Ep 13. Channel Signs; Wetsuits; and Aluminum Aircraft

Channel Signs; Wetsuits; and Aluminum Aircraft is the thirteenth episode of the nineteenth season of the educational television series How It's Made. In this episode, viewers are taken on a journey to learn about the manufacturing process of three different items - channel signs, wetsuits, and aluminum aircraft.

The first segment of the show explores the process of creating channel signs. Channel signs are the illuminated signs that are often found outside of businesses or in public spaces such as airports. The segment takes viewers inside a sign manufacturing facility where they can see how these signs are designed, assembled, and wired. Viewers will learn about the different types of lighting used in the signs, as well as techniques for bending, welding, and painting the metal.

The second segment of the show focuses on wetsuits. Wetsuits are specialized garments worn by people engaging in activities such as surfing, diving, and swimming. These suits are designed to keep the wearer warm and comfortable while in the water. The segment takes viewers through the process of making a wetsuit, from cutting the neoprene material to gluing and sewing the pieces together. Viewers will learn about the different types of neoprene used in wetsuits and how the thickness of the material affects its insulation properties.

The final segment of the show takes viewers inside an aluminum aircraft manufacturing plant. Aluminum aircraft are used in commercial and military applications and must be built to exacting standards in order to ensure their safety and efficiency. Viewers will see how sheets of aluminum are cut, bent, and formed into the various components of an aircraft, including the wings, fuselage, and tail. They will also learn about the specialized equipment and tools used in the manufacturing process, such as CNC machines and robotic riveting systems.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to detailed explanations of the manufacturing process for each item, as well as commentary from experts in the fields of sign manufacturing, wetsuit design, and aircraft construction. They will also get to see the finished products in action, whether it's a fully assembled aluminum aircraft taking flight or a channel sign lighting up a city street. By the end of the episode, viewers will have a newfound appreciation for the precision and craftsmanship required to create these complex products.