Ep 2. LED Stage Lights, Apple Cider, Chemical Tank Trailers, and Stone Floors

In the second episode of season 18 of the popular documentary series, How It's Made, viewers get an inside look at the creation of four completely diverse products: LED stage lights, apple cider, chemical tank trailers, and stone floors.

First up is LED stage lights, which are used in a variety of settings, from music concerts to theatre productions. The episode delves into the intricate process of manufacturing LED lights from scratch, starting with the creation of the light-emitting diodes themselves. Viewers witness the production of the diodes, which entails cutting semiconductor crystals into small rectangles that will emit light when a current is passed through them. These crystals are then arranged into the light board, which is enclosed in a casing and welded together. After this, the lights undergo rigorous testing to ensure they meet safety standards and work properly.

A stark contrast to the high-tech world of LED lighting, the next segment explores the traditional production methods used to make apple cider. The cameras take viewers to a picturesque apple orchard, where apples are harvested and washed before being ground into a fine pulp. The pulp is then pressed to extract the juice, which is later pasteurized and stored in containers. The process is fascinating to watch, and viewers get an appreciation for the amount of manual labor required to produce this tasty beverage.

The third segment focuses on the manufacturing of chemical tank trailers, which are used to transport hazardous chemicals across long distances. The episode provides an intricate look at the technology involved in building these specialized trailers. The process starts with shaping and welding the metal frame of the trailer, followed by the installation of the tank itself. Next, the sophisticated systems that regulate the temperature and pressure of the trailer are installed. Finally, a rigorous testing procedure is carried out to ensure that the tank is safe to transport hazardous chemicals on the road.

In the final segment of the episode, viewers get an in-depth look at the production of stone floors. The episode takes viewers to a quarry, where massive blocks of stone are cut and shaped with the help of specialized machinery. The blocks are then transported to a factory, where they are further processed by machines to create stone tiles. The tiles undergo a series of treatments to give them texture and shine before being packaged and distributed to customers.

Overall, How It's Made season 18 episode 2 provides an intriguing and diverse look at the manufacturing of four very different products. From the high-tech world of LED lighting to the traditional production methods used to create apple cider, viewers will get a glimpse into the intricate processes that bring everyday items to life.