These versatile sensors use a projected laser line to measure cross-sectional shapes of parts and material surfaces. Cross-sections can be collected to create 3D point clouds representing whole parts for performing robust shape, surface and volumetric measurements at inline production speed. These versatile sensors use a projected laser line to measure cross-sectional shapes of parts and material surfaces. Cross-sections can be collected to create 3D point clouds representing whole parts for performing robust shape, surface and volumetric measurements at inline production speed.