What type of CNC machine is primarily used for producing complex shapes?

The laser cutter is primarily used for producing complex shapes due to its ability to precisely cut through various materials with a high degree of detail. It utilizes a focused beam of light to melt, burn, or vaporize the material, allowing for intricate designs to be created that may be difficult or impossible to achieve with other types of CNC machines. This makes laser cutters especially popular for applications involving detailed engraving, detailed pattern cutting, and working with materials that require finesse, such as plastics, wood, and thin metals.

In contrast, while the lathe primarily shapes materials by rotating them against a cutting tool, it is better suited for producing cylindrical components and rounded forms. Routers are typically used for cutting out shapes in flat materials such as wood, but they are less effective for detailed or intricate patterns compared to laser cutters. Milling machines can create complex shapes as well, but they might not achieve the same level of detail quickly and easily as a laser cutter can. Therefore, for tasks requiring precise and complex cutting, a laser cutter is often the preferred choice.