Vega Universal Testing Machine Parts

Well, I managed to find a picture of it. I appears to be a hydraulically operated press that is double acting allowing the application of measured forces in both tensile and compression.

What can break that can't be replaced by common mechanical components available at any industrial supply co.? (Grainger comes to mind)

Tell us what is broken and we'll try to help you fix it.

The hydraulic jacks are shot. Someone before me tried to install a different jack on one of the machines. Problem was they did not see if it would fit first. Whoever did it used a big hammer and drove the jack into place. I will need to use a torch to cut out the jack. Aside from being to tall the piston used to build pressure (where the handle assembly would mount) is not at the correct height so the top of it bends when it is used. The handle assembly is not used as the machine has its own linkage that connects there. The jack has been treaded for a fitting that connects to the gauge to monitor the hydraulic pressure. Simply we need the correct jack to repair the machines. There are some other linkages and gauges that need to be replaced. I could fabricate some of the parts but if I am going to have to purchase jacks anyway I am wanting to see how much the parts will cost to buy instead of make. If the price is outrageous I will make them. If they are reasonable then I can spend my time on other projects. I work in the machine shop and am already responsible for maintaining and repairing over 150 manual and CNC machines.

After an hour and a half of searching I was able to find one link that even mentions the Vega Universal Testing Machine. That was a lab activity for what is probably a strength of materials engineering course. So far you've had 14 people look at your post, all of whom have probably done the same, with the same results. I think its a safe bet that Vega Enterprises no longer exists.

You might try a company that sells and services test equipment. They may have an old timer around that knows the exact replacement jack and where to purchase it. As for the linkages; there are all kinds of fixtures available for universal testing machines to hold and grip the test specimens. I assume that is what you meant by linkages.

Finally; you sound as though you may be a little stressed by to much work and responsibility. Be thankful you have a job these days. I got laid off a week ago Friday.

I appreciate everyone's time and effort on this. I have been looking and asking around for several weeks trying to find something on these machines. I did not want to be one of those people that asks for readily available information. I thought maybe the company had been bought out and was hoping someone would know the new name. But, like you said, they probably do not exist any longer. I am not stressed, just covered up. Yes I am happy to have a job. My cousin was laid off Thursday of last week. Fortunately for me, enrollment is up at the university where I work. Competition is still tough to get new students. We have the best Tool & Die and Injection Mold Tooling classes around. At least that is what manufactures tell us as they hire our grads over others.

Vega Enterprises is located in Decatur, Illinois. They quit manufacturing Universal Testing Machines many years ago. They manufacture woodworking equipment now. You can retrofit this machine with any good spring return 10 ton hydraulic ram pack and use a Hydraulic pump to control the frame. Preferably one with a flow control valve on it. Or if the university isn't interested in retrofitting it, we could provide this service for you. I do this type of reconditioning all the time. go to my facebook link #oldtestingmachines and you will see a bunch of machines I have rebuilt. Or contact me at wwstump@calibrationinc.com