In a fixing device for an image forming apparatus of the invention,
circumferences of both side parts of an elastic layer are made larger
than a circumference of a central part, and the expansion of a foamed
rubber layer is absorbed by space between the elastic layer and a metal
conductive layer. Thereby, the hardness of a heat roller at the time of
fixing is made nearly uniform across the entire length in the shaft
direction. The contact area of a core member and the elastic layer in the
both side parts of the heat roller is made larger, and the stress per
unit area generated in the elastic layer due to contact with the pressure
roller is reduced.