Ep 6. Gel Caps; Playground Spring Riders; Frozen Pancakes; Natural Rubber

How It's Made takes viewers behind the scenes and shows them how everyday objects are created. In season 14 episode 6, viewers will get to see the manufacturing process for Gel Caps, Playground Spring Riders, Frozen Pancakes, and Natural Rubber.

The show starts by exploring the production of Gel Caps. Gel Caps are capsules filled with liquid or powder that are commonly used to deliver medication. The process starts with the creation of the hard shell, which is made from gelatin and water. The gelatin is melted and mixed with water before being poured into molds. The molds are then placed on a conveyor belt and cooled. Once cool, the gelatin shells are released from the molds and fed into a machine that fills them with liquid or powder. The filled gel caps are then sealed, inspected, and sorted for shipment.

Next up on the show is Playground Spring Riders. These are the popular toys found in playgrounds around the world that children love to ride on. The production of Playground Spring Riders starts with the creation of the inner framework, which is made from a combination of steel and plastic. The metal is first cut and shaped into the required size and shape before being welded together. The plastic is then molded to fit around the steel frame and provide the final shape of the toy. Once the frame and plastic are complete, the spring that provides the bouncy ride is added, as well as any finishing touches such as paint and decals.

Moving on, the show takes a look at the production of Frozen Pancakes. These breakfast treats are popular with families as they are quick and convenient to make. The production process starts with the creation of the batter, which is mixed in large quantities using a computer-controlled system to ensure consistency. The pancake batter is then poured onto a hot griddle and cooked until golden brown. Once cooked, the pancakes are sent through a machine that flash-freezes them. The frozen pancakes are then packed and shipped to retailers for sale.

Finally, the show explores the production of Natural Rubber. Rubber is a versatile material that is used in many industries, from tires to gloves. The production of Natural Rubber starts with the collection of latex from rubber trees. The latex is collected in small cups that are attached to the trees and allowed to drip out over a period of several hours. Once the cups are full, the latex is collected and taken to a processing facility. At the facility, the latex is mixed with acid, which causes it to coagulate. The coagulated material is then pressed and rolled to remove excess water and impurities. The resulting rubber sheets are then cut to size and shipped to manufacturers.

Overall, How It's Made season 14 episode 6 provides a fascinating look at the production of Gel Caps, Playground Spring Riders, Frozen Pancakes, and Natural Rubber. Viewers get to see the intricate processes involved in creating everyday objects and learn about the materials and machines used in each step of the manufacturing process. Whether you're a fan of science, engineering, or just interested in how things work, this episode of How It's Made is sure to please.