superconducting coil copper wedges, 5000 coil layer jump spacers and boxes, 12 500 000 austenitic steel collars and 5 800 000 low-carbon yoke laminations is spread over 4 European countries and involves 6 manufactory firms. The general technical requirements for the manufacturing process as well as the imposed production checks and quality controls are reviewed. An overview of the preliminary results is presented with an outlook toward the analysis and statistical which are in a process to be implemented for the follow-up of the mass production.