The Materials Preparation Center (MPC) is a U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Office of Basic Energy Sciences, Division of Materials Sciences and Engineering Specialized Research Center located at the Ames Laboratory.

MPC is recognized world-wide by the research community for its unique capabilities in preparation, purification, single crystal growth and characterization of rare earth metals, alkaline-earth metals and refractory metal materials. MPC operations are partially supported by the Materials Sciences and Engineering Division as a part of the Synthesis and Processing Science research activity within the Ames Laboratory.

Established in 1981, the MPC is a one-of-a-kind facility that is acutely sensitive to the needs of researchers. The facility provides research and developmental quantities of high-purity materials and unique characterization services to scientists at university, industry and government facilities on a cost-recovery basis, allowing access to novel materials and new technologies as they are developed.

Renowned for its outstanding technical expertise, the MPC’s alloy preparation and processing capabilities are of great potential value to America’s advancing technology. The MPC provides the personal service required to meet each client’s individual needs. Requests for customized materials and services that are not available from commercial vendors, and are unmatched in quality anywhere else in the world, are provided by the MPC. The range of utilization is demonstrated by the scientific publications in which the MPC and Ames Laboratory are cited.