This is the component of the surface texture upon which roughness is superimposed. Waviness may result from machine or work deflections, vibrations, chatter, heat treatment or warping strain.

When components are produced either by machining or by hand processes, the movement of the cutting tool leaves certain lines or patterns on the work surface. This is known as surface texture.

The irregularities in the surface texture result from the inherent action of the production process. These will include traverse feed marks and irregularities within them.