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

The LHC insertions are equipped with several different types of individually powered superconductng quadrupoles, which 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. The mechanical design of the LHC insertion quadrupoles, the initial experience in the assembly of the pre-series units and the alignment measurements are reported.