Dr.Igor Konyashin. Graduated from the National University of Science and Technology MISiS, Moscow, Russia, in 1982, obtained PhD from this University in 1985 and worked as Senior Research Scientist, a Group Leader, at the Hard and Refractory Metals Research Institute, Moscow, from 1985 till 1995. Moved to Germany in 1995 and after working at the Max Planck Institute for Metal Research, Stuttgart, for 4 years (1985 – 1999) was employed at Element Six GmbH in 1999. Since 2004 is Visiting Professor at the National University of Science and Technology, Moscow Russia.Mr. Bernd Ries. Graduated from Darmstadt University of Technology in 1986 (Chemical Technology). Working for Element Six GmbH in several positions, particularly, laboratory manager, quality manager, production manager and at present as Technical manager since 1987. Since 1996 he is responsible for the whole cemented carbide product and process development at the Element Six Group.