Top Journals for AI-Driven Design Optimization

Journal Survey
Total Journals 15+
Categories 4
Updated December 2025
Focus ML/AI + TO + AM

This article provides a comprehensive directory of leading journals publishing research on AI-driven design optimization for additive manufacturing. Journals are organized by impact factor and specialization, with key papers highlighted for each venue.

4
Premier (IF > 10)
6
Core AM Journals
5
Design & Optimization
Q1
Most Rankings
Cross-Reference: For research teams, see Research Teams & Labs. For detailed paper references, see Design Optimization References.
Contents
  1. Premier Multidisciplinary Journals
  2. Core Additive Manufacturing Journals
  3. Design & Optimization Journals
  4. Materials & Manufacturing Journals
  5. Quick Comparison Table

Premier Multidisciplinary Journals

High-impact journals with broad scope (Impact Factor > 10).

Springer Nature | Open Access
IF: 14.7
CiteScore: 24.9 h-index: 450+ Quartile: Q1
Multidisciplinary journal publishing high-quality research across all areas of science. Maintains a dedicated collection on Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing.
Self-Directed ML for TO Multi-Material AM Materials Design

Key Papers

Self-directed online machine learning for topology optimization2022
Deng, H., To, A.C. — Embeds DL in optimization to accelerate training
Elsevier | Netherlands
IF: 20.5
CiteScore: 33.0 h-index: 244 Quartile: Q1
Premier materials science journal covering advances across all material classes with focus on emerging technologies.
ML for Materials Bioinspired Design Metamaterials
Elsevier | Netherlands
IF: 11.8
CiteScore: 15.0 h-index: 168 SJR: 2.877
The leading dedicated AM journal. Covers all aspects of additive manufacturing including design, processes, materials, and applications.
Process-Structure-Property ML Digital Twin for AM DfAM Metal AM

Key Papers

Springer | Netherlands
IF: 10.9
CiteScore: 16.5 h-index: 113 Quartile: Q1
Covers intelligent manufacturing systems including AI, ML, robotics, and cyber-physical systems. Strong focus on generative AI in smart manufacturing.
Generative AI for Mfg ML Quality Prediction Digital Twin

Core Additive Manufacturing Journals

Specialized journals focused on additive manufacturing research.

Emerald Publishing | UK
IF: 4.3
h-index: 127 Quartile: Q2
Design Feature Recommendation Topology Optimization Biomedical AM

Key Papers

[154] Hybrid ML for AM Design Feature Recommendation2017
Yao, Moon, Bi (NTU Singapore) — ~50 citations
Springer | Germany
IF: 4.4
CiteScore: 6.7 Quartile: Q1
Process Development Materials Research
Springer Nature | Open Access
IF: New (2024)
New Nature Portfolio journal dedicated to advanced manufacturing including additive manufacturing.
Multi-Material AM Heterogeneous Components

Design & Optimization Journals

Journals focused on topology optimization, computational design, and CAD/CAE.

Springer | ISSMO Official Journal
IF: 4.0
CiteScore: 7.2 h-index: 147 Quartile: Q1
The premier topology optimization journal. Official journal of ISSMO covering all aspects of structural and multidisciplinary optimization.
SIMP Method AI in TO AM Overhang Constraints

Key Papers

On the Use of AI in Structural Topology Optimization2022
Woldseth, Sigmund et al. (DTU TopOpt) — ~115 citations
AM Overhang Constraint in Topology Optimization2017
Langelaar (TU Delft) — ~400 citations
CiteScore: 6.5 h-index: 146 Quartile: Q1
Deep Generative Design VAE/GAN + TO RL for Design

Key Papers

[153] Deep Generative Design: Integration of TO and Generative Models2019
Oh, Kang et al. (KAIST) — ~263 citations, landmark paper
[155] Cost-Driven Design for AM Variable Platforms2016
Yao, Moon, Bi (NTU Singapore)
Elsevier | UK
IF: 3.7
h-index: 133 Quartile: Q1
Generative Design RL for Design Neural Networks for TO

Key Papers

Generative Design by Reinforcement Learning2022
Jang, Yoo & Kang (KAIST) — ~61 citations

Materials & Manufacturing Journals

Broader scope journals with significant AM/ML content.

Elsevier | Open Access
IF: 6.3
Published the Hassan et al. (2024) comprehensive review that forms the basis of this research survey.
AI for Sustainable AM Polymer Composites TPMS Lattices
MDPI | Open Access
IF: 4.7
ANFIS Models PLA Composites Biomedical AM

Quick Comparison: All Journals Ranked by Impact Factor

Rank Journal Publisher IF 2024 h-index Primary Focus
1 Materials Today Elsevier 20.5 244 Materials Science, ML
2 Nature Communications Springer Nature 14.7 450+ Multidisciplinary
3 Additive Manufacturing Elsevier 11.8 168 AM-specific
4 J. Intelligent Manufacturing Springer 10.9 113 Smart Mfg, AI/ML
5 Composites Part C Elsevier 6.3 Composites, Polymers
6 J. Computational Design & Eng. Oxford 4.8 Computational Design
7 Polymers MDPI 4.7 Polymer Science
8 Progress in AM Springer 4.4 AM Research
9 Rapid Prototyping J. Emerald 4.3 127 3D Printing
10 Struct. Multidisc. Optim. Springer 4.0 147 Topology Optimization
11 J. Mechanical Design ASME 3.9 146 Design Engineering
12 Computer-Aided Design Elsevier 3.7 133 CAD, Generative Design

See also

References