PCB Dodecahedron

This is a display piece made in the shape of the most complex regular platonic solid (Dodecahedron).

The body consists of 12 identical pentagonal PCBs with hexagonal decorative tessellation and the connecting brackets are 3D printed with 3 M3 inserts in each one.

This can be displayed on a table, coffee table, tv stand or shelf OR can be hung using strings in wherever you want it to.

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OK, let’s get technical:

PCBs:
The files for the manufacturing of the PCBs are attached as a ZIP file.
Even if you’ve never done it before, all you need to do is to go to one of the PCB manufacturers from China (they’re the most cheap and since this is a decorative item and does not require any real tolerance adherence, there’s no need to anything fancier), upload the zip to the place where it requires it and set the parameters according to the picture of the settings I’ve attached.

Important: in order to get exactly the same look as mine in the pictures, copycat the settings.
if you want something look different than consult with some friend with experience/FB group with people with experience producing PCBs.
I’ve chosen the Iron-Man-2 look so the solder mask color is red and HASL finish, resulting in silver-red color palette. If you want the classic gold-red color palette then change the finish from HASL to ENIG (do notice, the price will increase since gold plating costs more).

BOM:
*12 pentagonal PCB
*20 3D printed bracket
*72 threaded inserts
*72 screws

Threaded inserts:
the bracket is design with this type of insert in mind- M3x5x4 (thread x Dout x height).
if you’re not buying inserts specifically for this project and want to use existing ones you have lying around or different type that is more available to you than I suggest experimenting with one bracket design change at a time until you’ve reached satisfaction and only then print the other 19 brackets.

When inserting them into the prints, make sure that:
*Insert is inserted as perpendicular as possible to the outside face, where the PCB is sitting.
*After inserting, let the plastic cool and use a razor blade/sharp knife the remove excess melted plastic from the insertion process so the outside face is flat.

Screws:
I’ve used ISO 7380, M3x8.
M3x8 is not negotiable, length can be longer but doesn’t do any good.
ISO 7380 refers to the standard, which practically translates to the type/design of the screw head. I think those are pretty but you can choose to change to whatever type you want, just make sure it is a screw with flat mating surface and not countersunk (like DIN 7991).

Assembly:
After acquiring all parts, start with connecting 5 brackets to one PCB.
Then work your way up until you’ve reached the opposing PCB from the one you started with.

When connecting certain edge/corner, it’ll be easier to thread all 3 screws loosely and only then tighten them.

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Hope that I’ve covered everything, if something is not clear/requires further explaining than ask in the comments and I’ll answer (and modify the description, if necessary).

I have some more designs in mind that I'll create in the future, like Icosahedron and Truncated Icosahedron. let me know if there's other solids you'd like and I'll consider it.