Binding machine and method for testing the strength of a joint formed on a closed loop of an elongated binding element

A method for forming a closed loop (11) of an elongated binding element (3) in the form of a wire or strap by a binding machine (1) and testing the strength of a joint (8) formed on said closed loop (11), comprising the steps of:

• feeding the binding element (3), by a feeding and tensioning device (5) included in the binding machine (1), in a loop around a space (4) configured for receiving one or more objects (10) to be bound;
• gripping and locking, by a gripping arrangement (30) included in the binding machine (1), a first binding element section (7a) at the leading end of the binding element (3) after the feeding of the binding element in a loop around said space (4);
• forming, by a joining device (40) included in the binding machine (1), a joint (8) between said first binding element section (7a) and an adjoining second binding element section (7b) at the trailing end of a piece (3a) of the binding element arranged in a loop in or around said space (4) to thereby form a closed loop (11) of this piece (3a) of the binding element;
• and
• exerting a tensile force on the binding element (3) by the feeding and tensioning device (5) after the formation of said joint (8) to subject the joint (8) to a tensile test and thereby check the strength of the joint (8), wherein the gripping arrangement (30) during said tensile test keeps the first binding element section (7a) secured in fixed position by engagement with a part (13) of the first binding element section (7a) located between said joint (8) and the leading end (12) of the binding element.