In a remote area of western Japan, the First railway station in the world made entirely with 3D printing technology. The project, the result of the synergy between Serendix Corporation and the railway company Jr West (West Japan Railway Company)allowed the construction of a compact structure, with a modern design and with curved roof, completed in record time.
The works for the Hatsushima stationlocated in the Wakayama region, they lasted just seven days, the period in which the foundation and the exterior of the building. According to JR West in a March press release, the various members of the station were printed in 3D using a special mortar and subsequently reinforced with steel structures And concrete filling.
The entire structure is high 2.6 meters and wide 6.3 metersand has a distinctive aesthetic element: A circular in relief design that recalls the Mikanthe Japanese orange typical of the area.
The assembly took place directly on site, following a precise time window: the trial began shortly after the departure of the last train, around midnight, and was completed before the arrival of the first convoy in the morning, at 5.
Obvious advantages: rapidity, efficiency and customized design
To hit is the speed of the entire construction process. As he said Naohiro ohashispokesman for Jr West, “with traditional methods, it would take one or two months just to create roof and walls. In this case, we managed to install them in about two hours”.
The heart of the technology used is one 3D building printer equipped with robotic armcapable of precisely modeling the components of the building. Serendix, specialized in 3D printing for construction, said that the mortar used was designed specifically to guarantee structural resistance and durability.
Currently, only there are no internal finishes and the installation of turnstiles To complete the station, which will soon be operational and accessible to the public.
