Patent ID: 8087170

Claim:
A method for manufacturing a developing agent carrier of a hollow or solid cylindrical shape having an outer peripheral surface and an irregularity section formed on the outer peripheral surface to carry a developing agent, comprising: a step of preparing a base material of a hollow or solid cylindrical shape which is to become the developing agent carrier, the base material having an outer peripheral surface; and a step of forming the irregularity section by pressing dice for formation of the irregularity section against the outer peripheral surface of the base material, wherein the irregularity section forming step comprises a first step of forming a plurality of first depression portions on the outer peripheral surface of the base material by use of a die and a second step of forming a plurality of second depression portions on the outer peripheral surface of the base material by use of a die identical with or different from the die used in forming the first depression portions, in such a manner that the second depression portions are smaller in depth than the first depression portions, and the second depression portions are partially overlapped with the first depression portions to form a two-stage groove structure.