Metal Recycling, Scrap Processing & Salvage worked example

Torch Cutting Cost at 54% productive arc-on cut time: a worked example

Here is what the math looks like when conditions slip. We hold every other input steady and drop productive arc-on cut time to 54%, then walk the calculation through step by step. Estimate oxy-fuel torch cutting cost for scrap sizing from operator hours, loaded rate, productive time, and consumable setup.

The inputs for this scenario

  • Torch cutting hours: 16 hours (held at the documented default)
  • Loaded torch crew rate: 72 $/hr (held at the documented default)
  • Productive arc-on cut time: 54 % (the input this scenario stresses; the baseline uses 75)
  • Consumables & setup cost: 180 $ (held at the documented default)

Working through the calculation

  • The calculation starts from the formula this tool documents: Total = cutting hours x loaded torch rate x productive cut time% + consumables.
  • Total torch cutting cost works out to 802 $ at these inputs, and this is the headline figure for the scenario.
  • Torch cutting cost per unit works out to 50.13 $ / piece at these inputs.
  • Variable torch cutting cost works out to 622 $ at these inputs.
  • Fixed torch cutting cost adder works out to 180 $ at these inputs.

How this compares with the baseline

  • Against the tool's baseline example, where productive arc-on cut time sits at 75% and the headline result is 1,044 $, this scenario comes in 23.17% below the baseline at 802 $.
  • The practical read: the gap between this scenario and the baseline is entirely attributable to productive arc-on cut time, so recovering it is worth quantifying in dollars before considering equipment or staffing changes. The productive-time factor scales labor cost but the calculator does not separately model oxygen and fuel gas burn, which can swing sharply with material thickness.

Results at a glance

  • Total torch cutting cost: 802 $ (headline result)
  • Torch cutting cost per unit: 50.13 $ / piece
  • Variable torch cutting cost: 622 $
  • Fixed torch cutting cost adder: 180 $

Run it with your numbers

  • To rerun this with your own numbers, open the live Torch Cutting Cost calculator, set productive arc-on cut time to your actual value, and adjust the remaining inputs to match your operation.

Last reviewed 2026-05-12.