Fabrication of a high current Nb3Sn forced flow conductor for the 12 tesla SULTAN test facility

For the Swiss insert coil of the 12 T SULTAN Test Facility, a Nb
3
Sn forced flow conductor, designed for an operating current of 6 kA at 12.2 T and 5 K, has been fabricated. To develop the manufacturing techniques, a 20 m full size prototype conductor was first produced in laboratory conditions at SIN. Based on the experience gained with the prototype, a new production facility devoted to the components joining was designed and built. At the same time, work got under way to manufacture the three-stage flat cable and to react it to form the Nb
3
Sn. After a brief description of the superconducting cable production, the fabrication of the 870 m long conductor in the new production facility will be discussed. A detailed description of the facility consisting of two fabrication lines is given, and the production experience is presented.