Ilaria Rosella Pagliaro A new era for railway infrastructure comes to life in Japan: the first station built with a 3D printer was built in just one week
@Pixabay
In a quiet corner of western Japan, something groundbreaking has taken shape: the world’s first train station built entirely using 3D printing technology. The innovative structure, located in Wakayama Prefecture, is the result of a collaboration between Serendix Corporation and JR West (West Japan Railway Company).
Cutting-edge design, built in a week
The Hatsushima Station was completed in just seven days, during which the foundation and external structure were printed and assembled. According to a March press release from JR West, the station components were 3D printed using a specialized mortar, then reinforced with steel framing and concrete infill.
Standing at about 8.5 feet tall and 20.7 feet wide, the station sports a curved roof and a modern, compact design. A unique circular relief on the building’s surface pays homage to the mikan, the signature Japanese orange of the region.
Overnight assembly with military precision
The construction was carried out directly on-site, following a strict time window: work began shortly after the last train left around midnight and was finished before the first train arrived at 5 a.m.
“With traditional methods, it would take one or two months just to build the roof and walls. In this case, we installed them in about two hours.”
— Naohiro Ohashi, JR West spokesperson
Speed, efficiency, and custom design
The speed of construction was one of the project’s most remarkable features. Thanks to a robotic-arm construction printer, the building’s components were modeled with high precision. Serendix, a pioneer in 3D printing for construction, noted that the mortar used was specially formulated for durability and structural integrity.
Only a few finishing touches remain — mainly interior details and the installation of ticket gates — before the station opens to the public.
Source: WestJr
