How do food replicators work in Star Trek?

In Star Trek a replicator is a machine that can create (and recycle) things. Replicators were originally seen to simply synthesize meals on demand, but in later series much larger non-food items appear. The technical aspects of replicated versus “real” things is sometimes a plot element.

What was the food on Star Trek made of?

In the Star Trek universe, the Ferengi, a race whose sole purpose in life is gaining profit, subsist on a diet of tube grubs and beetles. To them, the idea of a human meal, even a balanced breakfast of eggs and bacon, is revolting.

What is a food synthesizer?

The food synthesizer (or food processor) was a common device used aboard 23rd century starships and starbases for synthesizing foods and beverages. Replacing the older protein resequencer, these food receptacles served as a supplement to the ship’s chef and were predecessors to 24th century replicators.

Is the replicator from Star Trek possible?

If and when ELI is complete, it should be strong enough to produce particles out of a vacuum. While generating a handful of particles is a long way from generating a convincing steak and lobster dinner, the technology at least makes “Star Trek”-like replicators conceivable as a real-life possibility.

How much latinum is Quark worth?

Pure liquid latinum, which Quark estimated to be worth 100 bricks. As Star Trek would have it, life is so rosy in the future that folks don’t have any need for money. (Don’t ask us how they get stuff — it’s one of Star Trek’s fuzzier areas.)

Is a replicator real?

Perhaps the most improbable technology of them all, however, is the replicator, a device capable of instantly materializing almost any object imaginable with the simple push of a button (or, as is often the case, via voice command). They created a 3D printer that uses light and synthetic resin to replicate objects.