How Do They Do It? Season 11 Episode 17 Plaster and More

How Do They Do It? is a documentary television series that explores the manufacturing processes of everyday objects and products. In season 11 episode 17, titled Plaster and More, viewers get an inside look at the production of various building materials and products.

The episode begins with a visit to a plaster factory where we see raw gypsum being transported by a conveyor belt to a grinding machine. The gypsum is crushed into a fine powder and mixed with water to form a thick plaster slurry. This slurry is then poured onto a conveyor belt where excess water is drained off and the plaster is allowed to set and harden. The finished plaster is then cut into small blocks, which are ready to be used in construction.

Next, the show takes us to a brick manufacturing plant. Here, we see how clay is extracted from the ground, cleaned, and molded into various shapes. The molded clay is then baked in a kiln at extremely high temperatures, which causes it to harden and become a brick. The bricks are then sorted and packaged for shipment to construction sites.

The episode then switches gears to focus on ice cream production. Viewers get a behind-the-scenes look at a factory that produces thousands of gallons of ice cream each day. The process begins with mixing cream, sugar, and various flavorings in large vats. The mixture is then pasteurized and homogenized to ensure consistency. The ice cream is then dispensed into containers and quickly frozen at extremely low temperatures.

Moving on, we visit a steel mill where we witness the process of converting iron ore into steel. Raw materials such as coal and limestone are first mixed and heated in a furnace to create coke. This coke is then mixed with iron ore and heated to extremely high temperatures, causing the iron to melt. The molten iron is then poured into molds to create slabs of steel. These slabs are then cut and shaped into various products such as beams, pipes, and plates.

Lastly, the show takes us to a glass factory where we see how glass bottles are produced. Viewers get to witness the entire process from start to finish, beginning with the mixing of ingredients like sand, soda ash, and limestone in a furnace. The mixture is then melted and molded into various shapes before being sent through a transfer belt that finishes shaping and cooling the bottles.

Overall, Plaster and More is an interesting and informative episode that takes viewers on a tour of various factories and production plants. It offers a fascinating look at the processes involved in the creation of everyday products and materials.