Patent ID: 8892016

Claim:
A fixing device comprising: a nip plate having roll marks formed on at least a first surface of the nip plate, the nip plate including: a body portion which includes metal; and a protection layer; a flexible cylindrical member having an inner peripheral surface configured to slide on the nip plate; and a pressure member configured to rotate while the pressure member and the nip plate pinch the flexible cylindrical member, so that the pressure member and the cylindrical member convey a recording sheet, wherein the protection layer is positioned at a location of the body portion on which the inner peripheral surface of the flexible cylindrical member slides, wherein the protection layer is harder than the inner peripheral surface of the flexible cylindrical member, wherein a lubricant is provided between the nip plate and the flexible cylindrical member, and wherein the nip plate is arranged so that the roll marks extend along a conveying direction of the recording sheet.