Abstract: A controller for laser piercing and cutting metal sheet and plate comprising a computer readable file displayable on a human machine interface display screen of a laser equipped CNC machine tool, communicating with a part program for processing a workpiece, adapted with a plurality of setup data and parameters for piercing and cutting a type and thickness of material, adapted substantially as a table, the table comprising a plurality of parameters, each parameter controlling a unique function of operation and comprising a plurality of steps comprised of a first setup step and a plurality of variable time increment steps, each variable time increment step controlling a portion of the pierce cycle and the table associated with a plurality of parameters controlling cutting the workpiece.