Magnetic brush support member

Abstract

A magnetic brush support member, the process of making it and a magnetic brush apparatus incorporating the support member are provided. The support member includes at least one surface for supporting a magnetic brush. The support member is formed of a composite comprising a metal binder component and a particulate second phase component. The second phase material is selected to have a greater abrasion resistance than the metal binder. A portion of the second phase protrudes from the metal binder at the support surface. The support member may be formed by casting or powder metallurgical techniques followed by removing a portion of the metal binder from the support surface to allow the second phase particles to protrude therefrom. Magnetic brush apparatuses adapted for cleaning or developing in electrostatographic machines are provided which include one or more of the magnetic brush support members.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.