Armature for use with valve actuation and method of fabricating the same

An armature for use in association with actuation of a valve, the armature comprising:

• a body extending along a longitudinal axis between a first end and an opposite second, the body including:
• a flange at the first end;
• a shaft extending from the flange, the shaft extending along the longitudinal axis from the flange to the second end of the body;
• and
• a passage that extends along the longitudinal axis, the passage opening at the first and second ends of the body, wherein the second end of the body includes an end surface extending around the passage, the end surface having a first portion extending around a second portion, wherein:
• the first portion of the end surface is flat;
• and
• the second portion of the end surface is recessed from the first portion toward the first end of the body.