Ep 22. Chains, Bagels, Vinyl Records #1, Vinyl Records #2

In season 3, episode 22 of How It's Made, viewers are taken on a fascinating journey through the creation processes of chains, bagels, and vinyl records. The episode is split into two segments, with the second half focusing exclusively on the manufacturing process of vinyl records.

At the beginning of the episode, viewers are introduced to chains and their various configurations and uses - from ornate designs for jewelry to heavy-duty links for use in construction. The episode then delves into the intricacies of manufacturing chains, starting with the creation of wire rods used as raw material. These rods are heated to high temperatures so they are malleable enough to be formed into chains. A machine then twists the wire around itself, forming it into the chain's distinctive links. The chain is then heat-treated and cleaned before it is polished and packaged for sale.

Next up are bagels, a beloved breakfast staple for many people around the world. The episode explores the multiple steps needed to make a delicious, freshly baked bagel. The dough is mixed and kneaded to the proper consistency before being cut and shaped into bagel rounds. After a short rest, the bagels are boiled in water with added malt, which gives them their distinct texture and flavor. Finally, the bagels are baked in the oven before being packaged and delivered to stores and restaurants.

The second half of the episode focuses solely on the manufacturing process of vinyl records. Vinyl records were the primary format for recorded music for decades, and have enjoyed a resurgence in popularity in recent years. The episode covers the entire process, from the creation of the master recording to the final pressing of the vinyl disc.

The first step in making a vinyl record is recording the music onto a master disc, which is then used to create molds for the pressing of the vinyl. The molds are made from metal plates that are sprayed with a silver coating, which then has the master recording etched onto it using a laser. The plates are then soaked in a chemical bath, which hardens the areas where the grooves were etched.

The hardened plates are then used to create the negative molds for the record. This is done by pouring liquid vinyl into the molds, which hardens to create the negative of the disc. The actual vinyl records are then made by pouring liquid vinyl into these negative molds and pressing them together in a hydraulic press. The pressed records are then removed from the mold, trimmed, and inspected for quality before being packaged and sent out to record stores.

Overall, season 3, episode 22 of How It's Made provides viewers with a fascinating look into the manufacturing processes behind chains, bagels, and vinyl records. Each segment highlights the precision and attention to detail needed to create these everyday items, and gives viewers a newfound appreciation for the effort and expertise needed to make them.