Ep 29. Lighters, Fossils, Hockey Pucks, High-Pressure Cylinders
- February 2, 2007
How It's Made is a popular science show that takes its viewers through various manufacturing processes, from start to finish. In season 4, the 29th episode features four different items: lighters, fossils, hockey pucks, and high-pressure cylinders.
The first segment of the episode is all about lighters, an item that most people use on a daily basis without giving much thought to how they are made. This segment takes us through the process of creating a classic lighter, examining the different components that are used to create the finished product.
Viewers will get to see how various materials are used to create the lighter's body, including the stainless steel used to make the fuel tank and the brass that's used to create the lighter's other components, like the flint wheel. The manufacturing process will be highlighted, from molding the individual parts, assembling the lighter, and finally packaging the lighter for sale.
The second segment of the episode delves into the world of fossils, providing insight into the manufacturing processes that paleontologists use to create replica fossils for use in museums and private collections.
Viewers will get to see how the replica fossils of ancient bones are made using various materials, including molds created from real fossils, natural materials like sand and clay, and resin casting methods used to replicate dinosaur bones with remarkable accuracy. In this segment, we’ll learn how the manufacturing process involves several steps in preparing the bone replica for display in museums and private collections.
Next, the episode turns to the subject of hockey pucks, a topic that will interest fans of the sport and those who enjoy learning about the process of making items from synthetic rubber.
Viewers will witness the creation of hockey pucks from start to finish, including the raw materials used to create the puck and the production process. The segment details how the rubber, coloring and logos are added, and how they are specially heated to form a perfectly round puck for use in games. The manufacturing process has evolved over time, and this segment highlights the advances that have been made in creating this important sports item.
Finally, the episode concludes with High-Pressure Cylinders. Not everyone is familiar with the use of high-pressure cylinders, and the processes that are used to create them.
This segment highlights how these cylinders are a vital component of various industries, and how they are made to withstand high pressures without failing. A range of materials and manufacturing methods are used to create high-pressure cylinders, including several different types of steel, and the cylinder is subjected to rigorous testing to make sure that it's up to the task of storing compressed gas. This process ensures that the cylinders are safe to use, and viewers will learn that the production process is closely monitored by regulatory agencies to ensure that they are properly made and safe to use.
Overall, the 29th episode of season 4 is a comprehensive look at the manufacturing processes behind four very different items. Viewers will get an inside look into the production of lighters, fossils, hockey pucks, and high-pressure cylinders, with each segment highlighting the unique materials and techniques used to create these different items. This episode once again showcases the fascinating world of manufacturing, providing insight into the intricacies of creating objects that are part of our daily lives.
