Composite transfer assist blade

This invention relates generally to an image transfer device and more particularly, concerns a composite transfer assist blade to contact a sheet in a transfer zone on a photoreceptive member to allow more complete transfer of the image developed thereon to the sheet. A transfer assist blade for an electrophotograhic printing machine that provides the necessary stiffness to allow complete transfer of a toner image while avoiding excessive bending stress in the blade. The blade is made up of a semiconductive polyester layer bonded to a non-semiconductive polyester layer. A third and fourth layer of high molecular weight polyethylene are bonded o the second layer. These third and fourth layers do not extend the full length of the blade to provide supplemental stiffness while avoiding excess bending stress.