Binding machine and method for securing a part of a binding element in a loop around one or more objects

A method for securing a part (3a) of an elongated binding element (3) in a loop around one or more objects, wherein the method comprises the steps of:

• positioning said one or more objects in an object receiving space (4) of a binding machine (1;
• 1′);
• feeding the binding element (3) in the loop around said space (4);
• gripping and locking a first binding element section (7a) at a leading end of the binding element after the feeding of a part (3a) of the binding element in the loop around said space (4);
• retracting the binding element (3) to draw it tightly around said one or more objects;
• and
• forming, by a laser welding device (12;
• 52) included in the binding machine (1;
• 1′), a welded joint (8;
• 8′) between said first binding element section (7a) and an adjoining second binding element section (7b) at a trailing end of the part (3a) of the binding element fed in the loop around said space (4) to thereby secure this part (3a) of the binding element in the loop around said one or more objects, wherein
• the binding element (3) is cut off at a said trailing end by a laser beam (14;
• 54) emitted from a laser welding head (12a;
• 53) of the laser welding device (12;
• 52) to thereby release the part (3a) of the binding element fed in the loop around said space (4) from the remaining part (3b) of the binding element.