The metering valve is controlled by an electromagnet having a fixed core, aoil, and an armature. The core is formed by pressing and subsequently sintering a mixture of powdered ferrous material and an epoxy binder; and presents a low magnetic hysteresis and low parasitic currents, so that, for a given energizing current, a greater magnetic force is achieved and more rapidly, and, for a given magnetic force or maximum operating frequency, the core and/or coil may be made smaller.