Two influential parameters in rolling mill analysis are the heat loss to the rolls and the strip temperature distribution. In this paper, the heat transfer process occurring in rolling is modeled by a moving three-layer composite strip, compressed between two rotating cylinders. It is shown that, for the range of parameters representative of strip rolling, the problem can be reduced, to leading order, to one of heat transfer beween slabs with plane parallel boundary contact. The heating effects due to deformation energy generated in the strip, friction energy generated at the strip/cylinder interfaces, and the strip/cylinder bulk temperature difference are considered. Application of the results to rolling analysis is demonstrated.