Unattended operation is operation in which machining continues automatically without an operator standing by the machine.
A CNC automatic lathe achieves it through automatic material feeding by a bar feeder and automatic control by CNC.
A Closer Look
Unattended operation lets the machine keep running through the night and over weekends, combining labor savings with higher productivity.
On the other hand, a problem that occurs while nobody is present has a large impact, so stable unattended operation takes some care.
Chips that evacuate without jamming (via oscillation cutting, for example), automatic compensation when dimensions drift (in-machine measurement), and accurate setup are what make unattended operation work.