West Japan Railway Company (JR West) announced in a statement the construction of the world’s first 3D-printed train station . Located at Hatsushima Station on the JR Kisei Line in Wakayama Prefecture, the project promises to transform traditional railway construction methods by drastically reducing construction times and costs.
A 3D-printed railway station
The station building will have a footprint of less than 10 square meters and will be constructed of reinforced concrete , ensuring durability and corrosion resistance. The building components will be manufactured by Serendix Inc., a home builder specializing in 3D printing .
The structure will be factory-printed using 3D printing technology, reducing material waste and increasing flexibility in architectural design.
After the printing process, the pieces will be reinforced with steel rods and filled with concrete, then assembled on the construction site with the help of a crane. Most impressive is that the final installation of the structure will take only six hours , taking place between the last train of the day and the first one the following morning.
The use of 3D printing in railway infrastructure represents a significant advance in terms of efficiency and sustainability. Unlike traditional construction methods using steel and reinforced concrete, this process eliminates the need for formwork, reducing costs and waste. Furthermore, the design flexibility allows each station to adapt to local characteristics, improving its integration with the environment and fostering a sense of regional identity.
Model for future projects
This project will serve as a baseline model for evaluating the feasibility and profitability of 3D printing construction in the rail industry. JR West plans to closely analyze the maintenance and operating costs of this station to determine its potential expansion to other locations.
In addition to improving construction efficiency, the initiative seeks to address the growing problem of labor shortages in the sector and reduce environmental impact through more sustainable processes.
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Source and photo: West Japan Railway Company
