Scrap Rebate Estimator
Calculate the volume of material removed during machining (chips/swarf) and estimate the cash-back value of the recycled metal for your quotes.
Rebate Estimate
Total Scrap Value
$0.00
Estimated cash back for the entire production run
Scrap Weight
--
lbsMaterial Yield
--
%
Finished Part (--%)
Turned to Chips (--%)
Estimating Strategy
Heavy material removal jobs (like hogging out aluminum aerospace bulkheads) generate massive amounts of chips. Smart estimators subtract the scrap rebate value from their quote to win tight bids against competitors.
What Affects Scrap Price?
- Form (Solids vs. Turnings): Solid cut-offs fetch a higher price than chips/turnings because chips have a larger surface area (which burns off during melting) and hold more coolant.
- Contamination: Mixed metals (e.g., steel chips in the aluminum bin) or high coolant/oil saturation drastically reduce the price per pound.
- Volume: Scrap yards pay higher rates for bulk bins (thousands of pounds) compared to small buckets.
Typical Averages (Reference Only)
| Material (Turnings/Chips) | Est. $/lb | Est. $/kg |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum (Clean 6061) | $0.35 - $0.55 | $0.77 - $1.21 |
| Stainless Steel (304) | $0.25 - $0.40 | $0.55 - $0.88 |
| Brass / Bronze | $1.50 - $2.20 | $3.30 - $4.85 |
| Copper (#1 Bare Bright) | $3.00 - $3.80 | $6.60 - $8.35 |
| Carbon Steel | $0.05 - $0.12 | $0.11 - $0.26 |
| Tungsten Carbide (Inserts) | $5.00 - $8.00 | $11.00 - $17.60 |
Note: Commodities markets fluctuate daily. Always verify current prices with your local recycler before locking in a large, long-term contract based on scrap rebates.