3D Printing and Applications
Submit to curated special issues that spotlight emerging 3D printing research
Submit Special Issue
Special issues in J3DPA highlight focused themes in additive manufacturing and offer increased visibility for high impact work. Authors are encouraged to submit manuscripts that align with current special issue topics and timelines.
How to Choose the Right Special Issue
Review the current special issue themes and select the one that best fits your manuscript topic. Thematic fit is essential for acceptance and ensures that your work reaches the intended audience. If your research overlaps multiple themes, identify the primary focus and explain it in the cover letter.
Special issues may emphasize emerging materials, process optimization, qualification standards, or specific application sectors such as biomedical devices, aerospace components, or construction printing. Aligning your manuscript with the stated objectives improves editorial routing and reviewer selection.
Why Special Issues Matter
Special issues concentrate attention on a focused topic, making it easier for readers to find related work and for authors to engage with a defined community. This clustering often increases readership and encourages deeper discussion of emerging methods, materials, and applications.
Because special issues are promoted as curated collections, they offer additional visibility through targeted outreach and guest editor networks. For authors, this can translate into stronger citation momentum and a clearer positioning within a rapidly evolving field.
Submission Requirements
Cover Letter
State the special issue title and briefly explain how your manuscript contributes to the theme. Mention any prior contact with guest editors if applicable.
Manuscript Quality
Follow the full author guidelines for formatting, data availability, and ethical statements. Special issue submissions are held to the same standards as regular papers.
Timeline Awareness
Special issues have defined submission windows. Submit early to allow time for peer review and revisions before the issue closes.
Guest Editor Review
Guest editors may recommend reviewers and provide theme specific guidance, while the editorial office ensures consistency and publication ethics compliance.
What to Expect
Initial Screening
- Editorial review for scope alignment
- Verification of special issue selection
- Ethics and formatting checks
- Assignment to guest editor
- Reviewer invitation process
Peer Review
- Expert review focused on rigor
- Revision requests with clear guidance
- Quality and reproducibility checks
- Final editorial decision
- Production preparation
Publication
- DOI registration and final proofs
- Online publication within the issue
- Indexing and discovery preparation
- Special issue promotion
- Long term archiving
Need Guidance?
Not sure about fit: If you are uncertain which special issue is most appropriate, contact the editorial office with a short abstract. We can advise on the best theme and submission pathway.
APCs and waivers: APC policies apply to special issues in the same way as regular articles. Discounts may be available depending on the issue or guest editor program.
Submit to a Special Issue
Use the standard submission routes and select the special issue in your cover letter or submission notes.
