Ep 19. Sails, Walnuts, Wheel Immobilizers, Honeycomb Structural Panels

How It's Made is an educational television series that provides insight into the manufacturing process of various commonplace items. Season seven episode 19 delves into the production of sails, walnuts, wheel immobilizers and honeycomb structural panels.

The first segment of the episode examines the production of sails. The process begins with the cutting of fabric into specific dimensions that will ultimately form the sail. The edges of the fabric are then reinforced with a strip of adhesive material known as a "tabling." Once the tabling has been applied, the fabric is carefully folded and sewn together to create the desired shape of the sail. The final step involves attaching grommets to the sail that will allow it to be hoisted onto the mast of a sailboat.

The second segment of the episode focuses on the production of walnuts. The process begins with the harvest of the walnut tree. Once the walnuts have been harvested, they are dried in a temperature-controlled environment for several days. After the drying process is complete, the shells of the walnuts are removed using a machine that applies pressure to the shell. The remaining nut is then sorted and packaged for distribution.

The third segment of the episode explores the production of wheel immobilizers, also known as wheel locks. These devices are used to prevent vehicles from being moved by locking the wheels in place. The production process begins with the fabrication of a metal bracket that will be attached to the wheel. The bracket is then outfitted with a locking mechanism that is activated using a key. Finally, a rubber lining is added to the bracket to prevent damage to the wheel.

The final segment of the episode delves into the production of honeycomb structural panels. These panels are made by sandwiching a layer of honeycomb-shaped paper or plastic between two sheets of aluminum or fiberglass. Once the sandwich has been created, it is pressed together under high pressure to create a lightweight, yet strong panel that can be used in a variety of applications, including aerospace and automotive engineering.

Overall, How It's Made season seven episode 19 provides viewers with a fascinating look into the manufacturing processes behind some of our most commonplace items. From the intricate process of creating sails to the high-tech production of honeycomb structural panels, this episode highlights the incredible ingenuity and attention to detail that goes into the creation of these everyday products.