Split paths into individual pieces you can move and edit independently. Separate shapes packed into one compound path, cut a path at its corners, or break it at every single anchor point.
Designs often arrive with parts touching or stacked, which causes double cuts and pieces that weld together. Explode pulls the shapes apart and spaces them out so every part has clearance and cuts as its own clean piece.
To give touching or overlapping parts clearance so each cuts cleanly without double burns.