Using Intellitrax with Komori

[Terkelsen]

The X-Rite Intellitrax and the Komori PDC II S is obviously the same hardware, so it should be possible to make an Intellitrax work with Komori's software to do closed-loop correction on the press.

I'm 99,9 % sure that this can be done but for political/business reasons neither Komori nor X-Rite will tell us how

Can anybody help?

It seems that the Intellitrax-software produces three files of the type .sdf, .svf and .tvf. However it seems that the Komori software can only read their own proprietary .pq4 fileformat.

Maybe someone know how to convert between these formats.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Cornishpastythighs]

Do yourself a huge favour and contact a company called Lithotel in Canada. These folks specialize in putting Ink key presets and closed loop density capability onto Komori presses using XRite equipment. I dont work for Lithotel but I am a very happy user of their software.

 

[mglouis]

Hi Terkelsen,

The .PQ4 file is used by KMS to preset ink keys and has no direct relationship with PDC-SII. The latest KMS, called KHS-AI, will spawn a PDC-S job based on PQ4 filenames but other than link to a PDC-SII template it offers no additional value to closed-loop control.

Komori's OEM version of Intellitrax software differs mainly, and possibly only, in that it generates a .CLF file which is used by the CLC (Closed Loop Controller) application to control ink keys. Although I expect the X-rite branded scanning device would work with PDC-SII software, you would definitely need Komori's application to work with CLC because Intellitrax software does not make .CLF. I doubt Komori would sell you an PDC-SII application license sans the hardware.

I have never gone down this path and it is certain that Komori and X-rite have no interest in helping you make this work which in my opinion is fair, since Komori spent a lot on R&D to make the entire system work. If you succeed you will still have hurdles to deal with when your system needs repair or troubleshooting.

Matt Louis

 

[Johu]

Company called Digital Information makes software/hardware that enables closed loop systems even to older presses. They can use several different instruments including intellirax. They can supply the necessary tools to do what you need. There might be others as well.

 

[Servicetech]

The X-Rite Intellitrax and the Komori PDC II S is obviously the same hardware, so it should be possible to make an Intellitrax work with Komori's software to do closed-loop correction on the press.

I'm 99,9 % sure that this can be done but for political/business reasons neither Komori nor X-Rite will tell us how

Can anybody help?

It seems that the Intellitrax-software produces three files of the type .sdf, .svf and .tvf. However it seems that the Komori software can only read their own proprietary .pq4 fileformat.

Maybe someone know how to convert between these formats.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

mglouis is correct,

The main difference is the Komori branded software, I suspect there is very little difference in the hardware, for example, I have set up and switched the track and scan head between the X-Rite and the PDCS while one was sent out for repair, the only difference that I could see was the paint job.

In addition to the OEM software for closed loop, there is a communication board and cables in the PQC which allow a PC to communicate with the PQC. Also a card in the PC because the communication protocol is not RS232.

If your press has a later version of KMS, you may already have the communication hardware in your console.

I suggest if you are serious about automating your color control, to call Komori America at 1-800-247-2670 (main number) talk to Rodney French. (I assume he's still the guy). The other options listed in other posts may be a good option for you as well, since it appears you already have an Intellitrax system.

 

[Terkelsen]

Thanks to all of you for your input. Cornishpastythighs, LithoTel is now only selling in North America but they told me that PrintFlow delivers a similar product in Europe. We are going for that solution now.