Conversion of voxel models into polygonal meshes with ensuring structural integrity and editability

Main Article Content

Semen Duvanov

samduvanov@gmail.com

Iryna Baranova

i.baranova@cs.sumdu.edu.ua

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3767-8099

Abstract

Voxel representation is one of the natural ways of describing three-dimensional objects as a set of cubic elements with coordinates. It is widely used in medical visualization, geology, computer simulations, and games. At the same time, most modern 3D editors and engines operate with polygonal models, which creates the need for tools capable of converting voxel scenes into polygonal meshes. The aim of this work is to develop an efficient algorithmic approach for converting voxel-based 3D models into polygonal meshes, taking into account position, rotation, and scaling, while preserving model integrity, minimizing polygon count, and enabling export to the *.obj format. The proposed algorithm has been implemented in the software tool VoxToObjConverter, developed in C# using the geometry3Sharp library. The algorithm consists of several sequential stages. First, data is read from input *.vox files. Then, voxel structure optimization is performed by extracting only surface elements and grouping them using the Flood Fill algorithm, which helps to eliminate redundant elements and noise. In the next stage, a polygonal mesh is generated by converting voxels into triangular polygons using the Face Culling method, which ensures that faces are added only in the absence of neighbouring voxels and significantly reduces the polygon count. The initially generated triangular mesh can optionally be merged into a quadrilateral topology during export, providing improved editability and suitability for subdivision-based modelling workflows. Global transformations (translation, rotation, scaling) are then applied to the mesh, and the resulting model parts are merged into a unified structure. Finally, the model is exported into the *.obj format, ensuring compatibility with most modern 3D editors and engines. Testing on various voxel models confirmed the accuracy of conversion, geometric consistency, and efficiency of the converter. The developed algorithm and software provide a complete pipeline for voxel-to-mesh conversion and have practical significance for visualization, game development, and 3D modelling tasks, where fast and precise conversion of voxel data into render-ready polygonal models is required.

Keywords:

voxel modelling, conversion algorithm, quadrilateral mesh generation, solid element, mesh optimization

Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)

  • Industry, Innovation, Technology and Infrastructure

References

Article Details

Duvanov, S., & Baranova, I. (2026). Conversion of voxel models into polygonal meshes with ensuring structural integrity and editability. Informatyka, Automatyka, Pomiary W Gospodarce I Ochronie Środowiska, 16(3), 167-172. https://doi.org/10.35784/iapgos.8479