This is the piece that screws onto the top of the machine's 4 upper corner posts. Each machine also uses the same piece on the lower unit of the machine and it screws onto those 4 base corner posts. The plexiglass panels up top or lower base panels slide into place, once these are installed.
They are cast metal and it is common for them to break. This is an OEM A&A part and will not work with other brands.