Construction of the new Pakenham Station building is progressing well, with work underway to install the state-of-the-art roof canopy which was created using 3D printing, making it one of the first of its kind.
Opening in 2024 as part of the project to remove three dangerous and congested level crossings from Pakenham, the light-filled premium 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.
The roof canopy was 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 2023.
The team then used two very large format CNC (Computer Numeric Control) machines to cut the master patterns directly from a 3D file, which were 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 is set to create safer and more direct links between public transport, the town centre and additional parking.
Work is also progressing well 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, with six MCG’s worth of community open space created underneath for everyone to enjoy in 2024.
Featured image: One of the unique roof segments being lowered into place via crane. Image credit: The Victorian Government.
