This paper compares two different thermal models by solving computationally direct-inverse problem to estimate the net heat flux and convective coefficient when milling hardened AISI H13 die steel. Global and tri-dimensional transient models were developed and solved by Finite-Volume and Gauss Methods, respectively. Two cutting speeds were considered in dry finishing operation. Experimental temperatures measured by part-embedded thermocouples fed the inverse-problem, which were compared to theoretical temperatures given by direct-problem. Both models are able to estimate the thermal properties for milling processes. Tr-dimensional model approaches global one when using mean temperature of thermocouples. The models agreed with others in the literature. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)