By Brinda Patel
Staff Writer
Japan became the first country to build a 3D-printed railway station on March 26 when it created a new version of Hatsushima Station in Arida, Japan, in under six hours. The new 3D printed station replaced an ageing wooden structure, and was assembled with pre-printed parts that were put together by cranes between the departure of the last train and the first train arrival the next morning, The Independent reported.
Years of meticulous planning made the construction come together, according to Reflections Live. Every element was measured, pre-assembled and rehearsed in advance. All workers knew what to use, where to be and alternatives for the 3D models just in case.
The new 3D-printed station effectively replaced the existing station after construction was completed.
All of the station's parts were 3D-printed offsite by Serendix Inc., a Japanese company that specializes in 3D-printing constructions and producing futuristic structures at high speeds.
The station is a white structure intertwined with a design of a scabbardfish and hints of mandarin orange, according to the New York Times. The scabbardfish is a specialty of Arida.
Additionally, the construction was in motion only a few feet away from the old station. Each part was delivered from separate trucks and the cranes lifted each part down to where the workers were piecing them together.
“We believe that the significance of this project lies in the fact that the total number of people required will be reduced greatly,” Ryo Kawamoto, president of JR West Innovation, told The New York Times.
The company hopes the station will show how rail service can be maintained in remote locations through technological advancements and less workers.
However, 56-year-old Toshifumi Norimatsu shared a bittersweet perspective to The New York Times. “I am a little sad about the old station being taken down. But I would be happy if the station could become a pioneer and benefit other stations,” said Norimatsu.
The station stands 2.6 meters tall and spans an area of 10 square meters, according to The Japan Times.
Srishti Mitra at Yanko Designs said the layout with open sides will provide several seating areas for people to relax and enjoy the surroundings.
“The building has earthquake resistance similar to that of reinforced concrete houses,” JR West told Japan Times. “The cost for constructing the building is estimated to be half that of using reinforced concrete.”
On March 26, the printed parts of the station were pieced together in just under three hours, reported Futurism. The three hours were a break in the train schedule of that day. JR West plans to open the Hatsushima Station in July 2025, after ticket machines have been installed.
Along with the 3D-printed train station, Japan is a world leader in public infrastructure, including the Tokyo Sky Tree and the Metropolitan Area Outer Underground Discharge Channel. In addition, the pending Shinkansen bullet train network that can connect riders to major cities at speeds up to 225 mph is also a part of this category.
JR West has also mentioned the possibility of using 3D technology for future restructures of other outdated stations across the country, says the Economic Times.
