A thermally active roller apparatus, which includes a core； an intermediate compliant layer disposed about the core； a cover disposed about the intermediate compliant layer； and a heating element. Included is a thermally active roller apparatus in which the compliant layer may be formed from two or more portions having different stiffnesses. A thermally active or non-thermally active roller apparatus that includes a compliant layer comprising at least two portions of different stiffnesses and wherein the at least two portions are interdigitated to lock them together.
