Abstract: A system for monitoring and controlling the composition and the plastic deformation of material being processed in a processing machine has at least one measuring arrangement that includes a first pivotable lever connected to the processing machine at a location where the material flows. The first pivotable lever is biased by a force such that the first pivotable lever contacts the material with a force component acting at a right angle onto the surface of the material. A penetration body is connected to the first pivotable lever at an end thereof facing the material. The penetration body has a wedge shape tapered in a direction toward the surface of the material. A first travel sensor for sensing the depth of penetration of the penetration body into the material is provided. The first travel sensor is fixedly connected to the processing machine and cooperates with the first pivotable level at a distance from the penetration body.