How to build iron mans arc reactor.

i have always loved iron man and when the first film came out i saw some "collectible props of the arc reactor" floating around on the web. they were great and i wanted to see if i could make one.

i had access to a laser cutter so i gave it a try.

this is how i made mine. its maybe not screen perfect or cannon but i like it and it was fun to make.

the second image is the main one i used to make my prop. its from 
http://marvel-movies.wikia.com/wiki/File:Mk_1_Arc_Reactor.jpg

Step 1: Marterials and tools.

Materials:

1mm thick acrylic any colour as its will be sprayed but black is better.
3mm acrylic clear/white/glass green
2mm acrylic any colour as its will be sprayed but black is better.
1mm styrene
1mmx1mm styrene rod
1mmx2mm styrene flat bar
mirroed acrylic plastic. 3mm

some sort of wide mesh plastic of fabric.

fine copper wire.

electrical wire

white EL sheet and all accesories for battery power.
switch
random electrical part from junk.

acrylic paints of all colours.

spray paints.

electrical tape (red)

glue.i use liquid solvent cement for acrylics but its pretty potent so be careful whe using it.

Tools.

sand paper
files
knives

i used a laser cutter for a lot of the work on this, but thats because i had access to one.

you can use online companies that will cut your files

you can do it by hand but the finish you get from a laser cutter is better.

Comments

[hhhttt]

I 2nd those notions. It's almost exactly like the real one! Mad props to you. But do you by any chance still have the files for the laser cutter?

[Alex Jalland]

please could you upload the laser cutting files
????

[bobiebob]

I up that

[c3ralki1l3r]

im guessing the plaque is made frome a cd?

[backwards lamb]

Nope. It's made from mirror backed Perspex.

[DanJames]

Hey, amazing job! I have a question about the really tiny pieces on the wire wrap ring, the ones that look like " [ "
How did you create those?

[backwards lamb]

Hi, they were cut out on the laser cutter. The whole assembly was four parts two [ shaped ones and a top and bottom.

[hmuringa]

First of all congrats, it's the best arc reactor I've seen here!!!

I want to cut the acrylic parts but they have no dimmension, can you help me with that?

Also which part uses 3mm which one uses 1 mm sheet ?

[backwards lamb]

I can't tell you the dimentions off hand I'm afraid. I just eyeballed the size of mine to see what looked good.

As for the thicknesses of plastic the majority is 3mm the 1mm parts are the wire wrap frame sections ( the bits the copper wire is wrapped round that clip round the main reactor ring) and also the centre detail parts. The triple ring and I think the oval hole ring.

[hmuringa]

hey Aidan!! I'm sorry to bother you again, I just sent you an email through your flickr account, could you reply that? I could really use a little help =]

Thanks!!! =]

[pudgytaco]

whered u get the "cuttable" el sheet?

[backwards lamb]

Hi there. I got it from eBay. It came in an A5 sized sheet. With the inverter to power it.

Hope this helps.

[simpleplan571]

About how much did this project cost?

[mikeasaurus]

Wow, great build. You make amazing props, I can't wait to see what's next!

[backwards lamb]

Thank you. I do enjoy making them so there will be more :)