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

A binding machine comprising:

• a feeding device (5) for feeding an elongated binding element (3) in the form of a wire or strap in a loop around a space (4) configured for receiving one or more objects (16) to be bound and subsequently retracting the binding element (3) to draw it tightly around one or more objects (16) received in said space (4);
• a gripping device (11;
• 51) for gripping and locking a first binding element section (7a) at the leading end of the binding element after the feeding of a part (3a) of the binding element in a loop around said space (4);
• a laser welding device (12;
• 52) for forming a welded joint (8) between said first binding element section (7a) and an adjoining second binding element section (7b) at the trailing end of the part (3a) of the binding element fed in a loop around said space (4) to thereby secure this part (3a) of the binding element in a loop around said one or more objects (16);
• and
• an electronic control device (60),
• wherein the electronic control device (60) is configured to control the laser welding device (12;
• 52) to apply an identification marking (40) on an outer surface of the binding element (3) by a laser beam (14;
• 54) emitted from a laser welding head (13;
• 53) of the laser welding device.