A trim component includes a foam backing layer and a foam pad insert laminated
between a cover material and a substrate. The foam pad insert provides an area
of enhanced cushioning, and has smoothly tapered edges to ensure a smooth surface
contour without a visible edge transition on the cover material. The foam pad insert
has a lower melting temperature than the foam backing layer, both of which are
thermoplastics. A foam pad insert is positioned and fixed on the back surface of
the foam backing layer. A substrate material is heated and then laminated and molded
with the foam and the cover material. The heat from the substrate partially softens
and melts the foam backing layer and the foam pad insert. The partially melted
foam pad insert is viscously deformed to form the tapered edges, as dictated by
the smoothly varying mold gap spacing of the forming tools.