Patent ID: 6821702
Filing Date: 2004-11-23
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
A method of forming images, the method comprising:forming electrostatic latent images on an electrostatic image carrier; forming toner images with a toner-containing developer by developing the electrostatic latent images on the electrostatic image carrier; transferring the toner images onto transfer materials; and thermally fixing the toner images in at least two stages, wherein the toner is an electrophotographic toner comprising at least a binder resin, a colorant, and a releasing agent in the range of 10 to 25% by mass relative to the toner and having a shape factor SF-1 of 140 or less, and the thermal fixing step is carried out so as to satisfy, at a process speed of at least 170 mm/sec., the relationship (A): 200<0.7Ã—&agr;+2000Ã—&bgr;, when all stages are combined, wherein &agr; is a fixing temperature (Â° C.), &bgr; is a heating time (second), and &agr; is 160Â° C. or higher, and wherein 0.7Ã—&agr;+2000Ã—&bgr; in the first stage is higher than 0.7Ã—&agr;+2000Ã—&bgr; in a stage other than the first stage.