A three-dimensional heat transfer model was developed to predict the temperature fields, the weld geometry and the shape of the solidified weld reinforcement surface during hybrid laser-MAC arc welding of fillet joints. Melt pool deformation due to arc pressure was calculated by minimizing the total surface energy. A series of hybrid welding experiments was conducted on S355 steel for different welding speeds and wire feeding rates. A high speed video camera was used to measure weld pool depression and surface weld pool geometry. Visualization of the weld pool during welding has also allowed for a better understanding of the interaction between the keyhole and droplets. The various weld bead shapes were explained through these observations. The arc pressure, the surface energy distribution, and arc efficiency were evaluated by comparing experimental data and numerical results for a wide range of welding operating parameters. Good correlation was found between the calculated and experimental weld bead shapes obtained for the hybrid laser-MAC arc welding process as well as for laser or MAC alone. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.