AbstractIndustrial development of superconductors concentrates mainly on the two materials NbTi and Nb3Sn which can be produced in long lengths of many thin filaments in a normal metal matrix. A review of the state of art in manufacturing techniques and in current carrying capacity is given. Recent results in strand design and development are presented. Fusion magnets require large transported currents (30–50 kA) which implies to assemble a given number of wires in the form of a large size cable. Particular emphasis is put on special problems, requirements and trends in the present development of conductors.