One of the significant advantages of using a brake shear is its ability to handle a variety of sheet metals, ranging from aluminum to stainless steel. Each type of metal has unique properties that affect how it responds to shearing. For instance, softer metals like aluminum require less force to cut, whereas harder metals necessitate higher pressure and more robust blades. Understanding the properties of the metal being processed is crucial for optimizing the shearing operation and preventing issues such as blade dullness or material deformation.