Ep 11. Vibrating Mining Screens, Whoopie Pies, Utility Poles, and Roller Conveyors

How It's Made season 26 episode 11 features four fascinating manufacturing processes that involve Vibrating Mining Screens, Whoopie Pies, Utility Poles, and Roller Conveyors.

The first segment teaches viewers how vibrating screens are manufactured for the mining industry. These screens are an essential part of the mining process as they help separate minerals based on size and shape. The episode explains the complex engineering behind these screens and how they are made from high-quality steel and stainless steel wires that are woven together to create a durable and long-lasting product. Viewers get an inside look at the manufacturing process, including how the screens are cut, bent, and assembled before undergoing a series of tests, including a stress test to ensure they can withstand the rigorous demands of the mining industry.

The second segment dives into the scrumptious world of Whoopie Pies. Viewers get a glimpse into the history of this beloved treat, which has been a staple of New England cuisine for over 100 years. The show takes viewers behind the scenes to a bakery where bakers expertly prepare the batter and frosting before baking the cookies. We discover how the cookies are shaped and filled with marshmallow or cream filling by hand. The episode also hints at some of the secret ingredients that bakers use to make these delicious treats, and viewers learn about the various flavors and varieties currently available in the market.

The third segment takes viewers on a journey to learn how utility poles are made. These sturdy poles provide anchor and support for electrical cables, telephone lines, and streetlights. The show explains how these poles are made from trees that are harvested from forests, sawed into logs, and then debarked. These logs are chemically treated to prevent decay and insect damage and cut to the desired shape, before the poles are further tested before being transported to the various construction sites where they will provide the backbone of the power and telecommunications infrastructure.

The fourth and final segment explores the manufacturing of Roller Conveyors. These conveyors are used in factories and warehouses to move heavy loads, and they are made to exacting standards to allow for maximum efficiency and durability. The episode takes viewers inside a manufacturing facility where workers assemble the various parts, including the rollers, bearings, frames, and belts. Viewers learn about the various types of conveyor systems available, including gravity-fed, power-driven, and flexible conveyors. The segment concludes with a demonstration of how these conveyors function and their role in modern manufacturing and distribution processes.

In summary, How It's Made season 26 episode 11 features a diverse range of manufacturing processes that are sure to intrigue and delight viewers. From the engineering complexity and durability of mining screens to the delicious simplicity of Whoopie Pies, from the robustness of utility poles to the efficiency of roller conveyors, viewers get an inside look at how everyday products are made. This episode is sure to appeal to anyone with an interest in manufacturing and industrial processes.