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):
After loading Main Families, you will find a variety of studs and plates in the Project Browser > Families > Structural Framing:
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
C+U
C+U families are designed for:
Internal, non-prefab stud partitions
Knudson, Metroll and Scottsdale prefab frames
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:
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).
C+C
C+C families are designed for Metroll C+C prefab frames.
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).
Service Holes
Straps
Strap families can be used for horizontal and diagonal strap bracing:
Learn more about the Metal Framing families.
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