The laser cutter allows precision cutting or etching of many materials including acrylic, wood, and paper. This tool can be used to cut parts for a 3 dimensional composition, etch plates for printmaking, or cut stamps for ceramics. Ironically, the laser cutter is often the most simple, most used, and most expensive single piece of equipment to own and operate. Because most designers are familiar with Adobe Illustrator, the learning curve is short. Vector paths from Illustrator are sent to the laser cutter to be cut. It works similar to a printer in settings. Varying depths of cut can be set such that a piece can be simultaneously etched and cut.