Digital Manufacturing Technology

Dear Colleagues,

With the integration of vitual digital technologies into industry and agriculture, supported by advancements in virtual reality, rapid prototyping, data analytics, and more, the research and development process has become faster, more efficient, and highly adaptable to user needs. This integration allows for the rapid control prototyping and analysis of products, manufacturing processes, and resource data transmission, enabling simulation, control strategies, and the quick production of products that meet specific performance requirements.

Digital manufacturing is revolutionizing industries and agriculture by improving efficiency, flexibility, and sustainability across various stages of production. This Special Issue seeks to explore the state-of-the-art innovations in digital manufacturing, focusing on areas such as computational design, advanced materials, process optimization, automation, and sustainable practices. We invite contributions that address these topics and advance the development of next-generation manufacturing technologies.

The topics of interest for this Special Issue include, but are not limited to:

• Computational Design and Simulation – Advancements in generative design, digital twin technologies, and simulation-driven manufacturing processes.
• Advanced Materials for Digital Manufacturing – Development of novel materials optimized for 3D printing, additive manufacturing, and other advanced digital fabrication methods.
• Automation and Robotics – The integration of automation, robotics, and AI to optimize manufacturing processes, enhance precision, and reduce costs.
• Additive Manufacturing and Hybrid Manufacturing – Innovations in additive manufacturing, including hybrid approaches combining traditional and digital methods for enhanced flexibility and precision.
• Sustainable Manufacturing Practices – The application of digital tools to improve sustainability by reducing waste, conserving energy, and enhancing resource efficiency.
• Smart Manufacturing Systems – The implementation of IoT, real-time data analytics, and AI to create adaptive and intelligent manufacturing systems that enhance productivity and scalability.
• Design for Manufacturability and Process Planning – Digital approaches to streamline design processes, improve product manufacturability, and reduce time-to-market periods.
• Cyber-Physical Systems and Industry 4.0 – The integration of cyber–physical systems, smart sensors, and automation in the context of Industry 4.0 to enable smarter and more flexible production environments.
• Digital Supply Chain and Logistics Optimization – Leveraging digital technologies to optimize supply chain management, improve logistics, and ensure efficient inventory control.
• Mass Customization and Personalized Manufacturing – Enabling cost-effective production of personalized or customized products through advanced digital manufacturing techniques.

This topic will provide a comprehensive view of how digital manufacturing technologies are reshaping industries and driving innovation across the entire production lifecycle. We encourage submissions from both academia and industry that share the latest research and insights into this rapidly evolving field.

Prof. Dr. Wenbin Yu
Prof. Dr. Feiyang Zhao
Prof. Dr. Jiale Zhao
Topic Editors