Why binning is so important
Consistent and high-quality lighting. That is what we all want for every project on every location. Besides that is also what you promise your client. But how do we accomplish that? We create consistent and qualitive lighting by using binning.
Our advice: use a LED lighting solution with the lowest SDCM as possible.
What does binning mean?
Binning is a process where the LEDs with, as much as possible, identical characteristics are combined and placed on a strip. Also known as bin grade. Often they come from the same batch or series and have similar light intensity, color rendering and color temperature.
During the production process minimal differences between the LEDs can occur. LEDs are produced with large amounts at the same time. After the production the LEDs are being tested for color deviation.
When LEDs are placed on a strip randomly, without the binning method, visible differences in light intensity and color rendering can appear. In some cases these differences can be perceived by you or your client and this can harm the quality of the lighting.
Binning range
The deviation degree within a bin is also known as binning range. The smaller the deviation between the LEDs within the bin, the smaller the chance of perceiving the differences.
Per September 1st 2013 all EU LED manufacturers are obliged to provide information about possible deviations of LED lighting towards the standard values.
Deviations are defined and classified by the MacAdams Ellips. David MacAdam experimented with color perception and the perceptibility of color differences by the human eye in 1931. The MacAdams Ellips is still being used. The official measurement that is being used is SDCM. The measurements are scaled in 5 gradations, the MacAdam steps.
1 SDCM corresponds to 1 MacAdam.
What is SDCM
SDCM stands for Standard Deviation Color Matching. It is being used as measurement unit to classify color deviation. The higher the SCDM number, the higher the color deviation is and the more likely it is to perceive any differences.
- 1 SDCM : Almost impossible to see any deviation.
- 2 SDCM : Deviations can be perceived by using measurement tools.
- 3 SDCM : Deviations can be perceived rarely.
- 4 SDCM : Deviastions are visible.
- 5 SDCM : Deviations are obvious.
The human eye can perceive color deviations from SDCM 3.
Go quality when choosing LED-lighting solutions
Make sure you offer your client the best lighting solution with the best result. Choose a lighting solution with the lowest SCDM score as possible.
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