# How to switch Stud and Plate connections/cuts?

In **Arkitech**, **Howick** and **Pinnacle** CNC machines, vertical **Studs** are punched with a **SWAGE** tool and horizontal **Plates** are punched with **LIP CUT** and **NOTCH** tools. 

This is a **default** logic between the stud and plate cuts. How can we **reverse** the logic and use the inverse cuts instead?

This guide explains the steps of how the vertical **Studs** can be punched with **LIP CUT** and **NOTCH** whereas horizontal **plates** - with **SWAGE**.

<figure><img src="https://239424168-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FqtUsszuAWXIZhQhrvjnb%2Fuploads%2FgrdcqelWaG0aaiv0wvRT%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=638a0029-a8b5-4bad-8d5c-543882b0a807" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
Note: **SWAGES** are not visible in the Revit framing elements. However, the CNC exporter will still export the SWAGE punch command. [Learn more](https://docs.besmart.software/3d-modeling-and-design/metal-framing/faq/notches-lip-cuts-and-swages/why-are-swages-not-visible-in-revit-model).
{% endhint %}

## 1. Modify Settings

1. Go to **Framing Configurations** > **Modify Settings**
2. Scroll down and check the box **Automatically Switch Cuts**
3. Click **Save** to close the dialogue

<figure><img src="https://239424168-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FqtUsszuAWXIZhQhrvjnb%2Fuploads%2FWWiBIIynUqTAESdcJQKC%2FAutomatically%20switch%20cuts_Metal%20Framing.gif?alt=media&#x26;token=a5946e5e-0330-434e-b391-f2e707da48e2" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
Note: this guide applies to Wall+M, Floor+M and Roof+M Framing Configurations.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="warning" %}
Make sure to use the correct **Structural Framing** families.

Metric:&#x20;

* **M\_MF C+C\_CH Stud** - for vertical elements (studs, king studs, cripples, trimmers, etc.)
* **M\_MF C+C\_CH Plate** - for horizontal elements (plates, bridging/blocking, headers, sills, etc.)

Imperial:

* **I\_MF C+C\_CH Stud** - for vertical elements (studs, king studs, cripples, trimmers, etc)
* **I\_MF C+C\_CH Plate** - for horizontal elements (plates, bridging/blocking, headers, sills, etc.)

[Learn more](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyutWz2FmK4) about the Metal Framing families.
{% endhint %}

## 2. Switch cuts for chosen element connections

Go back to the **Framing Configurations** dialogue.&#x20;

Now, you will be able to turn on the inverse cuts between element connections.

### Top / Bottom Plates

1. Go to **Wall Framing**
2. Choose the tab **Top Plate and/**&#x6F;r **Bottom Plate**
3. Go to **Cut Type** and choose the option:

* **Stud Cuts Plate** - default connection
* **Plate Cuts Stud** - inversed connection

<figure><img src="https://239424168-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FqtUsszuAWXIZhQhrvjnb%2Fuploads%2FcLrgairwZ8MQMsvaPSXx%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=613b3d27-df35-40e7-86a1-862a1eed2d4b" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="https://239424168-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FqtUsszuAWXIZhQhrvjnb%2Fuploads%2F0JW1Od4EX2wiblxlxwvp%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=5d4862f0-8cff-411b-b244-bdff14ebda2c" alt=""><figcaption><p>Plate Cuts Stud</p></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
Choosing **Stud Cuts Plate** and **Don't Cut** will create default cuts.&#x20;

If you use **Don't Cut**, the connections in Revit will not be visible. This doesn't affect the CNC export output. &#x20;
{% endhint %}

### Blocking / Nogging

#### Blocking/Nogging - end connections

1. Go to **Blocking/Nogging** settings
2. Find **Cut Start\* Type** and **Cut End Type** and choose the option:

* **Cut Bridging/Nogging** - default connection
* **Cut Studs** - inversed connection

**\***&#x73;tart is always on the left when facing the front of the wall

<figure><img src="https://239424168-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FqtUsszuAWXIZhQhrvjnb%2Fuploads%2FspmHVO1XigxHYN6uTYX7%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=e388294e-d62b-48f7-96a7-ffab6718064c" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="https://239424168-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FqtUsszuAWXIZhQhrvjnb%2Fuploads%2F13x1aeme3z5wSgCvCu6T%2FBridging%20end_Metal%20Framing.gif?alt=media&#x26;token=eb48c8df-21f4-4b42-8e10-753973d3ad82" alt=""><figcaption><p>Cut Studs</p></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
Choosing **Cut** **Bridging/Nogging** and **Don't Cut** will create default cuts.&#x20;

If you use **Don't Cut**, the connections in Revit will not be visible. This doesn't affect the CNC export output. &#x20;
{% endhint %}

#### Blocking/Nogging - core connections

1. Go to **Blocking/Nogging** settings
2. Find **Cut** and choose the option:

* **Cut Bridging/Nogging** - default connection
* **Cut Studs** - inversed connection

<figure><img src="https://239424168-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FqtUsszuAWXIZhQhrvjnb%2Fuploads%2FeFjJB74FgVAVgy27klzs%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=959c2db7-68a4-418b-9027-3768fb1147f5" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="https://239424168-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FqtUsszuAWXIZhQhrvjnb%2Fuploads%2Fb7RuSgz93HbiwS8n6VIx%2FBridging%20core_Metal%20Framing.gif?alt=media&#x26;token=6d744328-e68a-4073-ad9b-2e7ff348895a" alt=""><figcaption><p>Cut Studs</p></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
Choosing **Cut** **Bridging/Nogging** and **Don't Cut** will create default cuts.&#x20;

