This International Standard defines terms relating to surface imperfections in order to establish a common vocabulary to be used in technical documents, technical drawings, scientific publications, etc. to specify to what extent surface imperfections are allowed and to aid in the specification of methods of measuring surface imperfections.

The surface imperfections defined in this International Standard are not related to surface roughness¹⁾ or surface waviness.

It does not specify the desirability or undesirability of surface imperfections, which depend on the application or function of the surface.

For specific applications and manufacturing processes, additional terms and definitions may be necessary. Such terms and definitions will be specified in relevant International Standards.

Some types of specific surface imperfections are defined in other International Standards as well.

1) See for example ISO 4287.