High-temperature operational conditions of super plastic forming (SPF) tools induce very complex thermomechanical loadings responsible to their failure. Various materials can be used to manufacture forming tools: ceramic, refractory castable or heat resistant steel. In this paper, an experimental and numerical analysis is performed in order to characterise the environmental loadings undergone by the tool whatever the considered material. This investigation allows to lead a thermal calculation. It is a preliminary and essential stage to perform the complete thermo-mechanical calculation in order to assess accurate stress levels, or plastic strain occurring during the forming process.