Laser cutting takes direct input in the form of electronic data from a CAD drawing to produce flat form parts of great complexity.
Lasers work best on materials such as carbon steel or stainless steels.
Metals such as aluminum and copper alloys are more difficult to cut due to their ability to reflect the light as well as absorb and conduct heat. This requires lasers that are more powerful. Lasers cut by melting the material in the beam path. Materials that are heat treatable will get case hardened at the cut edges. This may be beneficial if the hardened edges are functionally desirable in the finished parts.