Abstract: A solenoid actuator that includes a ferromagnetic armature body mounted for movement through a defined stroke in the direction of its central axis. A stator includes an electrical coil surrounding the axis of the armature, and a ferromagnetic stator body having a first portion axially opposed to the armature body and a second portion radially surrounding and spaced from the armature body. A ferromagnetic ring is positioned on the armature body radially adjacent and opposed to the second portion of the stator body. The opposed surfaces that define the air gap between the armature ring and the stator body are of identical conical construction and overlap each other as viewed in the axial direction.