JR West to Build World’s First 3D-Printed Train Station

JR West to Build World’s First 3D-Printed Train Station

Japan boasts a diverse range of train stations, from tiny rural stops to massive urban hubs—some even feature wineries or ancient relics with glowing eyes. With such variety, being the “first” in anything train-related is no small feat. Yet, JR West has achieved just that with the world’s first 3D-printed station building.

Set to replace the current structure at Hatsushima Station on the JR Kisei Main Line in Arida City, Wakayama Prefecture, this innovative station will address the challenges of aging wooden buildings common in Japan’s rural areas.

The new station will occupy the same 10-square-meter (108-square-foot) footprint but will be constructed from reinforced concrete for increased durability. Osaka-based 3D-printing company Serendix will fabricate the station’s foundation and exterior off-site. These components will then undergo additional processing, such as rebar installation and concrete reinforcement, before being transported to the site for assembly.

A key advantage of this method is speed—JR West plans to demolish the old station and install the new one in just six hours, the time between the last train at night and the first train the next morning. If successful, this approach could become the standard for replacing aging stations across JR West’s network.

Beyond efficiency in time, labor, and cost, 3D printing allows for greater design flexibility. Traditional concrete structures rely on wooden or metal formwork to shape the material, which limits designs to simple geometric forms. In contrast, 3D printing enables the creation of elegant curves and intricate patterns without the constraints of conventional formwork.

Shortly, waking up to find your local train station replaced overnight might not be so unusual thanks to the advancements in 3D printing technology.