What is the difference between C+U, C+C_CH and C+C families?

Introduction

Default family loading is the first step in the Metal Framing workflow (Settings > Load Families > Main Families):

Learn more about the workflow to get started.

After loading Main Families, you will find a variety of studs and plates in the Project Browser > Families > Structural Framing:

Metric (left) and Imperial (right) main families

Each family belongs to a different framing system (C+U, C+C_CH and C+C). Read below to learn more about each framing system.

Note: do not mix families from different framing systems. For example, do not use M_MF C+C_CH Stud with M_MF Track or I_MF C+C Stud with I_MF C+C_CH Plate. Learn more

Can I use my own framing families?

How to create new framing family types?

C+U

C+U families are designed for:

• Internal, non-prefab stud partitions

• Knudson, Metroll and Scottsdale prefab frames

Metric (left) and Imperial (right) C+U families

Use the following families for the following purposes:

MF Stud-Joist - vertical elements (Studs, King Studs, Cripples, etc.)

MF Track - horizontal Top/Bottom Plates and Sills

MF Blocking Stud-Joist - horizontal Blocking/Nogging

MF Lateral brace - horizontal Blocking/Nogging with holes

Header Support Track or MF Track - horizontal Header

Note: do not use C+C_CH or C+C families with the C+U families

For example, do not use MF C+C Stud with MF Track, etc.

These families typically include C-shaped studs (vertical profiles) and U-shaped tracks (horizontal profiles):

C+C_CH

C+C_CH families are designed for Arkitech, Howick, Pinnacle and Royal prefab frames:

Metric (left) and Imperial (right) C+C_CH families

Learn more about the Arkitech/Howick/Pinnacle framing workflow.

Use the following families for the following purposes:

C+C_CH Stud - vertical elements (Studs, King Studs, Trimmers, Cripples, etc.)

C+C_CH Plate - horizontal elements (Top/Bottom Plates, Headers, Sills, Blocking/Nogging)

Note: do not use C+U or C+C families with the C+C_CH families

For example, do not use MF C+C Stud with MF C+C_CH Plate

When vertical studs connect with horizontal plates, studs receive Dimple and Swage while plates receive a Dimple, Lip Cut and Notch. Diagonal elements also receive a chamfered edge (End Truss).

Learn more about how to switch the order to punches in Stud and Plate connections.

Swages are not visible in the default Metal Framing families. However, the commands are visible in the exported files for CNC fabrication. Learn more

How to switch Stud and Track connections/cuts?

C+C

C+C families are designed for Metroll C+C prefab frames.

Metric (left) and Imperial (right) C+C families

Use the following families for the following purposes:

C+C Stud - vertical elements (Studs, King Studs, Trimmers, Cripples, etc.)

C+C Plate - horizontal elements (Top/Bottom Plates, Headers, Sills, Blocking/Nogging)

Note: Do not use C+C families for the Arkitech/Howick/Pinnacle frames.

Do not use C+U or C+C_CH families with C+C frames.

For example, do not use MF Stud-Joist with MF C+C Plate, etc.

Studs and plates do not intersect, and instead, studs sit on top of the plate lips while being connecting with clips to the web of the plates:

Service Holes and Straps

Service hole and strap families are universal can be used with all framing systems (C+U, C+C_CH and C+C).

Metric (left) and Imperial (right) service hole and strap families

Service hole families

Service hole automation

Service Holes

Service hole

How to prepare Stud service hole families for CNC export?

How to insert service holes in Studs for CNC export?

Straps

Strap families can be used for horizontal and diagonal strap bracing:

Horizontal straps

Diagonal straps (strap bracing)

---

Learn more about the Metal Framing families.

---

If you can't find the answers you're looking for, please contact our support team.