CubeForge

CubeForge is a Python library designed to easily generate 3D mesh files (currently STL format) by defining models voxel by voxel. It allows for flexible voxel dimensions and positioning using various anchor points.

Features

• Voxel-based Modeling: Define 3D shapes by adding individual voxels (cubes).
• Non-Uniform Voxel Dimensions: Specify default non-uniform dimensions for a model, and override dimensions on a per-voxel basis.
• Flexible Anchoring: Position voxels using different anchor points (cubeforge.CubeAnchor) like corners or centers.
• Configurable Coordinate Systems: Choose between Y-up (default) or Z-up coordinate systems for compatibility with different tools.
• Mesh Optimization: Optional greedy meshing algorithm reduces file sizes by 10-100× for regular structures.
• STL Export: Save the generated mesh to both ASCII and Binary STL file formats.
• Simple API: Easy-to-use interface with the core cubeforge.VoxelModel class.

Installation

Install from PyPI: You can install CubeForge directly from PyPI using pip:

pip install cubeforge

Install from source: You can also clone the repository and install the package using pip:

pip install .

Usage

Here's a basic example of how to create a simple shape and save it as an STL file:

import cubeforge
import os

# Create a model with default 1x1x1 voxel dimensions
model = cubeforge.VoxelModel()

# Add some voxels using the default CORNER_NEG anchor
model.add_voxel(0, 0, 0)
model.add_voxel(1, 0, 0)
model.add_voxel(1, 1, 0)

# --- Or add multiple voxels at once ---
# model.add_voxels([(0, 0, 0), (1, 0, 0), (1, 1, 0)])

# --- Example with custom dimensions per voxel ---
tower_model = cubeforge.VoxelModel(voxel_dimensions=(1.0, 1.0, 1.0))
# Add a 1x1x1 base cube centered at (0,0,0)
tower_model.add_voxel(0, 0, 0, anchor=cubeforge.CubeAnchor.CENTER)
# Stack a wide, flat 3x0.5x3 cube on top of it
tower_model.add_voxel(0, 0.5, 0, anchor=cubeforge.CubeAnchor.BOTTOM_CENTER, dimensions=(3.0, 0.5, 3.0))

# Define output path
output_dir = "output"
os.makedirs(output_dir, exist_ok=True)
output_filename = os.path.join(output_dir, "my_shape.stl")

# Save the mesh as a binary STL file
model.save_mesh(output_filename, format='stl_binary', solid_name="MyCustomShape")

print(f"Saved mesh to {output_filename}")

Coordinate Systems

CubeForge supports two coordinate system modes:

Y-up Mode (Default)

In Y-up mode, the Y axis represents the vertical/height direction:

• Coordinates: (x, y, z) where y is up
• Dimensions: (width, height, depth) maps to (x, y, z)
• BOTTOM_CENTER/TOP_CENTER anchors refer to Y faces

Note: Models created in Y-up mode will appear rotated 90° in most STL viewers and 3D printing slicers, which expect Z-up orientation.

Z-up Mode (Recommended for 3D Printing)

In Z-up mode, the Z axis represents the vertical/height direction:

• Coordinates: (x, y, z) where z is up
• Dimensions: (width, depth, height) maps to (x, y, z)
• BOTTOM_CENTER/TOP_CENTER anchors refer to Z faces

This mode ensures exported STL files appear correctly oriented in most 3D printing slicers and CAD programs.

Example: Creating a Vertical Tower for 3D Printing

import cubeforge

# Create model in Z-up mode for correct STL orientation
model = cubeforge.VoxelModel(voxel_dimensions=(1.0, 1.0, 1.0), coordinate_system='z_up')

# Stack voxels vertically along Z axis
model.add_voxel(0, 0, 0)  # Bottom
model.add_voxel(0, 0, 1)  # Middle
model.add_voxel(0, 0, 2)  # Top

# Save - will appear correctly oriented in slicers!
model.save_mesh("tower.stl", format='stl_binary')

Mesh Optimization

CubeForge uses greedy meshing optimization by default to dramatically reduce file sizes for voxel-based models.

