Production of low-carbon magnetic steel for the LHC superconducting dipole and quadrupole magnets

In 1996 CERN negotiated a contract with Cockerill Sambre-ARCELOR Group for the supply of 50 000 tonnes of low-carbon steel for the LHC main magnets: this was the first contract to be placed for the project, and one of the single largest. In 2005-after nine years of work-the contract is being successfully completed. This paper describes the steel specifically developed, known as MAGNETIL, its manufacturing and quality control process, organization of production, logistics and contract follow-up. Extensive statistics have been collected relating to physical, mechanical and technological parameters. Specific attention is dedicated to magnetic measurements (coercivity and permeability) performed at both room and cryogenic temperatures,the equipment used and statistical results. Reference is also made to the resulting precision of the fine-blanked laminations used for the magnet yoke. The technology transfer from the particle accelerator domain to industry is ongoing, for example for the screening of high voltage cables buried in the ground.