Charles R. Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi uncover how Japan’s first 3D printed train station blends cutting-edge construction with rural revitalization—and why it signals a new track for infrastructure innovation.
In a groundbreaking development for railway infrastructure, Japan has unveiled the world’s first 3D printed train station, constructed in less than six hours. Located at Hatsushima Station in Arida City, Wakayama Prefecture, this pioneering project by West Japan Railway Company (JR West) and Serendix Inc. represents a significant stride toward efficient, sustainable, and rapid construction methods in response to Japan’s aging population and declining rural ridership.
Hatsushima Station: A Glimpse into Rural Japan
Hatsushima Station serves as a modest yet vital stop on the JR Kisei Main Line, nestled in Arida City, approximately 60 miles (96 kilometers) south of Osaka. Arida, renowned for its scenic beauty, fishing ports, and citrus groves, had a population of around 27,000 as of 2020. The station functions as a gateway to Jinoshima, an uninhabited island popular for outdoor activities like swimming and camping. Despite its picturesque setting, Hatsushima Station has experienced a decline in usage, with an average of 330 daily passengers recorded in fiscal year 2019.
Innovative Construction: The 3D Printed Station
The new station building is a single-story structure made of reinforced concrete, covering approximately 10 square meters (about 108 square feet). It stands 2.6 meters high, 6.3 meters wide, and 2.1 meters deep. The design features motifs of local specialties, including mandarin oranges and scabbardfish, reflecting the region’s cultural identity.
Construction was executed with remarkable efficiency. Structural components were prefabricated using 3D printing technology by Serendix Inc., known for its rapid additive-manufactured constructions. These components were then transported to the site and assembled within six hours during the night, minimizing disruption to train services.
Materials and Technology
The station’s construction utilized a combination of 3D printed mortar molds and reinforced concrete. The process involved printing the molds off-site, inserting reinforcing steel into the hollow parts, and filling them with concrete to ensure structural integrity and earthquake resistance comparable to traditional reinforced concrete buildings.
Comparing Old and New: Efficiency and Sustainability
The previous station building, a 75-year-old wooden structure, had become outdated and required significant maintenance. In contrast, the new 3D printed station offers enhanced durability, reduced construction time, and lower maintenance costs. The rapid assembly process not only minimizes labor requirements but also addresses the challenges posed by Japan’s aging workforce and declining rural populations.
Implications for the Future
This project serves as a prototype for future applications of 3D printing in railway infrastructure. JR West aims to assess the cost-effectiveness and scalability of this construction method, with the potential to revitalize other rural stations facing similar challenges. By embracing innovative technologies, Japan is taking proactive steps to modernize its infrastructure in a sustainable and efficient manner.
The Research & Development Tax Credit
The now permanent Research and Development (R&D) Tax Credit is available for companies developing new or improved products, processes and/or software.
3D printing can help boost a company’s R&D Tax Credits. Wages for technical employees creating, testing and revising 3D printed prototypes are typically eligible expenses toward the R&D Tax Credit. Similarly, when used as a method of improving a process, time spent integrating 3D printing hardware and software can also be an eligible R&D expense. Lastly, when used for modeling and preproduction, the costs of filaments consumed during the development process may also be recovered.
Whether it is used for creating and testing prototypes or for final production, 3D printing is a great indicator that R&D Credit-eligible activities are taking place. Companies implementing this technology at any point should consider taking advantage of R&D Tax Credits.
Conclusion
The successful implementation of a 3D printed railway station at Hatsushima exemplifies how technological innovation can address pressing societal issues. As Japan continues to navigate the complexities of an aging population and rural depopulation, such advancements offer promising solutions for maintaining and enhancing essential public services.
