what machine do they use in war without raising the general standard of living?

It sounds like you’re asking about a war economy : a situation where war can boost certain industries or production without improving the general standard of living. In that setup, the “machine” is usually the military- industrial complex or, more broadly, the war machine.

What that means

A war economy can increase output in arms, logistics, energy, and heavy industry while ordinary people still face shortages, inflation, or lower living standards. In other words, production rises, but the benefits are concentrated in defense and related sectors rather than spread across households.

Why it doesn’t raise living standards

War often diverts labor, materials, and public money away from housing, healthcare, education, and consumer goods. That can create growth in statistics, but it is not the same as broad prosperity, because everyday costs can still rise and purchasing power can fall.

Simple phrasing

If you want the shortest answer: the war machine or military-industrial complex is the “machine” used in war that can expand production without lifting living standards for most people. TL;DR: War can stimulate production in weapons and strategic industries, but that does not automatically improve life for the general public.