The Center for Alloy and Powder Synthesis (CAPS) at Texas A&M advances powder-focused materials innovation through research, manufacturing process development, and partner-enabled translation—supported by state-of-the-art facilities spanning powder synthesis, processing, consolidation, additive manufacturing, and characterization.
Vision
To become an internationally recognized leader in the innovative design, advanced manufacturing, and precision synthesis of metal and ceramic powders across all compositions—enabling transformative advances in materials science and engineering, while providing pilot-scale capabilities to support industry and government initiatives.
Mission
The mission of the Center for Alloy and Powder Synthesis (CAPS) is to:
- Advance the Science and Engineering of Powder Synthesis: Conduct cutting-edge research and development in the synthesis of diverse metal and ceramic powders, including advanced alloys, intermetallics, refractory, high entropy alloys, and nanocrystalline materials, utilizing state-of-the-art atomization, milling, and processing techniques.
- Innovate Manufacturing Processes: Develop and optimize advanced manufacturing processes, particularly in additive manufacturing (AM) and powder processing and consolidation, to produce materials with superior properties and performance.
- Foster Collaboration in Research and Education: Serve as a premier resource for academic and industrial partners, providing expertise, facilities, and training to accelerate the translation of fundamental research into practical applications and to educate the next generation of materials scientists and engineers.
- Promote Sustainability: Emphasize sustainable practices in powder production and recycling, contributing to a circular economy in advanced materials.
Benefits of CAPS Faculty Affiliate Status
Faculty affiliates of the Center for Alloy and Powder Synthesis (CAPS) benefit from facilitated access to a unique and comprehensive suite of powder synthesis, processing, consolidation, and characterization facilities that support both fundamental and applied research. Affiliation with CAPS enables participation in multidisciplinary research activities and large-scale collaborative efforts, including center-level proposals to federal agencies, industry, and government laboratories where CAPS infrastructure and expertise are central. Faculty affiliates gain enhanced visibility through association with an internationally recognized center and may formally acknowledge CAPS affiliation in proposals, publications, and presentations when CAPS facilities, personnel, or intellectual contributions are involved. In addition, affiliates benefit from opportunities to engage with industrial and government partners, accelerate the translation of research outcomes, and provide advanced training environments for graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and visiting scholars working in powder-based materials and advanced manufacturing.
Responsibilities of CAPS Faculty Affiliates
Faculty affiliates are expected to conduct some research activities that are aligned with the mission of CAPS in alloy design, powder synthesis, advanced manufacturing, and sustainable materials processing. Affiliates are responsible for the safe, professional, and compliant use of CAPS facilities, including adherence to established policies on training, scheduling, safety, and cost recovery. They are expected to appropriately acknowledge CAPS in scholarly outputs when center resources or expertise contribute to the work and to engage constructively in collaborative activities such as seminars, proposal development, and strategic planning when appropriate. Faculty affiliates also play an important role in mentoring students and researchers using CAPS facilities and in upholding the highest standards of research integrity, professionalism, and external engagement, thereby strengthening the reputation and long-term impact of CAPS and Texas A&M University.