The Secret Life of Components
Coinciding with the release of the remastered original episodes of The Secret Life Of Machines, Tim Hunkin began a self-produced spiritual successor called The Secret Life of Components. It explores some of the individual parts that so often make up the appliances and machines that were the focus of the original series. The weekly episodes included what Hunkin has learned through his experience with the component, along with many models for demonstration and examples from his amusement machines and other works.
Cast
Tim Hunkin
Himself
Seasons
E1Chain and Belts
Mar 3, 2021
Explores chains and belts, including demonstrations of different types of roller chain, round and toothed belts
E2LEDs
Mar 10, 2021
LED history, brightness and color, use in diorama, addressable LED strips, and power LEDs for home lighting
E3Hinges
Mar 17, 2021
An overview of different types of hinges and their usage around the home and in machinery.
E4Switches
Mar 25, 2021
An overview on how electrical switches work, and how to use microswitches for sensing and power switching in projects.
E5Springs
Apr 1, 2021
Explores springs, their manufacture, properties, and several different types of springs with their use cases
E6Connectors
Apr 8, 2021
A wide variety of connectors are shown and their operation explained, including their benefits, drawbacks and how they may be used in equipment
E7Glue
Apr 15, 2021
Explores different types of glue, their properties and uses
E8Bearings
Apr 22, 2021
A wide variety of bearings, bushes, and races are explained with their uses and properties including materials and lubrication
E1Sensors
Mar 31, 2022
Explores use of various sensor and feedback devices.
E2Linkages & Mechanisms
Apr 6, 2022
Explanations and demonstrations of levers, linkages, cranks, crankshafts, cams and capstans.
E3Motors
Apr 14, 2022
Exploration of principles, properties and control of electric motors, particularly focussing on DC varieties.
E4Screw Threads
Apr 21, 2022
Creation, usage, and troubleshooting of varieties of screw threads.
E5Prototypes
Apr 28, 2022
Principles and processes of using prototypes of various forms in the creation of a final work.
E1Pneumatics
Mar 30, 2023
Basic principles of pneumatic cylinders, pressure and units, air compressors, regulators, valves, vacuum, and low pressure pneumatics.
E2Solenoids & Relays
Apr 6, 2023
Explanations and demonstrations of uses of solenoids and relays
E3Hole Cutting
Apr 14, 2023
Demonstrations and examples of various drilling and other hole cutting methods
E4PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers)
Apr 21, 2023
Demonstrations and uses of programmable logic controllers (PLCs)
E5Gears
Jul 18, 2025
All about gears
Videos
Storyline
Coinciding with the release of the remastered original episodes of The Secret Life Of Machines, Tim Hunkin began a self-produced spiritual successor called The Secret Life of Components. It explores some of the individual parts that so often make up the appliances and machines that were the focus of the original series. The weekly episodes included what Hunkin has learned through his experience with the component, along with many models for demonstration and examples from his amusement machines and other works.
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