Composites, Fiberglass & Advanced Materials worked example

Trim Scrap Cost at 72% share of scrap counted in this cost: a worked example in composites, fiberglass & advanced materials

Here is what the math looks like when conditions slip. We hold every other input steady and drop share of scrap counted in this cost to 72%, then walk the calculation through step by step. Estimate cost of cured composite trim scrap from routers, waterjet, saw, or hand trimming.

The inputs for this scenario

  • Trim scrap weight or area generated: 85 lb (held at the documented default)
  • Reclaimed material value of scrap: 22 $ / lb (held at the documented default)
  • Share of scrap counted in this cost: 72 % (the input this scenario stresses; the baseline uses 100)
  • Handling, hauling and disposal cost: 140 $ (held at the documented default)

Working through the calculation

  • The calculation starts from the formula this tool documents: Variable trim scrap cost = trim scrap weight or area × trim scrap material value × trim scrap scope included.
  • total trim scrap cost works out to 1,486 $ at these inputs, and this is the headline figure for the scenario.
  • trim scrap cost per part or job works out to 17.49 $ / piece at these inputs.
  • variable trim scrap cost works out to 1,346 $ at these inputs.
  • trim scrap handling and disposal cost works out to 140 $ at these inputs.

How this compares with the baseline

  • Against the tool's baseline example, where share of scrap counted in this cost sits at 100% and the headline result is 2,010 $, this scenario comes in 26.05% below the baseline at 1,486 $.
  • The practical read: the gap between this scenario and the baseline is entirely attributable to share of scrap counted in this cost, so recovering it is worth quantifying in dollars before considering equipment or staffing changes. It treats material value as a single $/lb rate; if your scrap mixes prepreg, dry fabric and core at very different costs you should run them separately or use a blended rate.

Results at a glance

  • total trim scrap cost: 1,486 $ (headline result)
  • trim scrap cost per part or job: 17.49 $ / piece
  • variable trim scrap cost: 1,346 $
  • trim scrap handling and disposal cost: 140 $

Run it with your numbers

  • To rerun this with your own numbers, open the live Trim Scrap Cost calculator, set share of scrap counted in this cost to your actual value, and adjust the remaining inputs to match your operation.

Last reviewed 2026-05-12.