Color Tolerance vs. Difference in LED Tape
The color tolerance and color difference of LED strip lights are related to some extent, but they are not exactly the same concepts. Here are their differences:
Color Tolerance:
Color tolerance refers to people’s tolerance or acceptance of color differences within the range of color perception. It reflects the human eye’s ability to perceive color differences.
Color tolerance is usually quantified using the ΔE (Delta E) value, which measures the difference between two colors under human visual perception. The ΔE value represents the degree of difference between two colors. The smaller the ΔE value, the smaller the color difference. The larger the ΔE value, the greater the color difference.
Color tolerance is commonly used for quality control and color consistency measurements to ensure that product colors look sufficiently similar or consistent to the human eye.
Color Difference:
Color difference is a broader term used to describe the difference between any two colors, whether under human visual perception or instrumental measurement.
Color difference can usually include color tolerance, that is, the color difference under human visual perception, and the color difference under instrument measurement. The measurement method of color difference can vary depending on the context and application. For example, ΔEab in the CIE Lab color space is commonly used to describe color differences under human visual perception.
Therefore, color tolerance is a subset of color difference that focuses on color differences under human visual perception. To distinguish them, focus on the measurement methods used and their focus. If we talk about color differences in the context of LED light strips, we usually refer to the differences under human visual perception, so in this case, color tolerance and chromatic aberration are related concepts. But to clarify the focus and measurement method, you can use the ΔE value, usually ΔE*ab, to measure the color difference, and ensure that the color difference under human visual perception is clearly expressed.
Color tolerance is generally divided into the following specifications, including the ΔE value, which measures the difference between colors:
ΔEab: This is the most common color difference specification and is often used to describe color differences in the CIELab color space. ΔEab takes into account differences in lightness (L*) and chromaticity (a and b). Generally, ΔE*ab values between 0 and 1 are considered imperceptible color differences, while smaller values indicate more similarity between colors.
ΔE76: This is a variation of the CIE 1976 (Lab) color difference formula used to measure the difference between colors. ΔE76 is very close to ΔEab, but it uses a simpler calculation method.
ΔE94: This is an improved version of ΔEab that uses a more complex calculation method to better simulate the human eye’s perception of color differences. Generally, ΔE*94 values less than 1 are considered imperceptible color differences.
ΔE00: This is a more modern color difference formula designed to better simulate the human eye’s perception of color differences. It is more accurate in quantifying color differences, taking into account more factors. ΔE00 values less than 1 are generally considered to be imperceptible color differences.
The highest acceptable ΔE value usually depends on the specific application and industry standards. In general, smaller ΔE values indicate more similar colors, while larger ΔE values indicate greater color differences. For different applications, there can be different standards. For example, in the printing and pharmaceutical industries, ΔE values often need to be very small, often less than 1, to ensure color consistency. In other applications, larger ΔE values may be acceptable, such as in interior decoration.
Therefore, determining what ΔE value is considered superior quality requires reference to specific industry standards and application requirements. Generally, smaller ΔE values indicate higher quality color consistency.
Color tolerance SCDM specifications of LED strip lights: Generally, the ΔE (Delta E) value is used to measure the color difference, usually ΔE*ab or other variants. This value describes how different the color of the purchased LED strip is from the standard color. Typically, smaller ΔE values indicate smaller color differences. In general lighting applications, ΔE values less than 5 are generally considered acceptable.
In summary, color difference is a measure that describes color deviation, while color tolerance is a standard that establishes the acceptable range of color deviation. Both are important tools for evaluating and controlling the color consistency of LED products.