WT cost calculator form
This manufacturing estimator uses geometry or direct weight, density, scrap, setup, conversion, and overhead to produce weight-driven unit economics.
Example data table
| Material | Shape | Key Size | Density (kg/m³) | Rate/kg | Qty | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mild Steel | Plate / Block | 500 × 250 × 8 mm | 7850 | 1.85 | 100 | Laser-cut brackets |
| Aluminum | Round Bar | Ø 50 × 300 mm | 2700 | 4.10 | 40 | CNC turned hubs |
| Stainless Steel | Tube / Pipe | OD 60, WT 4, L 1200 mm | 8000 | 5.75 | 60 | Food-grade frames |
| Brass | Ring / Washer | OD 90, ID 40, T 6 mm | 8500 | 6.25 | 250 | Precision spacers |
Formula used
Plate / Block: Volume = L × W × T
Round Bar: Volume = π × (D ÷ 2)² × L
Tube / Pipe: Volume = π × ((OD ÷ 2)² − (ID ÷ 2)²) × L
Ring / Washer: Volume = π × ((OD ÷ 2)² − (ID ÷ 2)²) × T
Net Weight (kg) = Volume (m³) × Density (kg/m³)
Scrap Weight = Net Weight × Scrap %
Billable Weight = Net Weight + Scrap Weight
Raw Material Cost = Billable Weight × Rate per kg
Setup Allocation = Setup Cost per Batch ÷ Quantity
Base Cost = Material + Process + Finishing + Setup Allocation
Overhead = Base Cost × Overhead %
Unit Manufacturing Cost = Base Cost + Overhead
Recommended Sell Price = Unit Manufacturing Cost × (1 + Margin %)
How to use this calculator
- Select the geometry or choose direct weight input if you already know part mass.
- Pick a material preset or enter a custom density for special alloys, composites, or proprietary stock.
- Enter the part dimensions, batch quantity, and rate per kilogram.
- Add scrap, setup, process, finishing, overhead, and target margin values.
- Submit the form to view net weight, billable weight, unit cost, lot cost, sell guidance, and the Plotly breakdown chart.
FAQs
1) What does WT mean in this calculator?
WT is used here as weight-based cost. The tool estimates manufacturing cost from part weight, material density, scrap allowance, and added production charges.
2) Why is density so important?
Density converts geometric volume into mass. If density is wrong, every downstream value, including raw material cost, scrap burden, and quoted unit price, becomes unreliable.
3) Should I include scrap percentage?
Yes. Scrap captures trimming, saw kerf, nesting losses, rejects, and extra stock purchased. Without it, quotes often understate the real consumed material.
4) What is setup allocation?
Setup allocation spreads one-time batch preparation cost across all parts. Smaller lots carry higher setup cost per piece, while larger lots dilute that burden.
5) What is the buy-to-fly ratio?
Buy-to-fly compares purchased weight to finished part weight. A higher ratio means more waste or machining removal, which usually raises cost and weakens utilization.
6) Can I use inches instead of millimeters?
Yes. Choose the unit selector before entering geometry. The calculator converts dimensions to meters internally, then applies density consistently in kg/m³.
7) When should I use direct weight mode?
Use direct weight when CAD, ERP, or an earlier weighing step already provides finished part mass. It is useful when geometry is complex or manually measured dimensions are unavailable.
8) Does the recommended sell price replace a full quote?
No. It is a pricing guide. Freight, tooling wear, inspection, packaging, currency shifts, taxes, and contractual risk may still need separate treatment.