This paper presents an enhanced method of slit beam projection intended for the rapid measurement of 3-dimensional surface profiles of dies and molds. Special emphasis is given to optimizing the design of optical system so that the measuring accuracy can be maximized by adopting two-plane camera calibration together with sub-pixel image processing techniques. Finally, several measurement examples are discussed to demonstrate that an actual measuring accuracy of $pm$ 0.2 mm can be achieved over the measuring range of 500 mm{ imes}300mm{ imes}200mm.$