Ep 25. Residential Water Heaters, Air Bags, Jelly Beans, Ice Resurfacers

"How It's Made" is a popular documentary series that takes viewers on a fascinating journey through the manufacturing of various kinds of products. In season 3, episode 25 of the show, viewers get to see how four different products are made: residential water heaters, air bags, jelly beans, and ice resurfacers.

The episode begins with a look at how residential water heaters are produced. Viewers get an inside look at the process of stamping and forming the steel casing, installing the heating elements, and adding insulation to keep the water hot. They also learn about the various safety features that are built into modern water heaters, such as pressure relief valves and thermocouples, which help to prevent overheating and other potential hazards.

Next, the show moves on to explore the production of air bags, which are an essential safety component in modern automobiles. Viewers get to see how air bags are made from woven nylon fabrics, which are cut and sewn into the appropriate shapes before being treated with a specialized coating. The episode also covers how the inflator systems for air bags are manufactured and how the different components of an air bag work together to keep drivers and passengers safe in the event of a collision.

After air bags, the episode turns to a fun and tasty topic: jelly beans. Viewers get a behind-the-scenes look at how these sweet treats are made, from mixing and cooking the sugar syrup, to filling and shaping the candy. They also learn about the various flavors and colors of jelly beans, which are created using natural and artificial ingredients such as fruit juice, food coloring, and flavor compounds.

Finally, the episode concludes with a fascinating segment on ice resurfacers, which are the machines that smooth and maintain the ice on ice rinks and other frozen surfaces. Viewers get to see how these complex machines are built and assembled, including the intricate hydraulic and electrical systems that power them. They also learn about the various components of an ice resurfacer, such as the blade, the water tank, and the squeegee, and how these different parts work together to create the perfect skating surface.

Overall, season 3, episode 25 of "How It's Made" is a fascinating and informative look at four very different products and the manufacturing processes that go into creating them. From the practicality of residential water heaters and air bags, to the fun and whimsy of jelly beans, and the precision engineering of ice resurfacers, this episode offers something for everyone.