Ep 25. Escalators, Kevlar Canoes, Marble Cheddar, Disc Music Boxes

How It's Made is a popular television series that has been on air since 2001. The show is all about showing viewers how everyday items we use are manufactured. From food to everyday household items, How It's Made digs deep into the process of creating things from scratch.

Season 6, Episode 25, is one of the most interesting ones given the diverse nature of the products being manufactured. The four items in this episode are Escalators, Kevlar Canoes, Marble Cheddar, and Disc Music Boxes.

The first product featured in the episode is Escalators. Viewers get to see how the escalator parts, including the conveyor belt and the steps, are assembled together. The production machines used to manufacture the escalator parts are fascinating to watch in action. Each piece is precisely measured and tailored to create the perfect escalator. This segment also highlights the safety precautions put in place when manufacturing escalators. The production process has several stages of safety checks to verify that each item meets the required standards.

The second product featured is Kevlar canoes. Kevlar is a material composed of fibers from plastic polymers that are five times stronger than steel. The episode shows how Kevlar is woven into the shape of a canoe. The production machines are programmed to precisely cut the Kevlar sheets and weave them with fiberglass strands to create the canoe. It is exciting to watch the mold for the canoe being filled with the woven Kevlar, and the life-sized canoe taking shape as the machine completes the process.

The third product is Marble Cheddar, which is a blend of white and orange cheddar cheese. The episode shows the process of how Marble Cheddar is manufactured, from the milk to the final product packaging. The milk is first warmed and prepared with the necessary additives like calcium. The milk is then left to form curds, which are cut into smaller pieces. The orange and white curds are mixed evenly to create a beautiful marble effect. Viewers will also learn about how the cheese is stored and aged for the desired flavor.

Finally, the episode features Disc Music Boxes, which are hand-cranked music boxes that play music when a disc is inserted. The first step in the manufacturing process is to make molds out of papier-mache which are used to pour the zinc base of the music box. The zinc bases are then polished to a high shine. The production process for the compartments that store the music discs requires precision to make the tiny pinholes in the right place so that the music can play correctly. Finally, a wooden housing is built that holds the zinc base and the music disc, and the mechanism is assembled and tested.

In conclusion, How It's Made, Season 6, Episode 25, is an exciting blend of knowledge, information, and entertainment. The producers did an excellent job of selecting such unique products that showcase the intricacies of their manufacturing process. The episode is sure to be an eye-opener and leave viewers with an appreciation for the delicate and precise processes that help create some of the everyday items we use in our daily lives.