Inst. of Mfg.

Scrap Rate Cost

Quantify the hidden burden rate of material defects and rework loops.

Scrap Rate

True Cost of Scrap

The Math

Scrap isn't just lost material; it is lost labor and lost spindle time. You must factor in the work already invested into the part before it failed QC.

Scrap % = (Scrap Units / Total Units) × 100

Cost = Scrap Units × (Material Cost + Labor Cost)

Example Calculation

You run a batch of 10,000 units. 450 fail inspection (4.5% scrap rate).

The raw aluminum costs $12.50 per part, and by the time it reaches QC, $8.00 of labor/machine time has been invested.

Cost = 450 units × ($12.50 + $8.00) = $9,225.00 straight to the bottom line.