A 3D-Printed Train Station Built in Six Hours in Japan (3 photos + 1 video)
The Japanese city of Arida, located south of Osaka, has the world’s first 3D-printed train station. The new structure replaces an older wooden station that was more than 75 years old. 
The construction took just six hours — work was carried out at night, between the departure of the last train and the arrival of the first. The station is 2.6 meters high and has an area of about 9.3 square meters, made of reinforced concrete. Its design is decorated with images of tangerines and scabbard fish, symbolizing local produce.
The project is a joint venture between West Japan Railway Company (JR West) and construction firm Serendix. According to JR West, traditional construction would have taken more than two months and cost twice as much. 
3D printing of the structural components took seven days at a factory in Kumamoto Prefecture, after which the parts were transported to the site and assembled overnight. The new station is earthquake-resistant to the standard of reinforced concrete buildings. 
While the main building is now complete, installation of ticket machines and turnstiles is ongoing. The station is expected to open to passengers in July 2025.
