In laser machining, a computer directs a high power laser to cut out the desired
shape from stock material. The laser burns away or vaporizes the material, leaving the
desired shape behind.
Here are some parts made using laser machining from clear acrylic plastic:
not necessarily, when a material undergoes an intense enough temperature change (such as direct contact with the beam of an industrial class laser) it can change from a solid directly to a gas (vaporization)