Ep 2. Laptops and Saxophones

In season 31 episode 2 of How It's Made, viewers are taken behind the scenes of the creation of two vastly different items - laptops and saxophones.

The episode starts with a look at how laptops are made. Viewers will learn that there are over 500 components in the average laptop, and the manufacturing process is complex and involved. The first step involves creating the screen, which is made up of multiple layers of materials including glass, a film coated with conductive material, and a display layer. Once the screen is complete, the laptop chassis is assembled, which requires precision machinery to put together. Viewers will see how everything from the buttons on the keyboard to the trackpad are created and put into place. Finally, the episode will delve into the software installation and testing process which ensures that the laptop is fully functional before it's shipped to retailers.

Then, the show moves on to the creation of saxophones. Saxophones are a unique instrument in that they are a hybrid between woodwinds and brass, and the exact composition and manufacture process of saxophones has evolved over the years. The episode explores the intricacies of saxophone design and manufacturing, starting with the creation of the brass body using an alloy of brass and zinc. The metal is melted down and poured into molds, which are then shaped and tempered until the desired shape is achieved. Next, the body is finished with a variety of tools including lathes and mandrels. Once the body is complete, it's time to create the various components including the keys, reeds, and ligatures. Each of these pieces is precision-made and then hand-fitted to the saxophone body to ensure the instrument is fully functional. Finally, the episode explores the different styles of saxophones, and discusses how factors such as size and material can impact the sound quality of the instrument.

Throughout the episode, viewers will gain insights into not only the manufacturing processes behind laptops and saxophones but also the intricate skill required to create such complex items. From the many moving parts in a laptop to the delicate reeds of a saxophone, it's clear that precision is key in the creation of any item. At the same time, the episode highlights the ways in which manufacturing has evolved over the years, with new technologies and materials allowing for even more intricate designs and products. Overall, viewers will come away with a newfound appreciation for the hard work and skill that goes into creating the items we use every day.