The new Pakenham Station building is starting to take shape, with work starting on the installation of the state-of-the-art roof canopy created through high-tech 3D printing.
Opening in 2024 as part of the project to remove the main level crossings from Pakenham, the light-filled station will feature 14 skylights and a striking roof profile inspired by Pakenham’s rolling hills and bronze sunsets, brought to life by cutting-edge technology.
In one of the first of its kind, the roof canopy has been created using 3D printing technology – a manufacturing process where a physical object is created from a digital design drawing.
Creating this high-tech roof canopy was no easy feat for the design and construction team. They started by creating a mould for 258 roof panels, with production starting in March this year.
The team then used two very large format CNC (Computer Numeric Control) machines to cut the master patterns directly from a 3D file, which are then sanded to a polished surface. These CNC machines are the largest of their kind in the southern hemisphere.
The final product is made using ShapeShell, a fibre-composite material usually found in the aerospace and nautical industries, which allows the team to use less steel on the project and less energy in manufacturing and transporting the roof panels.
With modern facilities and more services, the new premium Pakenham Station will create safer and more direct links between public transport, the town centre and additional parking.
Work is also progressing at the new East Pakenham Station, with kerbs being installed in the new commuter car park and work starting on the pedestrian underpass.
The project will remove the level crossings at McGregor Road, Main Street and Racecourse Road by building an elevated rail bridge over the roads set to be completed in 2024.
