Advancing manufacturing processes research at NAMRC 46

Research on manufacturing processes is further enriched and becomes stronger at the 46th North American Manufacturing Research Conference (NAMRC 46) at Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA. Manufacturing processes are tightly connected to innovation. They have been the key areas that support and influence a nation’s competitiveness and economy since the eighteenth century. As the primary driving force behind economic growth, manufacturing processes enable and facilitate innovative products realisation, ranging from heavy-duty machinery to smart home electronics. In the past centuries, they have contributed significantly to modern civilisation and created the momentum that drives today’s economy. Despite various achievements in manufacturing processes, we are still facing challenges due to growing complexity in manufacturing shop-floor operations, introduction of new manufacturing technologies to industries, and pressing sustainability considerations. Targeting innovative manufacturing processes in