How It's Made

The programme surveys the manufacturing processes used to produce putty knives, garage doors, electric motors and wool. It then shows how technological advances have reshaped each process, introducing greater efficiency, precision and modernised techniques. These changes illustrate the broader impact of innovation on traditional manufacturing across diverse industries.

The episode titled Putty Knives/Garage Doors/Electric Motors/Wool is a programme that examines the manufacturing steps behind four seemingly unrelated products. It presents a concise look at how each item is crafted, from the humble putty knife to the complex electric motor, offering viewers a clear picture of everyday production in modern industry for the average consumer. The core of the programme walks through the step‑by‑step creation of each product. It shows how a putty knife begins as a simple sheet of steel that’s cut, shaped and sharpened, how garage doors are assembled from panels and mechanisms, how electric motors are wound and fitted, and how wool is sheared, cleaned and spun. The episode then highlights how recent technological developments have altered those traditional methods. Automation and computer‑controlled machinery now cut and bend metal with far greater precision, while advanced polymers and sensor systems have streamlined garage‑door operation. In motor production, computer‑aided design reduces errors, and modern fibre‑processing equipment speeds up the preparation of wool for textiles. By comparing the old and new approaches, the programme demonstrates the broader impact of innovation on everyday manufacturing. It shows that while the basic purpose of each item remains unchanged, the efficiency, safety and quality of their production have all improved. Viewers come away with a clearer sense of how technology reshapes even the most familiar objects.