A flame-cutting apparatus comprises a support (9) for a plate (5) to be cut, and a flame-cutting beam (1) adapted to be positioned above the plate and movable laterally thereof relative to the support and the plate. The flame-cutting beam is provided with at least one cutting head (7) movable therealong and adapted to cut the plate with a flame. The apparatus includes a surface (11) adapted to receive material from the plate as the plate is cut, and scraper means (13) movable relative to the surface for scraping material from the plate along the surface towards an outlet of the apparatus.