Ep 3. Oil Lamps, Chocolate Mints, Underfloor Heating, Pillows

How It's Made is a popular television show that explores the manufacturing processes of various products and goods. In season 17, episode 3, viewers are treated to an inside look at the creation of four distinct items: oil lamps, chocolate mints, underfloor heating systems, and pillows.

The episode begins with a segment on oil lamps, which have been used for centuries as a way to light homes and workplaces. Viewers are shown the process of creating the lamp's glass shade, which involves blowing molten glass into a mold and then carefully shaping it by hand. Next, the episode moves on to the lamp's metal components, such as the base and wick holder. These elements are crafted using a combination of pressing and casting techniques, which are performed by skilled metalworkers.

After the oil lamps, the show shifts gears to focus on a much sweeter product: chocolate mints. The episode takes viewers to a confectionary factory, where experts reveal the step-by-step process of making these sweet treats. The chocolate is first melted down and poured into molds, which are then cooled and formed into the desired shape. The mints themselves are created using a mixture of sugar, corn syrup, and water, which is heated and combined with flavorings and food coloring. The finished mints are then coated in chocolate and wrapped in foil, ready for sale.

The third segment of the episode deals with a more practical product: underfloor heating systems. These systems are becoming increasingly popular in modern homes and offices, as they provide a comfortable, even heat throughout a space. How It's Made shows viewers how the heating components are manufactured, using a combination of aluminum and plastic to create a complex network of pipes. These pipes are then laid out under the flooring and connected to a central heating system, providing efficient, invisible warmth.

Finally, the episode wraps up with a segment on pillows, which may seem like a simple product but actually require a lot of care and attention to create. Viewers are taken to a textile factory, where they can see the various stages of the pillow-making process. The fabrication of the pillow's cover involves cutting and stitching together fabric pieces, often with a pattern or design. Meanwhile, the pillow's filling is made from a variety of materials, including down feathers, foam, or synthetic fibers, depending on the desired softness and support level. Once the cover and filling have been combined, the pillow is then sewn shut and inspected for quality.

Overall, season 17, episode 3 of How It's Made provides a fascinating look at the manufacturing processes behind some of our most common household items. From the intricate glasswork of oil lamps to the complex engineering of underfloor heating systems, viewers are sure to gain a newfound appreciation for the work that goes into creating the items we use every day.