Experience with aluminum magnet coils

Aluminum conductor has been used by various other groups in magnet construction but this has been the exception rather than the rule. At SLAC (Stanford Linear Accelerator Cente), after two years experience with the use of aluminum conductor for magnets, we are approaching the point where in large magnets, copper coils are becoming the exception. Our experience indicates that by using aluminum instead of copper for large magnets, we can make a saving of approximately 25% on the cost of these magnets. But to achieve these savings, full advantage must be taken of the characteristics of aluminum. It cannot be treated purely as a material substitute for copper.