System and method for attaching a poppet to an electromechanical actuator apparatus

An assembly, comprising:

• a shaft having a first end, the first end of the shaft having an opening extending into the shaft, such that the shaft has a sidewall extending around and defining the opening, the sidewall of the shaft is at least partially constructed of a ductile material, the shaft having a first hardness, a first modulus of elasticity, and a first fracture toughness;
• and
• a poppet positioned within the opening of the shaft and extending into the first end of the shaft, the poppet having a first end outside of the opening of the shaft, a second end within the opening of the shaft, and an outer surface extending between the first end of the poppet and the second end of the poppet, the poppet having a recess formed in the outer surface and positioned between the first end of the poppet and the second end of the poppet, at least a portion of the ductile material of the sidewall of the shaft being positioned within the recess of the poppet to secure the poppet into the opening of the shaft such that the poppet does not move relative to the shaft, the poppet having a second hardness greater than the first hardness, a second modulus of elasticity greater than the first modulus of elasticity, and a second fracture toughness less than the first fracture toughness.