How It Works

Instead of creating separate triangles for each voxel face, the optimizer merges adjacent coplanar faces into larger rectangles:

Without optimization (9 voxels):     With optimization:
[■][■][■]  9 quads = 18 triangles    [■■■■■■■]  1 quad = 2 triangles
[■][■][■]                            [■■■■■■■]
[■][■][■]                            [■■■■■■■]

Usage

Optimization is enabled by default - just use save_mesh():

import cubeforge

model = cubeforge.VoxelModel(coordinate_system='z_up')

# Create a large flat surface
for x in range(20):
    for y in range(20):
        model.add_voxel(x, y, 0)

# Save - optimization enabled by default, 99% smaller!
model.save_mesh("surface.stl")

# To disable optimization (not recommended):
# model.save_mesh("surface.stl", optimize=False)

When to disable: Only if you specifically need individual voxel faces preserved (rare).

Examples

Basic Shapes Example

The examples/create_shapes.py script demonstrates various features, including:

• Creating simple and complex shapes.
• Using different default voxel dimensions.
• Overriding dimensions for individual voxels.
• Utilizing various CubeAnchor options.
• Saving in both ASCII and Binary STL formats.
• Generating a surface with random heights.

Coordinate Systems Example

The examples/coordinate_systems.py script demonstrates:

• Comparing Y-up vs Z-up coordinate systems
• Creating vertical towers in both modes
• Using BOTTOM_CENTER and TOP_CENTER anchors correctly in Z-up mode
• Custom dimensions in Z-up mode for 3D printing

Mesh Optimization Example

The examples/mesh_optimization.py script demonstrates:

• Comparing file sizes with and without optimization
• Greedy meshing on various model types (surfaces, cubes, towers)
• Real-world performance measurements
• When optimization provides the most benefit

To run the examples:

python examples/create_shapes.py
python examples/coordinate_systems.py
python examples/mesh_optimization.py

The output STL files will be saved in the examples directory.

API Overview

• cubeforge.VoxelModel: The main class for creating and managing the voxel model.
  • __init__(self, voxel_dimensions=(1.0, 1.0, 1.0), coordinate_system='y_up'): Initializes the model with default voxel dimensions and coordinate system. Use coordinate_system='z_up' for 3D printing.
  • add_voxel(self, x, y, z, anchor=CubeAnchor.CORNER_NEG, dimensions=None): Adds a single voxel, optionally with custom dimensions.
  • add_voxels(self, coordinates, anchor=CubeAnchor.CORNER_NEG, dimensions=None): Adds multiple voxels, optionally with custom dimensions.
  • remove_voxel(self, x, y, z, anchor=CubeAnchor.CORNER_NEG): Removes a voxel.
  • clear(self): Removes all voxels.
  • generate_mesh(self, optimize=True): Generates the triangle mesh data. Optimization enabled by default. Set optimize=False to disable.
  • save_mesh(self, filename, format='stl_binary', optimize=True, **kwargs): Generates and saves the mesh to a file. Optimization enabled by default for smaller files.
• cubeforge.CubeAnchor: An enum defining the reference points for voxel placement (CORNER_NEG, CENTER, CORNER_POS, BOTTOM_CENTER, TOP_CENTER).
• cubeforge.get_writer(format_id): Factory function to get mesh writer instances (used internally by save_mesh). Supports 'stl', 'stl_binary', 'stl_ascii'.

Contributing

Contributions are welcome! Please feel free to submit issues or pull requests on the GitHub repository.

License

This project is licensed under the MIT License.

This project is developed and maintained by Teddy van Jerry (Wuqiong Zhao). The development is assisted by Gemini 2.5 Pro and Claude Code.