If you use **Don't Cut**, the connections in Revit will not be visible. This doesn't affect the CNC export output. &#x20;
{% endhint %}

### Doors, Windows and Generic/System Openings

1. Go to **Opening Framing** settings
2. Choose **Edit Configurations\*:**

{% hint style="info" %}
[Learn more](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GoWyYJtnZBQ) about the differences between the configurations for \***Non-structural** and \***Structural Walls**.&#x20;
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="https://239424168-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FqtUsszuAWXIZhQhrvjnb%2Fuploads%2FLCIW0To4jXvLf47YijIU%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=87ca13fc-7c11-4e22-b832-21a0fc986c1e" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### King Studs / Trimmers / Cripples

Find **Cut Start\* Type** and **Cut End Type** and choose the option:

* **Cut Other** - default connection
* **Cut** - inversed connection

\*start is always on the left when facing the front of the wall

<figure><img src="https://239424168-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FqtUsszuAWXIZhQhrvjnb%2Fuploads%2FKGFQwNgxndusiX73624u%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=c5270474-e23b-4023-b148-4a46fbfcb032" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
Choosing **Cut** **Other** and **Don't Cut** will create default cuts.&#x20;

If you use **Don't Cut**, the connections in Revit will not be visible. This doesn't affect the CNC export output. &#x20;
{% endhint %}

#### Headers / Sills

Find **Cut Start\* Type** and **Cut End Type** and choose the option:

* **Cut** - default connection
* **Cut** **Other** - inversed connection

<figure><img src="https://239424168-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FqtUsszuAWXIZhQhrvjnb%2Fuploads%2FmjJFX3R4894zr5bg5bHR%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=4ab4cdf4-19f3-463e-8e8e-1b45994738e4" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
Choosing **Cut** and **Don't Cut** will create default cuts.&#x20;

If you use **Don't Cut**, the connections in Revit will not be visible. This doesn't affect the CNC export output. &#x20;
{% endhint %}

### Individual Switches

You can also pick which **particular** Stud and Plate **connections** should have default/inverse cuts.

1. Go to **Edit Elements** > **Switch Cuts**
2. Click on the selected connection(s)
3. Press **Esc** when finished

<figure><img src="https://239424168-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FqtUsszuAWXIZhQhrvjnb%2Fuploads%2FW0ZPf1jjLsYzgQGKSodZ%2FSwitch%20Cuts_Metal%20Framing.gif?alt=media&#x26;token=5a6d2119-df33-4e90-8936-f411ddfa1f6a" alt=""><figcaption><p>Switch Cuts</p></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Note**: the middle cuts in the **Bridging/Blocking** cannot be switched.
{% endhint %}

## 3. Modify the Export Settings

When exporting CNC files for **Arkitech**, **Howick** and **Pinnacle** machines, the CNC Metal Exporter doesn't look at the geometries of stud and plate connections. By default, the **Export Settings** are not configured to **Analyze Cuts**.

{% hint style="info" %}
With the default export settings, the **CNC Metal Exporter** is looking at the Structural Framing family **projection line intersection points between** vertical studs and horizontal plates/service holes, not the geometry of framing families. [Learn more](https://docs.besmart.software/3d-modeling-and-design/metal-framing/faq/notches-lip-cuts-and-swages/why-are-swages-not-visible-in-revit-model).
{% endhint %}

### Set the Default CNC Type

First, you need to select the CNC export configuration for your CNC machine brand:

1. Go to the **CNC Metal Exporter**
2. Click on **Set the Default CNC Type**
3. Choose one of four configurations (for **Arkitech**, **Howick** or **Pinnacle** machine)
4. Click **OK**

<figure><img src="https://239424168-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FqtUsszuAWXIZhQhrvjnb%2Fuploads%2Fa1dNtnPh2hBsIW51ECAP%2FSet%20default%20CNC_Metal%20Framing.gif?alt=media&#x26;token=88348331-f84a-4f04-88dc-dce2f00237e5" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Turn on the cut analysis

1. Go to the **CNC Metal Exporter**
2. **Export Setup**
3. Tick the box **Analyze Cuts for Inverse Connections**&#x20;
4. Click **Save & Close**

{% hint style="info" %}
[Learn more](https://docs.besmart.software/design-data-management-and-exchange/cnc-exporters/cnc-metal-exporter/revit-add-in/features#export-setup) about the **Export Setup**.
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="https://239424168-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FqtUsszuAWXIZhQhrvjnb%2Fuploads%2FAmtSgJFxTeA3DzFGfavU%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=8c1dfa46-40c9-4d31-9036-4c97c4a3fe59" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## 4. Export CNC Files

1. Open the menu in the **CNC Metal Exporter**
2. Select **walls/floors/roofs**
3. Click **Export Frames**

<figure><img src="https://239424168-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FqtUsszuAWXIZhQhrvjnb%2Fuploads%2FfNvdK7QNBKiYMH83ud6Q%2FExport%20frames_Metal%20Framing.gif?alt=media&#x26;token=f954d4c9-56ad-446f-9474-87bd9142b87e" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

***

{% hint style="info" %}
**Note**: CNC Metal Exporter is not included in the Metal Collection.

[Learn more](https://docs.besmart.software/design-data-management-and-exchange/cnc-exporters/cnc-metal-exporter) about the features of CNC Metal Exporter.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="info" %}
If you can't find the answers you're looking for, please [contact our support team](https://helpdesk.besmart.software/support/tickets/new).
{% endhint %}