Dr. Manfred Schmid studied chemistry in Bayreuth, Germany, and received his doctorate in polymer chemistry. Until 1997 he was employed as a chemist in polyamide research at EMS-Chemie. Subsequently, Mr. Schmid was project manager in the field of plastics analysis/biopolymers at EMPA. Since 2008 he has been head of research and development for SLS at Inspire AG, irpd, Switzerland.