Here we report recent experiments on ion emission from metals (Ti, Nb, Mg) using a free-electron laser that delivers a train of subpicosecond micropulses in the mid-infrared (IR). The laser intensities for the surface damage and ion emission thresholds are used as markers for the onset of energy transfer to the lattice for ablation. Numerical calculations based on the Anisimov two-temperature model are used to evaluate the electron temperature T-e and the lattice temperature T-i. The results are discussed in terms of the Hertz-Knudsen equation for vaporization and a model based on laser-induced multiple electronic transitions.