We’re Students Building Tomorrow’s Titanium
PETRA™ is a scrappy team of Texas A&M undergrads turning plasma physics and hydrogen chemistry into cleaner, cheaper metal production for aerospace, energy, and beyond.
Our Mission
Unlock the full potential of titanium by replacing the 1940s-era Kroll process with a continuous hydrogen-plasma reactor that slashes cost, lead time, and emissions. We believe materials breakthroughs shouldn’t wait for graduation.
Working Argon Plasma Torch: Proof of Concept Developed by Andre Samaniego and Team.
How It Started
In January 2025, our founder, Andre Samaniego, sketched a “plasma torch titanium reactor” after a long day of lectures. Within weeks, his Aggies Create team—with backgrounds in electrical, mechanical, and industrial engineering—joined in.
What began as a side project for Aggies Create snowballed into late-night work sessions at Starforge Foundry, CFD simulations, and a proof-of-concept reactor that worked.
What Drives Us
- Curiosity over credentials. We experiment first and look up the rules second.
- Sustainability is non-negotiable. If it pollutes, we pivot.
- Open collaboration. Faculty, industry mentors, and other students are part of the journey.
- Fail fast, document faster. Every misfire becomes a whitepaper.
Milestones
- ✅ Proof-of-concept plasma reactor (Q1 2025)
- ✅ Applied for TAMU Meloy Innovators Program Grant (Q2 2025)
- ⏳ Awarded Grants (Q3 2025)
- ⏳ Pilot-scale prototype construction (Q1 2026)
- ⏳ Pilot with industry partners slated (Q2 2026)
Join the Plasma Revolution
Whether you’re an engineer, investor, or fellow student, we always hunt for sharp minds and bold partners.
