Ep 4. Bowling Balls, Barber Poles, Felt and Radar Guns

How It's Made is a documentary television series that explores the process of manufacturing everyday objects that we often take for granted. Season 7 episode 4 of the series features a fascinating mix of products, including bowling balls, barber poles, felt, and radar guns.

The episode begins with a look at how bowling balls are made. The process starts with a large block of a special type of plastic called polyurethane, which is heated and then shaped into a ball by a machine. The ball is then cooled and polished before being painted with a design. Viewers get to see the intricate designs and patterns that are used to make each bowling ball unique.

Next up is a segment on barber poles. These iconic symbols of the barber shop have a long history, and the show explains their origins dating back to medieval times when barbers also acted as surgeons. The poles were used to signify the availability of medical procedures, such as bloodletting, which were common in those days. The episode shows how modern barber poles are made using a combination of plastic and metal, with the signature red and white stripes added by hand.

The third segment focuses on felt, a versatile material that is used in many different industries. The episode shows how felt is made using a combination of heat, pressure, and agitation to bond wool fibers together. Viewers get to see the intricate machinery involved in the process, including large rollers and a machine called a napper, which raises the fibers to create a soft, fluffy surface.

The final segment of the episode is about radar guns, which are used by law enforcement and sports officials to measure the speed of moving objects. Viewers get a peek into the complex technology behind radar guns, which involves bouncing radio waves off of moving objects and then measuring the time it takes for the waves to return. The episode also shows how radar guns are calibrated to ensure their accuracy.

Overall, season 7 episode 4 of How It's Made offers a fascinating look at the manufacturing processes behind some very different products. From the precision engineering involved in making radar guns to the centuries-old tradition of creating barber poles, it's clear that each of these products has a unique story to tell. Whether you're a fan of bowling or simply curious about the way things are made, this episode is sure to provide an informative and entertaining experience.