Abstract: The invention pertains to a process for stripping conductor traces (2) of extruded or laminated flat cables (1), so-called FFCs, using laser beams (4). The invention is characterized in that a beam of a CO2 laser or an Nd:YAG laser (4) is used in a first step, and an excimer laser or a frequency-multiplied Nd:YAG laser is used in a second step, in that the CO2 laser or Nd:YAG laser is allowed to act on the extrudate (3) of FFC (1) with an intensity and duration such that an extrudate layer (6) a few microns thick still remains in the area of the conductor trace(s) (2), said layer being removed in the second step by the beam of the excimer laser or frequency-multiplied Nd:YAG laser.

Abstract: The ribbon cable being folded is fixed with a first end, called the fixed end, on a folding table and guided with another end, called the manipulated end, by a handling device. The handling device brings the manipulated end into the position that it is supposed to have after folding, and the loop formed in this position of the ribbon cable is smoothed out by a folding device.