Machining with minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) has been the focus of many scientific investigations since the last 20 years. Nevertheless an acceptable method of predicting the thermal influences on the workpiece quality has still not been developed. This paper describes a simulation approach to estimate the distribution of the cutting energy during machining. During machining, the cutting power is measured to calculate the specific cutting power for each machining process – here drilling, tapping and milling of aluminum. In parallel, the warm-up of the part is measured by fast response thermocouples implanted closed of the machined zone. These thermocouples identify the cutting energy entering into the work piece