Fixing device and image forming apparatus incorporating same

A fixing device configured to fix a toner image on a recording medium, the fixing device comprising:

• an endless belt-shaped fixing member configured to rotate in a direction, the fixing member shaped to a loop, and the fixing member having an inner circumferential face coated with a lubricant;
• a pressing member contacting an outer circumferential surface of the fixing member, the pressing member configured to press against the fixing member;
• a driver configured to drive and rotate the pressing member;
• a contact member provided inside the loop formed by the fixing member and pressed against the pressing member via the fixing member to form a nip between the pressing member and the fixing member through which the recording medium bearing the toner image passes;
• and
• a heating member provided inside the loop formed by the fixing member, the heating member configured to heat the fixing member, wherein,
• before the fixing device fixes the toner image on the recording medium, the fixing device performs a warm-up process where the heating member warms at least one range along an arc included in the loop of the fixing member and then the pressing member drives and rotates the fixing member less than 360 degrees to move the at least one warmed range of the fixing member to the nip and stops the at least one warmed range of the fixing member at the nip.