Ep 5. Ambulances, Dining Room Tables, Diatonic Accordions, Acrylic Awards

The third season of the popular show How It's Made continues with its fifth episode, which takes viewers on a fascinating journey through the manufacturing processes of some everyday items that we often take for granted. This episode explores how four vastly different items are made: Ambulances, Dining Room Tables, Diatonic Accordions, and Acrylic Awards.

The episode begins with a look at the making of ambulances, a crucial component of emergency medical services (EMS). This segment takes viewers inside a factory that specializes in building ambulances and other specialized vehicles for commercial use. The process starts with the construction of the vehicle frame, which is made from sheet metal that is cut, bent, and welded together. The frame is then fitted with a suspension system, brakes, and wheels. Next, the interior is designed and installed, including cabinet storage, medical equipment, oxygen tanks, and stretchers. Finally, the ambulance is painted and fitted with electrical components, including sirens and lights.

The show then moves onto dining room tables, which are a staple in many homes around the world. This segment shows how a typical dining room table is created from start to finish. The process starts with the selection of high-quality wood that is then cut into planks and sanded down to smooth perfection. The planks are then glued together to create the table's top and legs. Next, the table is sanded once again to get a smooth surface, and details such as carving and inlays are added. Finally, the table is coated with a protective finish that adds both beauty and durability.

The How It's Made team then delves into the world of music with a segment on diatonic accordions, a musical instrument that is popular in many cultures around the world. This segment shows how the instrument is crafted from raw materials and how it works. The production process starts with selecting high-quality wood, often maple, and cutting it into precise shapes using industrial saws. The wood is then covered in airtight bellows, and the keys and reed blocks are installed. Finally, artisans tune and adjust the reeds to create the perfect sound and finish the instrument.

The final segment of the episode focuses on the making of acrylic awards, a popular form of recognition given to individuals and organizations for their outstanding achievements. The show takes viewers inside a factory that specializes in creating customized acrylic awards of all different shapes and sizes. The process begins with designing the award, which is then laser-cut from high-quality acrylic sheets. The laser is also used to etch and engrave the award with customized text and logos. Finally, the award is polished to a gleaming finish and packaged for shipping to the recipient.

This episode of How It's Made offers an engaging look into how commonplace items such as dining room tables and ambulances are created using complex manufacturing methods. At the same time, the show also highlights the beauty and craftsmanship behind artistic items such as diatonic accordions and acrylic awards. In each segment, viewers get a glimpse into the skills and expertise required to create these goods, as well as the pride and dedication that goes into every finished product. Whether you're interested in manufacturing, design, or just love learning new things, this episode of How It's Made will not disappoint.