Another iconic technology aboard Starfleet ships are replicators. Replicators have two distinct functions – one, to create an array of solid objects on demand, and two, to provide water-based beverages for the crew.
Contrary to popular belief, replicators do not produce food (other than beverages). To do so would require a starship to have vast tanks filled with many different kinds of raw food materials, from which to comprise replicated food. The problem is, space aboard a starship is limited, and materials storage for so many different edible food components would take up too much space. Replicators must have raw materials from which to create objects. It is physically impossible to replicate something out of nothing, energy, or thin air.
So, what does the crew of the Enterprise eat? Well, food, just like everyone else. Every large deck has at least one galley or mess hall, each of which is staffed by cooks, chefs, and baking professionals who provide daily meals for the personnel and civilians aboard the ship. Menus vary from day-to-day, and often depend upon available foodstuffs brought aboard-ship at the last resupply date. In addition, for-profit restaurants can be found along the Promenade on deck 10, for those interested in a more specialized food experience. Some quarters also contain small kitchenettes – for those who wish to cook their own meals.
Since replicators do not provide food, they get used for other objects instead. The larger replicators (as seen on the left in the attached image) produce small, solid objects from up to three specific raw materials. These materials are: a metallic-like resin that emulates the strength and durability of metal, a clear transparent plastic, and a solid opaque plastic. Special dyes can be added to any of these three materials to create a wide variety of colorful tools and products.
Object replicators can also deconstruct previously-replicated objects, thereby recycling the resin materials for secondary use at a later date. Replicators cannot produce clothing, phasers, batteries, or any other electronic item.
The smaller wall replicators (as seen on the right in this image) provide water-based beverages for the crew. In most cases, water is mixed with various flavors and additives to create a desired beverage. Beverages can be hot, or cold, depending upon the beverage chosen. In many ways, these beverage replicators are a lot like vintage soft drink dispensers of the early 21st Century. They can be found in crew quarters, lounges, and public spaces throughout the ship.
Replicators have become an important part of everyday life. They may not provide the food needs of a ship’s crew (other than beverages), but they do produce most of the small objects necessary to live and work aboard a starship.
-Lieutenant Sam Archer
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June 12, 2364 -- (Original Devron Timeline)