Rutgers Develops Dual Digital Twin System to Protect 3D Printing From Cyberattacks

Keeping Manufacturing Running During Attacks

Researchers at Rutgers University have developed a dual digital twin framework designed to protect additive manufacturing operations from cyberattacks while keeping production running.

How It Works

The framework deploys two coupled digital twins:

• Geometric twin: Enables rapid repair of compromised digital geometries without repeated fabrication cycles
• Process twin: Prevents defects even when the attack vector is unknown

Traditional approaches require shutting down production for weeks while vulnerabilities are patched. Rutgers approach creates resilience at key points in the manufacturing digital chain.

Applications

The research is particularly relevant for defense, aerospace, and medical technology where production shutdowns have serious consequences. The team is working with industry partners to commercialize the framework.