Japan has announced plans to construct the country’s first 3D-printed train station, selecting an unmanned site in Wakayama Prefecture.
Japan ’s train station s span from small rural shelters to expansive urban hubs, some featuring their own wineries, while others house towering ancient relics with glowing eyes. Amid this diversity, JR West is now unveiling Japan ’s first-ever 3D-printed station building.
3D-printed train station to replace outdated infrastructure Hatsushima Station, a new addition to the Kisei Line in Arita, Wakayama Prefecture, will be a single-story concrete structure measuring 2.6 meters in height, 6.3 meters in width, and 2.1 meters in depth. The project aims to provide an efficient solution for station construction when renovating aging facilities presents challenges, the company stated.Building components will be manufactured by Serendix Inc., a Nishinomiya-based homebuilder specializing in 3D printing, and assembled on-site. Assembly is set to begin after the last train departs on March 25.This method will significantly accelerate construction, with the old Hatsushima Station being removed and the new one fully operational within just six hours—the time between the last train at night and the first train the next morning.By significantly cutting down on time, labor, and costs, this approach also enables greater design flexibility, moving beyond the standard rectangles and triangles typically used in construction. Unlike traditional concrete buildings that rely on formwork—wooden or metal frames that shape poured concrete—3D printing allows for more intricate and customized designs.JR West selected Hatsushima Station for the project due to its coastal location, which allows the company to assess the building’s durability against exposure to salty air. The company also plans to evaluate construction, maintenance, and management costs with the goal of expanding the project in the future.“The exterior design aims to create a station building that reflects the unique characteristics of the area and is loved by local residents, contributing to regional coexistence,” the company noted.How 3D printing transforms station designWith formwork, any shape beyond a rectangle presents challenges, as custom frames are required to support the unique shape and the extra weight from angles that aren’t perpendicular. However, 3D printing simplifies the creation of complex designs, making them easier to achieve.The company has also noted that this will enhance the sustainability of railway infrastructure and contribute to the steady progress toward realizing their long-term vision of providing safe, secure transportation that is friendly to people and the Earth.“We will thoroughly verify the cost-effectiveness of construction and maintenance. Using the station building to be constructed this time as a basic model, we will consider the possibility of expanding it to other stations,” the company added in a statement.Beyond the project, JR West aims to innovate railway infrastructure using the latest technology, while providing sustainable transportation services that are deeply rooted in the local community.
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