Transformers, Coils & Magnetics Manufacturing worked example

Scrap Copper Value at 58% recoverable copper fraction: a worked example

Here is what the math looks like when conditions slip. We hold every other input steady and drop recoverable copper fraction to 58%, then walk the calculation through step by step. Scrap copper value estimates the recoverable dollars in your magnet-wire offcuts, start-up tails, and reject coils, accounting for how much copper you can actually capture and the fee to process it.

The inputs for this scenario

  • Scrap magnet-wire weight or pieces: 100 units (held at the documented default)
  • Copper recovery price: 45 $ / unit (held at the documented default)
  • Recoverable copper fraction: 58 % (the input this scenario stresses; the baseline uses 80)
  • Handling and processing fee: 250 $ (held at the documented default)

Working through the calculation

  • The calculation starts from the formula this tool documents: Scrap Copper Value cost = quantity × rate × capture factor + fixed cost.
  • Weighted cost works out to 2,860 $ at these inputs, and this is the headline figure for the scenario.
  • Per piece value works out to 28.6 $ / piece at these inputs.
  • Captured value works out to 2,610 $ at these inputs.
  • Fixed adjustment works out to 250 $ at these inputs.

How this compares with the baseline

  • Against the tool's baseline example, where recoverable copper fraction sits at 80% and the headline result is 3,850 $, this scenario comes in 25.71% below the baseline at 2,860 $.
  • The practical read: the gap between this scenario and the baseline is entirely attributable to recoverable copper fraction, so recovering it is worth quantifying in dollars before considering equipment or staffing changes. It uses a single blended price and capture fraction; heavily insulated or contaminated scrap will fetch a lower grade price than clean bright wire.

Results at a glance

  • Weighted cost: 2,860 $ (headline result)
  • Per piece value: 28.6 $ / piece
  • Captured value: 2,610 $
  • Fixed adjustment: 250 $

Run it with your numbers

  • To rerun this with your own numbers, open the live Scrap Copper Value calculator, set recoverable copper fraction to your actual value, and adjust the remaining inputs to match your operation.

Last reviewed 2026-05-12.