A system for creating marked can tabs may include an isolation mechanism located in the path of the tab material strip between a tab material dereeler and a tab forming press and a system suitable for marking the tab material strip. The isolation mechanism may be configured to convert discontinuous motion of the tab material strip proximate the tab forming press into continuous motion of the tab material strip at the dereeler. The system may be suitable for marking the tab material strip. The marking system may be located between the dereeler and the isolation mechanism such that the laser system acts on the tab material strip while it is moving at a relatively constant speed.
