My attempt at a more authentic replica of the iron man arc reactor.

Step 1:

started with copper, but it became too flimsy... so i tried a thicker piece of aluminum instead

Step 2: Starting to Wind the Coils

Step 3: Inner Ring

just punched a piece of aluminum with a punch press, then drilled and filled all the oval holes by hand, then made all the other little parts by hand

Step 4: More Parts

made the copper brackets using an etching machine.

Then got a scrap pcb, cut it into a circle and hot glued some components onto it.

Step 5: Intial Assembly

I used some magnet wire to hold it all together at first before i glued it all up.

Step 6: Time for Lights

Chose to go with White LEDs this time.

Step 7: Now It Just Needs a Display Box

oh, I still have to do the wires connecting the coils. . . .

Step 8: Parts and Cost Estimate

--The only part that was manufactured by an actual program and machine were these two bracket pieces. The cost to make these outside for the average builder could be difficult to price. I was fortunate to know some one who could do it for me. I drew out a rough sketch and just kinda eyeballed the two. I did use card stock paper to make templates first, to see how to size everything.
--The rest of the parts were just found in scrap piles i have laying around from other projects, and circuit boards that i scrounge parts from.
--The acrylic i used can be purchased or ordered online at any plastics/acrylics site. Because of the size of the pieces, they shouldn't cost too much. I got mine from home depot. I made my acrylic ring by first cutting a circle out, then drilled lots of holes on the inside, and then just sanded and polished till it was to my liking.
--total cost i would guess under $100, depending on how much you scrounge and can find.
--Also above is a pic of the Led circuit that i built, using a 9volt battery as my power source.