On a relaxing weekend, I was making sandwiches when something unforeseen happened.
![](https://enesordek.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/IMG_7727.jpg)
The clip of my sandwich maker broke. Because of such a plastic part, of course, the whole device is not thrown away! In my part-time job as a recycling expert, I made it my business to save items from trash. It’s time to get back to action! In this blogpost I want to talk about the repair process.
Diagnosis
![](https://enesordek.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/IMG_7726.jpg)
With the help of this clip, you can close the sandwich maker and compress the sandwiches. This combines the sandwich bread with the inner topping and creates a delicious interaction of ingredients. However, you can make delicious sandwiches without this closure. Nevertheless, it is annoying when you can no longer take advantage of this device.
![](https://enesordek.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/IMG_7738.jpg)
Here is the broken part in a close-up from the front.
![](https://enesordek.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/IMG_7739.jpg)
And here from behind. Here you can also see (or at least I can see) what kind of plastic it is. In the triangle I can read a 5, which stands for polypropylene.
Modelling: Prototype 1
By now I am almost a professional when it comes to spontaneous modeling of small parts. With OpenSCAD, such a model is no more than a small programming challenge.
![](https://enesordek.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Screenshot-from-2022-09-24-12-28-37-1024x581.png)
Here is also already the model. I have printed it out and put it into the sandwich maker.
![](https://enesordek.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/IMG_7743.jpg)
I got the measurements right, but it still didn’t work because I need a curvier shape. I can’t get the clip to close. Time for a second model.
Modelling: Prototype 2
![](https://enesordek.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Screenshot-from-2022-09-25-09-28-15.png)
The second prototype has a curved shape to fit snugly into the mold.
![](https://enesordek.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/IMG_7744.jpg)
![](https://enesordek.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/IMG_7745.jpg)
This prototype fits perfectly.
Conclusion
I am happy with the result. The sandwich maker is fixed, it looks good again. The source code of the model is just glued together, but it works. I also shared the model including source code on Thingiverse.