While in Mexico Waiting for the completion of railway projects is measured in Six -seasonal timesIn JapanA Completely new train station was gathered in less than one night thanks to one night 3D printing technology. The case that was recently reported by which New York Timesshowed how innovation drastically shortened the construction times and at the same time optimized the resources.
The Hatsushima station, is in a rural community in the city of Arida, Prefecture Wakayamawas built between 11:57 p.m. and 5.45 p.m. during the short break in the train service. After West Japan Railway Company (JR West), This project is “one world first”.
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Serendix, the company behind the 3D printed train station
The key was 3D printing. The components of the station were printed in A with special mortar Factory in KumamotoOn the island of Kyushu, over 800 kilometers away. The Company Serendix, Specialized in 3D printing habitable structures was responsible for the production and transport of the parts, which were then put together within hours.
According to the documentation of NYT, the complete pressure and concrete reinforcement process only lasted seven days. Then the parts on the street were transported to Hatsushima in several trucks. There has a crane that precisely positioned every pre -printed section, while dozens of locals were impressed as a station – which A replaced Wood structure built in 1948 – was gathered.
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How big is the 3D printed train station?
The Hatsushima station is small -a little more than nine square meters -but fully functional. It is an example of how Japan tackles the challenges of an aging population and shrinks the workforce in a practical way, especially in rural areas in which the number of passengers has dropped considerably.
The train station will serve around 530 people every day and plan for the public in July, is already a paradigm shift in the railway infrastructure.
The design of the new building is minimalistic and functional. The white facade includes local icons such as a mandarin orange and a Cutlassfish, both typical products of the Arida region. While ticketing machines and transport card readers still have to be installed, the main structure has already been completed.
And what about the Mexico against Japan?
While Japan progresses with precision and efficiency, the situation in Mexico looks very different. The country's flagship projects have often become a synonym for bureaucracy, delays and budget overruns.
The latest and emblematic case is that Virtual trendA mega project that was funded by President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. Since its announcement, the project has been surrounded by environmental effects and a number of delays in controversy.
Another clear example is that Mexico-Toluca support trainTheir construction began in 2014 with the promise of completion in three years. However, a section was only inaugurated in 2023, and even the last stretch that connects to 2025 until 2025 In the Mexico city Is still under construction. That is more than a decade since it started.
What are the advantages of 3D printing for the public infrastructure?
The modular construction using 3D printing not only shortens the execution times, but also reduces the costs, reduces waste and enables better control in logistically complex environments, such as: B. those near active rail lines.
According to JR West, the construction of the Hatsushima station with traditional methods would have taken more than two months and cost twice as much. This type of savings is of crucial importance in budget -limited scenarios, which are common in many rural communities.
How Japan built a 3D printed train station
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