Abstract: Provided is a method of manufacturing a cylindrically shaped article, wherein a thermoplastic layer is formed on the surface of the cylindrically shaped article precisely and at low cost. To achieve this, the outer peripheral surface of a cylindrically shaped article supported on a columnar member is coated with particles of a thermoplastic resin, a tubular molding member is fitted on the cylindrically shaped article coated with a film of the particles of thermoplastic resin, and at least the columnar member is then heated to calcine the thermoplastic resin film.

Abstract: A toner fixation film has an exothermic layer within which an eddy current is induced with application of a magnetic field and then heat is generated. The exothermic layer is a composite layer in which an exothermic part and resin part coexist. The toner fixation film can offer a sufficient heat generation necessary for toner fixation, and has enough flexiblity to permit curvature separation. A toner fixation apparatus comprises the toner fixation film and at least one coil for producing an alternating magnetic field for eddy current induction.

Abstract: A fixing member suitable for use in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus is formed by providing a silicone rubber surface layer containing a metal compound represented by M.sub.m X.sub.n, wherein M denotes a metal cation selected from Al, Sc, Cr, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn and Ga, X denotes an anion selected from halogens, inorganic acid ions and organic acid ions, and m and n are positive integers satisfying m.times.(valence of M)=n.times.(valence of X). The silicone rubber surface layer can exhibit improved wear resistance while retaining a good toner releasability.

Abstract: A heat fixing belt having an electrically conductive layer in which an eddy current is produced by an alternating magnetic field applied from outside the belt thereby generating heat. The belt further includes toner release layer disposed on the surface of the fixing belt, the fixing belt being characterized in that the electrically conductive layer is an aluminum layer with a thickness less than 35 .mu.m, and having a rubber elastic layer between the aluminum layer and the toner release layer. The rubber elastic layer is disposed between the aluminum layer and the toner release layer making it possible to greatly reduce the time required to heat the fixing belt up to a predetermined temperature necessary for the fixing operation after the electric power is turned on. Thus, the invention can provide a heat fixing apparatus capable of quickly starting the fixing operation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fluororesin-coated member having a fluororubber layer containing a fluororesin, and a fluororesin layer formed on the fluororubber layer. The fluororesin layer is a uniform layer formed by coating an aqueous fluororesin dispersion coating and burning it, and exhibits excellent surface smoothness and durability of adhesion to the fluororubber layer. The present invention also provides a method of producing the fluororesin-coated member.

Abstract: A fixing roller for thermally fixing an unfixed toner image is comprised of a core cylinder and a fluororesin tube fused on the core cylinder. The core cylinder is provided on its periphery with a minute groove means. On fusing the fluororesin tube on the core cylinder, the minute groove means gives to the surface of the fluororesin tube convexities or concavities extending in parallel in the peripheral direction of the fixing roller.

Abstract: An image heating apparatus includes a heater; a movable film having a first surface in contact with the heater and a second surface contactable with a recording material supporting a toner image; heating a toner image on a recording material by heat from the heater; the film comprising an insulative base layer chargeable to a polarity opposite from the of the toner and an electrically conductive layer at a position closer to the insulative base layer.