The evolution of tooling, techniques, and quality control for accelerator dipole magnet cables

The author summarize the results of the Superconducting Super Collider (SSC) R&D program from 1984 to 1990. The SSC R&D program has led to a significant improvement in critical current, piece lengths, and overall manufacturing capability for multifilamentary NbTi superconductors. The requirements for current density, filament size, dimensional control, long lengths, and low current degradation are much more stringent for the present accelerators compared with the earlier Tevatron and HERA accelerators. Also, to achieve higher field strengths with efficient use of the superconductor, the new designs require wider cables with more strands. These requirements have stimulated an active research effort which has led to significant improvements in critical current density and conductor manufacturing. In addition, they have stimulated the development of new cabling techniques, improved tooling, and better measurement techniques. The need to produce over 20 million meters of cable has led to the development of high speed cabling machines and online quality assurance measurements. These new developments are discussed, and areas still requiring improvement are identified.<>