How to Specify Stud & Track Profiles (Complete Light Gauge Guide)

Load-bearing walls (in LGS buildings)

Complete Engineering & Procurement Guide

Stud & Track systems form:

• Non-load bearing partitions

• Load-bearing walls (in LGS buildings)

• Ceiling support structures

A stud is the vertical member.
A track is the horizontal channel that the stud sits inside.

Specification must define both clearly.

1️⃣ What Defines a Stud Profile?

A steel stud is defined by:

• ✔ Web depth (stud width)
• ✔ Flange width
• ✔ Lip size
• ✔ Thickness
• ✔ Steel grade
• ✔ Punch pattern
• ✔ Length

Common naming format:

92 x 35 x 0.75

Meaning:

• 92 mm web
• 35 mm flange
• 0.75 mm thickness

Lip size must also be defined.

2️⃣ What Defines a Track Profile?

Track profile is:

• ✔ Same web depth as stud
• ✔ Similar flange width
• ✔ No lip (usually)
• ✔ Same or thinner thickness

Track must match stud width precisely.

Incorrect track width causes installation problems.

3️⃣ Standard Stud Sizes (Metric Examples)

Common web depths:

• 50 mm
• 64 mm
• 75 mm
• 92 mm
• 100 mm
• 150 mm

Common flange widths:

• 32 mm
• 35 mm
• 40 mm

Common lip size:

10–15 mm

Changing lip size changes:

Buckling resistance
Screw holding strength

Never specify only web depth.

4️⃣ Thickness Range

Non-load bearing studs:

• 0.45 mm
• 0.50 mm
• 0.55 mm

Load-bearing studs:

• 0.75 mm
• 0.90 mm
• 1.0 mm
• 1.2 mm
• 1.6 mm

Machine must support maximum thickness + grade.

Thickness directly affects:

• Axial capacity
• Deflection
• Fire performance

5️⃣ Material Grade

Common grades:

• G300
• G350
• G550 (for structural LGS)

Higher grade:

✔ Improves load capacity
✔ Allows thinner section

But increases:

• Forming load
• Springback
• Punch tonnage

Grade must be defined before tooling design.

6️⃣ Punch Pattern Specification

Studs commonly include:

• ✔ Service holes (for wiring & plumbing)
• ✔ Dimple holes
• ✔ Knockouts
• ✔ Slot holes

Specify:

• Hole size
• Hole spacing
• Hole position from edge
• Tolerance

Punch pattern is critical for:

• Electrical compliance
• Structural integrity
• Machine servo design

7️⃣ Typical Coil Width

Coil width =

Web + 2 flanges + 2 lips + bend allowance.

Example:

• 92 mm web
• 35 mm flange ×2
• 15 mm lip ×2

92 + 70 + 30 = 192 mm
Add bend allowance → approx. 205–220 mm

Exact developed width must include:

Thickness compensation
Springback correction

Never assume coil width.

8️⃣ Length Specification

Common lengths:

• 2.4 m
• 2.7 m
• 3.0 m
• 3.6 m
• Custom

Length tolerance typically:

±1–2 mm

Load-bearing studs require tighter control.

9️⃣ Load-Bearing vs Non-Load Bearing

You must define:

• ✔ Is it partition stud?
• ✔ Is it load-bearing wall?
• ✔ What is axial load requirement?
• ✔ What is deflection limit?

Non-load bearing studs are lighter gauge.

Load-bearing studs require structural design.

Never mix the two.

🔟 Fire & Acoustic Requirements

Stud thickness and spacing impact:

• ✔ Fire rating
• ✔ Acoustic performance
• ✔ Wall system approval

Profile geometry must match tested wall assembly.

Changing thickness may invalidate fire rating.

1️⃣1️⃣ Machine Engineering Requirements

Stud & Track machine:

• 10–18 forming stands

• 50–75 mm shafts (heavier for thick sections)

• 11–30 kW motor

• Servo punching unit

• Hydraulic cut-off

Load-bearing LGS lines require:

• Heavier shafts
• Stronger frame
• Higher punching capacity

1️⃣2️⃣ Production Speed

Typical speeds:

30–60 m/min for light gauge
Lower for thick structural studs

Punch cycle may limit speed.

High-speed drywall lines run very fast.

1️⃣3️⃣ Tolerance Requirements

Typical tolerances:

• Web depth ±1 mm
• Flange width ±1 mm
• Straightness control critical
• Length ±1–2 mm

Twist must be controlled.

Stud alignment affects drywall installation.

1️⃣4️⃣ Spacing Specification

Stud spacing must be defined:

• 400 mm centers
• 450 mm centers
• 600 mm centers

Spacing affects:

• Load performance
• Board installation
• Code compliance

Stud size must match spacing requirement.

1️⃣5️⃣ Developed Width Reminder

Developed width includes:

• ✔ Web
• ✔ Flanges
• ✔ Lips
• ✔ Bend allowance
• ✔ Thickness compensation
• ✔ Springback correction

Small profiles still require precise calculation.

Incorrect width causes flange misdimension.

1️⃣6️⃣ Export Market Considerations

USA:
Imperial sizes (3-5/8", 6", etc.)

Europe:
Metric sizes (50, 75, 100 mm).

Australia:
High-strength G550 common.

Always confirm regional standard.

1️⃣7️⃣ Common Specification Mistakes

• ❌ Not specifying thickness
• ❌ Not defining load-bearing requirement
• ❌ Ignoring punch layout
• ❌ Not defining lip size
• ❌ Not matching stud & track width
• ❌ Guessing coil width

Stud errors cause major site delays.

1️⃣8️⃣ Final Stud & Track Specification Checklist

Before tooling or machine approval:

• ✔ Confirm stud web depth
• ✔ Confirm flange width
• ✔ Confirm lip size
• ✔ Confirm thickness range
• ✔ Confirm steel grade
• ✔ Confirm coating
• ✔ Calculate developed width
• ✔ Confirm coil availability
• ✔ Define punch layout
• ✔ Define length tolerance
• ✔ Confirm load-bearing or non-load bearing
• ✔ Confirm fire/acoustic requirement
• ✔ Confirm production speed target

Only then proceed to tooling.

FAQ Section

Are stud and track thickness always the same?

Not necessarily — track can be thinner.

Is G550 common?

Yes for structural LGS systems.

Can one machine run multiple sizes?

Yes with adjustable tooling.

Is punching required?

Yes — service holes are standard.

Does thickness affect fire rating?

Yes — wall system must match tested assembly.

Can lightweight studs be used for load bearing?

No — load-bearing studs require structural design.