Ep 47. Hockey Sticks, Bronzed Shoes, Treadmills, Computers

How It's Made season 4 episode 47, titled "Hockey Sticks, Bronzed Shoes, Treadmills, Computers," takes a deep dive into the manufacturing processes behind some of our favorite products. The first segment explores the production of hockey sticks, from the slabs of sawed maple and ash wood to the final touches of screen printing and blade attachment. Viewers will learn about the importance of flexibility and durability in hockey sticks, as well as how the blade's curvature affects a player's performance on the ice.

Next, the episode takes a turn towards the artistic with a look at the process of bronzing shoes. From ballet slippers to running shoes, almost any type of footwear can be bronzed as a keepsake or a memento. The episode shows how shoes are first coated with a solution that hardens into a mold, which is then filled with liquid bronze. The resulting cast is then cleaned, polished, and mounted onto a wooden base for display.

The episode then shifts its focus to treadmills, a staple piece of exercise equipment. Viewers will be surprised to learn that the manufacturing process for treadmills involves not only skilled craftsmanship but also a great deal of testing and quality control. The episode follows the construction of a treadmill from the welding of the frame to the installation of the motor and the application of the running belt. Along the way, we see how engineers optimize the design for maximum durability and safety.

Finally, the episode concludes with an inside look into the production of computers. From the individual chips to the final assembly, viewers will see how each component of a computer is manufactured and tested to ensure reliability and functionality. The episode explores how computer chips are fabricated using a photolithography process, and how the various components are assembled into the final product. Special attention is given to the cooling systems used to prevent overheating, and to the testing procedures used to verify that each computer is working correctly before it is shipped to consumers.

Overall, How It's Made season 4 episode 47 gives viewers a fascinating look into the manufacturing processes behind some of our favorite products. From the handcrafted artistry of bronzing shoes to the high-tech production of computers, this episode showcases the skill, ingenuity, and precision that go into making the things we use every day.