Ep 13. Petanque Balls and Pavers

In season 29 episode 13 of How It's Made, we explore the intricate and fascinating process of creating petanque balls and pavers. For those unfamiliar with petanque, it is a French ball sport similar to bocce or lawn bowling. The balls used in petanque, known as boules, are essential to the game as they determine a player's score and strategy.

The episode starts with the creation of petanque balls, made by heating aluminum in a furnace until it becomes liquid. The liquid aluminum is then poured into a rotating steel mold, which forms the boule's shape. The mold is then cooled to a specific temperature to ensure the boule will be perfectly solid. The boules are then put through several quality control checks, including hardness tests and dimension checks, to ensure they meet the required standards for tournament play.

Next, we explore the process of creating stone pavers, which are commonly used in landscaping and hardscaping projects. The process begins with collecting raw materials, including cement and sand. The cement and sand are mixed with water to create a paste, which is then poured into a machine that adds coloring pigment to the mix. The machine then shapes the mixture into various paver shapes and sizes, such as squares or rectangles.

Once the pavers have been formed, they go through several finishing processes to get them ready for sale. This includes a high-pressure wash to remove any excess pigment or debris and a steam curing process to help the pavers achieve maximum strength. The pavers are then inspected for quality and categorized based on size and color.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to a behind-the-scenes look at the manufacturing process of these essential items. From the complex machinery used to turn materials into perfectly molded boules, to the attention to detail required to create the perfect paver, every step is carefully demonstrated to show the care and expertise that goes into the production of these items.

Overall, How It's Made season 29 episode 13 provides a fascinating look into the world of petanque balls and pavers. It showcases the precision and expertise needed to create these items, and is sure to leave viewers with a newfound appreciation for the manufacturing process behind these everyday objects.