3D Printing and Applications
Propose focused collections that shape the future of additive manufacturing
Proposed Special Issue
J3DPA welcomes proposals for special issues that highlight emerging technologies, application domains, or methodological advances in 3D printing and additive manufacturing. Well scoped special issues attract high quality submissions and provide concentrated visibility for fast moving topics.
What Makes a Strong Proposal
A strong special issue proposal focuses on a clear and timely theme, demonstrates the ability to attract quality submissions, and aligns with the core scope of J3DPA. Topics should address advancing materials, process optimization, design for additive manufacturing, quality assurance, or application translation.
We encourage proposals led by experienced researchers with a record of publication and peer review. Guest editors should represent diverse institutions and geographic regions to ensure balanced coverage and a broad submission base.
Suggested Themes
Examples of high interest themes include multi material printing, qualification of aerospace and medical components, sustainable feedstocks, hybrid manufacturing workflows, and AI assisted process control. We also welcome special issues focused on bioprinting, dental and orthopedic applications, or large format construction printing.
The best proposals connect fundamental research with industrial or clinical adoption. If your theme bridges materials science, process engineering, and application performance, it is likely to attract a wide range of authors and readers.
Proposal Components
Theme and Rationale
Define the scientific and engineering significance of the topic and explain how the collection will advance additive manufacturing research and practice.
Guest Editor Team
Provide names, affiliations, and a brief summary of relevant expertise. Include a primary contact to coordinate with the editorial office.
Scope and Topics
List representative topics, methods, and application areas to guide potential authors and ensure a cohesive collection.
Proposed Timeline
Outline key milestones, including call for papers release, submission deadline, review period, and expected publication window.
Review and Approval Process
Initial Review
- Scope alignment and novelty check
- Assessment of guest editor experience
- Feasibility of proposed timeline
- Expected submission volume review
- Approval or revision request
Launch Planning
- Finalize special issue title
- Confirm editorial responsibilities
- Publish call for papers online
- Coordinate outreach and promotion
- Open submissions on schedule
Delivery
- Manage peer review workflow
- Ensure quality and consistency
- Provide editorial summaries
- Publish accepted articles OA
- Post issue promotion and visibility
Benefits for Guest Editors
Leadership visibility: Guest editors receive recognition on the issue landing page and across J3DPA communications, highlighting their expertise in the field.
Research network growth: Special issues attract collaborators and promote cross institutional engagement around a shared scientific theme.
Impact acceleration: Concentrated collections increase citations and position editors as leaders in high priority additive manufacturing domains.
Editorial experience: Guest editors gain structured editorial experience and contribute to shaping the research agenda for the additive manufacturing community.
Propose a Special Issue
Send your proposal summary to the editorial office and we will guide you through the next steps.
