## 4 Conclusions  
This study investigates the effects of multivariate processing parameters including vacuum bagging techniques (single vacuum-bag-only, modified single-vacuum-bag-only, and double vacuum-bag-only), curing profiles (manufacturer's recommended curing cycle, extended manufacturer's recommended curing cycle, and direct cure cycle) and laminate structures (concave corner and convex corner) on the shape non-conformity of complex-shaped laminated composites. The results showed a good consistency in laminate thickness uniformity for the MSVB technique; it does not only maximize the shape conformation by avoiding bridging effect in the concave corner of the mold to prevent major corner thickening but it also prevents major corner thinning in convex corners. This study provides a basis to reduce thickness variations in laminated composites with complex shapes by an optimum selection of processing parameters for prepreg processing. The results suggest that using a mold with convex corner angle is better than that of concave corner angles. Applications were the use of concave corners is a must condition, an increase in local curvature angles and corner radii of the mold could  
Figure 9: Traces of laminated composites produced using (**a**) SVB for a concave corner, (**b**) SVB for a convex corner, (**c**) MSVB for a concave corner, (**d**) MSVB for a convex corner, (**e**) DVB for a concave corner, and (**f**) DVB for a convex corner.  
avoid corner thickness deviation and resin accumulation. Furthermore, the use of intensifiers could further maximize thickness uniformity. Curing profiles and their interaction with bagging techniques showed no statistical significance in the controllability of laminate thickness variation. The coefficient of correlation exhibited a good agreement in terms of spring effect for all samples with no major data offset.  
The statistical analysis of VBO processing parameters and their effects on shape non-conformity provide important information for defect controllability in complex-shaped laminated composites. Understanding the consolidation of laminates with complex shapes provide vital insight to design experimental guidelines for corner thickness variation and spring effect for various processing parameters. The results presented in this study could also be extended to other OOA processes with various complicated part geometries, such as those employing inserts during manufacturing.  
Conceptualization, Y.M., N.S.; methodology, Y.M., N.S.; experimentation, Y.M.; investigation, Y.M., N.S.; resources, N.S., M.M.; data curation, Y.M., N.S., M.Z.A., F.M.; writing--original draft preparation, Y.M.; writing--review and editing, Y.M., N.S., M.Z.A., F.M.; supervision, N.S., M.Z.A.; project administration, Y.M., N.S., M.M.; funding acquisition, N.S., M.M. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.  
This research was partially funded by Yayasan Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS under grant number YUTP-FRG-015 LC0-247.  
The authors are thankful to Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS for providing financial assistance and highly sought facilities to conduct this research. Y.M. would like to express great appreciation to [PERSON] of Meezan Educational Trust, Pakistan, for invaluable insight and support.  
The authors declare no conflict of interest.