Abstract: A fluid dispenser for dispensing various types of viscous fluids has a valve which is capable of operating at high speeds. The valve has a stiff diaphragm spring which moves an armature which has a relatively large pole face area directly opposite the end faces of an inner and outer core. So that movement of the armature is not interfered with by the fluid material above or below the armature, openings are provided through the armature for the flow of the fluid material. The armature is positioned close to the cores, and is provided with a short stroke, so that the air gaps in the flux loop between the armature and the cores are small, reducing the reluctance of the magnetic circuit and thus increasing the amount of force produced by the coil.