Abstract: A device for contour cutting of metal plates comprises a cutting table for supporting horizontally plates to be contour cut, a contour cutting unit movable along the cutting table, and scrap receiving means for receiving the cut scrap beneath the cutting table. The scrap receiving means is movable by drive means in relation to the cutting table substantially in parallel to the moving path of the contour cut unit and in the moving direction thereof. The extension of the scrap receiving surface in a plane parallel to the supporting surface of the cutting table is larger than the extension in the same plane of the fall zone of cut scrap below the contour cutting unit, and the drive means is controlled to adjust the movement of the scrap receiving means according to the movement of the contour cutting unit in such a way that the fall zone of the cut scrap during the entire contour cutting operation will be maintained in a position within the borders of the scrap receiving surface.