Ep 1. Skateboard Wheels

How It's Made is a popular television show that takes viewers behind the scenes to see how everyday items are created in factories and workshops. In this episode, season 29 episode 1, titled "Skateboard Wheels", the audience will be taken through a comprehensive and in-depth look at how skateboard wheels are made.

The episode begins by introducing viewers to the various types of skateboard wheels available, including their sizes, shapes, and colors. From there, the show walks us through the process of creating the urethane used to make skateboard wheels.

The first step in creating skateboard wheels is to mix the urethane material. Viewers will see how liquid urethane is mixed with a variety of other chemicals, including pigments for color, to create a viscous liquid. This mix is then poured into large molds where it is left to cure.

The molds are heated to a specific temperature to help speed up the curing process. Once the mix has hardened, the molds are opened and the skateboard wheels are removed. The wheels still have a rough edge at this point, so the show demonstrates how they are finished using CNC machines.

The CNC machines use a variety of tools to grind down the rough edges of the skateboard wheels, creating a smooth and perfectly round wheel that will allow skaters to roll with ease. The wheels are then washed and dried to remove any residual chemicals or debris.

The show goes on to detail how the skateboard wheels are tested to ensure they meet the required standards of hardness, grip, and durability. This involves using a machine that spins the wheels at a high speed while measuring their hardness with a durometer.

Viewers will get a glimpse into the manufacturing process for skateboard wheels, from the mixing of the urethane to the finishing touches, showcasing how skateboard wheels are made with precision and care. The episode ends with a look at the different types of skateboard wheels available on the market and how they are used by skateboarders of all levels.

In conclusion, How It's Made season 29 episode 1, titled "Skateboard Wheels", provides a fascinating and detailed look at the manufacturing process of skateboard wheels. The episode showcases the precision and care that goes into making these essential components of skateboarding, and it will surely leave viewers with a newfound appreciation for the sport.