The present invention is an improved magnet coil former for use in a magnetic
resonance imaging (MRI) system. The improved magnetic coil former reduces the strength
of the magnetic fields generated proximate the coils. This enables the coils to
be driven at higher currents. The former consists of a substantially magnetically
saturated ferromagnetic material and is arranged such that the compensating coil
is magnetically attracted towards the former in a direction radially outward from
the axis of the coils thereby reducing the collapsing hoop stress on the compensating
coil. The former is made of Iron or other suitable ferromagnetic material. The
former facilitates construction of a more compact MRI system.