TechShop used to have a medium sized vacuum forming machine, but it was lost in one of their moves. Those are useful for tool trays. Lay down all the tools for some kit, vacuum-form a tray, and put the tray in a case for the kit. Often used in aerospace, where you want to make sure nobody left a wrench inside the engine or fuel tank.
People who have been in manufacturing for a long time understand all the methods used and the common theme is simplicity. There are tons of great uses for 3D printing but like robot arms, I see them misused time and time again to perform tasks a much simpler process/mechanism can perform. Go watch the TV show "How It's Made" and some of the machinery and mechanisms are delightfully simple. This is what universities don't teach their students and they graduate only knowing how to wield giant, complex hammers.
Aside: If you are a sign aficionado the American Sign Museum in Cincinnati will make you very happy: https://www.americansignmuseum.org/
Comparing the US and the Netherlands - the US seems much more chaotic and organic than the Netherlands with its unified government standard typeface.
Ironically, the informational signage on the exhibits is somewhat lacking, so I recommend taking the free guided tour, which is about 45-60 minutes in length.
What?! Citation needed. Lots of topomaps were printed on paper, but I've never heard of the military using 3d plastic maps. Certainly not enough to accelerate the development of plastics. Nor can I find any credible source for the claim.
I can see why they'd only want to make that cutaway mold once though.
