How It's Made Season 20 Episode 3 Graphene, the World's Smallest Car, Force Testers, and Composite Cans

In season 20 episode 3 of How It's Made, viewers get an inside look at the world of materials science and manufacturing as they explore the production of graphene, the world's smallest car, force testers, and composite cans.

The episode begins with a segment on graphene, a revolutionary new material with incredible strength, flexibility, and electrical conductivity. Viewers learn how this nanomaterial is made from a single layer of carbon atoms and how it is being used in everything from electronics to medical devices. The episode delves into the complex process of synthesizing graphene, which involves heating graphite flakes to extremely high temperatures and then using a variety of techniques to break them down into individual layers.

Next up, the show takes a look at the world's smallest car, a tiny vehicle measuring just a few millimeters in length that was developed by a team of scientists at the University of Southern California. This remarkable feat of engineering required the use of a scanning electron microscope and a set of nanomanipulators to assemble each component piece by piece. The episode explains how this microscopic car could have important applications in the fields of microsurgery and nanotechnology.

The third segment of the show focuses on force testers, machines used to measure the strength and durability of materials and products. Viewers see how these testers are built from high-quality materials to withstand extreme forces and how they are used to test everything from car engines to medical implants. The episode also explores how force testers are calibrated and how data from these tests is used to improve the quality and safety of consumer products.

Finally, the episode closes with a segment on composite cans, a type of packaging used for a wide variety of food products. Viewers learn how these cans are made from multiple layers of materials, including paper, plastic, and metal, to create a lightweight and sturdy container. The episode shows how composite cans are formed and sealed using specialized equipment and how they are designed to protect food from moisture and contamination.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to fascinating insights into the world of materials science, manufacturing, and engineering. From the cutting-edge technology used to synthesize graphene to the intricate process of assembling a microscopic car, the show demonstrates the amazing things that can be achieved with modern tools and techniques. Whether you are a science enthusiast or just curious about how things are made, How It's Made season 20 episode 3 is a must-watch.