Design and assembly of the pre-series quadrupoles for the LHC insertions

The LHC insertions are equipped with several different types of individually powered superconducting quadrupoles. These units comprise several quadrupole magnets and orbit correctors, and range in length from 5.3 m to 11.3 m. In spite of the variety of types and interface requirements, the design of the quadrupoles is based on the same principle where two welded half-shells provide the rigidity and alignment of the magnets and serve as a helium pressure vessel. In this paper we present the mechanical design of the LHC insertion quadrupoles, describe the initial experience in the assembly of the pre-series units, and report on the alignment measurements.