How It's Made Season 22 Episode 16 Petanque Balls, Biological Medicines, Asphalt Pavers, and Basque Espadrilles

In season 22 episode 16 of How It's Made, viewers get an inside look at the process behind the creation of four different products: Petanque Balls, Biological Medicines, Asphalt Pavers, and Basque Espadrilles.

The episode kicks off with a segment on Petanque Balls, a popular outdoor game in Europe that involves tossing metal balls onto a gravel or dirt playing field. The balls are made through a complex manufacturing process that involves pouring molten steel into a die to create the basic ball shape, followed by several rounds of heat treatment to harden the metal and give it the necessary weight and balance. Finally, the balls are polished and varnished before being packaged for sale.

Next up is a segment on Biological Medicines, a type of drug that is produced using living organisms such as bacteria or cells. The episode takes viewers inside a high-tech laboratory where scientists work to create new treatments for diseases like cancer and diabetes. The process involves identifying the ideal biological material and then cloning it, often using sophisticated gene splicing techniques. The cells are then grown in a sterile environment and carefully monitored for signs of contamination or mutations. Finally, the medicine is purified and tested before being distributed to hospitals and pharmacies around the world.

The third segment focuses on Asphalt Pavers, a type of heavy machinery used to lay down roads and pavement. The episode follows the manufacturing process from start to finish, beginning with the casting of the massive steel frame that will form the base of the machine. The frame is then painted and assembled, with dozens of specialized components including hydraulic pumps and conveyors added along the way. Finally, the paver is put through a rigorous testing process to ensure that it is safe and functional before it is shipped out to a construction site.

The episode concludes with a segment on Basque Espadrilles, a type of traditional footwear that is popular in the Basque country of Spain. The shoes are made using only natural materials, with the soles crafted from jute rope and the uppers woven from cotton or linen. The episode takes viewers to a small workshop where artisans painstakingly stitch each shoe by hand, using skills that have been passed down through generations. The finished product is lightweight, breathable, and perfect for warm weather outings.

Overall, season 22 episode 16 of How It's Made offers a fascinating glimpse into the diverse world of manufacturing, showcasing the hard work and skill required to create everything from petanque balls to biological medicines to asphalt pavers to basque espadrilles. Whether you're a fan of science, engineering, or fashion, there's something here for everyone to enjoy.