Abstract: Method and apparatus for butt welding a stranded wire to an electrode pin in close proximity to igniter material using laser beams. The wire and electrode pin are preferably part of an initiator assembly used in an airbag system. In a preferred embodiment, the wire is made of copper and the electrode pin is made of a steel alloy. The wire and pin are vertically aligned in contact with each other, without any external force or pressure applied to them. A plurality of beams contact portions of both materials at the same time, causing them to melt, substantially without any melted material extending beyond the width or diameter of the wire.